A home is a major investment, one that should increase in value over time. House prices in developing areas tend to go up naturally year-by-year, and if you keep the property in good shape, you’re likely to walk away with more money than you put in.
But the profit you are able to make when you sell, depends on the value you’re able to add to the property whilst it belongs to you. Home improvements, structural developments, and updated interiors can make a big difference and smaller details will impress potential buyers when they come for a viewing.
So whether you’re about to move house and want to smarten the place up, or have just moved in and want to invest in some long term home-improvements, check out the list below for some value-boosting ideas.
Structural home improvements
First and foremost, it is important to ensure your property is structurally sound, safe, and free of issues which could cause problems further down the line. This should always be your first priority. Once these basics are covered, all further work will be easier to complete, and will last longer.
Check the property over for issues like damp, cracks in walls and ceilings, poor insulation, or out-of-date electric or plumbing systems. If you feel confident fixing these issues yourself, do so right away. Or, get in touch with a professional contractor for advice.
Sometimes these bigger problems can be expensive to solve. But damp, structural issues, poor insulation and heating will all make further renovations and home improvements more difficult (or impossible) to carry out, so it’s important to address these issues first.
Even if this is all you end up doing, solving the basic problems will add considerable value to your home.
Kitchen or bathroom refurbishment
The two rooms that typically add the most value to any property are the kitchen and the bathroom. But a dirty, badly-maintained, ugly or out-of-date kitchen is going to bring down the value of your home. Similarly, a damp, unhygienic looking bathroom is seriously off-putting.
So if you’ve got a refurbishment in mind, these are the first rooms you should think of. And on balance, an impressive kitchen is probably worth a little more than a new bathroom.
You can splash out on a full, professional kitchen refurbishment (though bear in mind, this is going to be expensive). Or, you can isolate smaller issues and focus on these first.
In terms of mod-cons, make sure the oven, stove, plumbing and lighting in your kitchen are functional and up-to-date. Aesthetically speaking, look into cabinet refinishing to turn dull, worn-out cabinets into something to be proud of. And if you can stretch to it, new flooring and bright lighting will give the room that extra warmth.
If you are preparing for sale and you’re worried one of your rooms is letting the property down, Buddy Loans are an efficient way to get the cash you need to make improvements quickly. Then, when you sell, you can pay the loan off with the profit you make.
Brighten up the garden
You don’t have to get a landscape designer in to turn an unruly garden into something that will attract potential buyers. But if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, it can be a huge selling point, so it is important to give it the TLC it deserves.
Front and back lawns can be improved by being mowed regularly, fertilized, and touched up with grass seed in sparse patches.
Fill your flower beds with plant varieties which are durable, easy-to-maintain, and regrow year-in-year-out. Keep on top of weeds and pests, and make sure to cut trees back if branches are limiting light into the garden or into the home.
Focus on the areas of the garden you can see from the windows or - if you have one - from the seating area. If you have room, it can be a great asset to add a little shed or greenhouse for garden and bike storage.
If you really want to go all out, think about adding a stand-out selling point like a water feature, a play area for children, a conservatory, or a fancy patio.
Convert your loft or basement
Loft and basement conversions are a great way to increase living space and add value to a home, particularly in built-up areas where extensions are less viable. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a gym, an office, or an extra bedroom in a prospective property?
Converting your unused loft or basement may be easier to implement than you think, but it’s worth noting that not all spaces are suitable.
Lofts and basements with strong load-bearing walls are quicker (and therefore cheaper) to convert than those without, they need about 8ft of standing space, and ideally an option for natural light. A surveyor can advise on the suitability of your space, or you can go straight to a specialist loft conversion company for an assessment.
Take care of the little details
A freshly decorated house is undoubtedly going to make your property more attractive to prospective buyers. But some details are cheaper or easier to resolve than others.
Repainting and re-carpeting the house can be expensive unless you do it yourself, and it may not always be necessary. Smaller cosmetic improvements can make a big difference without costing you a fortune.
If you notice defects like dripping taps, faulty door hinges, damp-stained walls, loose tiles, or damage to plaster work, the buyer will see them too. But these are all easy fixes for anyone who knows their way around a hardware store.
Wood-burning stoves are back in fashion in a big way. So if you have out-of-use fireplaces, consider renovating them. They can add a lot of extra value too.
And there we have it! There are lots of ways to spruce up your home and increase its value. Generally speaking, you want to start with core structural issues, splash out on a renovation or conversion if you have the money, and focus on making the property’s unique features stand out in all their glory.
Liz x
*This is a collaborative post
Thanks for your lovely suggestions!!
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