Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Home And Add Value At The Same Time

The economic recovery is on according to the government, media and experts, that's unless you work in the property market or are looking to sell your house. With the market still in the doldrums and the drying up of the opportunity to take advantage of the best remortgage deals from ever increasing equity, many property owners are turning to adding extensions or conversions onto their existing property than enter a half dead market. With such house improvements, value is being added and that value will increase significantly when the market finally picks up, it seems to be a case of improving and waiting for many house owners this year.

1 Rejuvenate the Kitchen space: The kitchen is probably the most used room in the house and the one room that brings a family together more than any other, no wonder Phil Spencer (From Channel 4's Location, Location, Location) believes the kitchen is 'the heart of the home'. What might surprise you is the fact that the kitchen is the first room new owners will refurbish when the home is purchased, as it shows off more personal taste and style than any other room. As it's more difficult and expensive to change than any other room in the house, getting the kitchen right is important for any new owner, so if you're buying property for a quick flip, it would be worthless to have a new kitchen installed.:1 Rejuvenate the Kitchen space: A kitchen is perhaps the most used room in any household; cooking is a key aspect in the home and therefore the kitchen is considered to be a place where the average busy family comes together. Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4's Location Location Location, highlights how the kitchen is in fact "the heart of the home" and for this reason is a room that represents personal flare and character. Phil highlights that the kitchen is in fact the first room that a prospective property buyer looks to change to show off their own individuality, so it is advised that you make your kitchen somewhat of a blank canvas if you are looking to make a quick sale. Therefore, don't spend thousands of pounds on a quirky or 'fashionable' new kitchen, just in the hope to add value to your home, as you will be unlikely to receive a return on your expenditure.

Instead, look to revive your kitchen, give it the kick of life! A simple lick of paint, replacing cupboard doors, counter tops or even re-grouting any tiles can instantly rejuvenate the living space. For homeowners worrying that the small size of their kitchen may put off buyers, then instead of forking out on a re-fit, how about simply laying down some laminate flooring. This will open up the space instantly, making it seem bigger and brighter. This is a fantastic option for kitchens especially as laminated flooring is extremely easy to clean and maintain.

2 Refresh the flooring: One of the main contributors to a home appearing dull, dark and lifeless is its carpets, especially in communal living areas. All too soon can they become worn, damaged and stained in areas which are regularly used. By replacing the carpet in the entrance hall, porch or stairs for example, a house can instantly look more inviting to people seeing your home for the first time. Now, I understand that replacing carpet can be an expensive job, so how about some alternatives. Buying a nice rug which fits in with the style of your home can add extra comfort to a room, whilst also disguising a slightly warn carpet underneath.

Laminated flooring is also a fantastically affordable way of opening up a room or living space. You can purchase various styles nowadays, from a wooden effect to a tiled effect, so it is a flexible option for any room. Laminate flooring in the opening hallway or porch is great as it is not only easy to clean and maintain but it can really brighten up the area. This in turn will give your home an inviting feel to both visitors and potential buyers. There are some people though who feel that this form of flooring can make a room look colder and less homely. There are various ways to minimize this effect, without spending lots of money; for example adding a rug or even adding a few pot plants around the room can take the attention away from the flooring. Most newly built homes actually now come with under floor heating as standard, which is another option for those who want to make a room feel warmer whilst also making the property more up to date on the market.

3 Build a garage: Just take a moment a have a think of the main use of your garage at this moment? If it is simply used for storage, then perhaps it's time to clear out that clutter and instead transform it into an additional living space. Garages can make effective studies or dining rooms to the smaller home that does not currently have space for such rooms. Or alternatively, for the more 'hands-on' individual who enjoys a bit of DIY or creative work, then how about transforming it into a work space? However, you may be an individual with the complete opposite problem and actually have a storage demand that a single garage just can't cope with. In which case, how about considering extending it into a double garage? This way you can provide either a space to store multiple vehicles or two separate multifunctional spaces. Either way, transforming your garage in one way or another is a fantastic way of adding instant value onto your property.

4 Build a conservatory: Adding a conservatory can really add character and flare to a property. Conservatory's provide a rather alternative living space, one that can be designed as a light and airy space to enjoy during the summer time, or one that can be made into a cosy and comfortable living space that is used on a more regular basis. Conservatories are available in a variety of styles and sizes nowadays, so you are not limited by the amount of free space of your property. What's more is that they are not as expensive as they used to be as they are rather commonplace in today's society. The most beneficial feature of a conservatory though is that is adds instant value to your home, which is perfect for those who are looking to make a quick sale but also make a return on their expenditure.

5 Eco Upgrades: The overwhelming trend in property development at the moment is eco/green living and building practices, so adding improvements along these lines can lead to a value boost. New builds all have loft and cavity insulation and a solar panel installed, not to forget double glazing and under floor heating. While being eco friendly, they have the more desired effect of slashing utility bills, making the house green keeps it up to date, ergo attractive to buyers while also saving on the costs of running a house.

The most important thing to remember if you are hoping to add value to your property is to avoid expressing eccentric personal style throughout the building. Neutral colours on internal walls will always be favoured by potential buyers who are then provided with a blank canvas to express their own personal style. Similarly, when considering an extension, think about how the outside of your home will look, just as much as the inside will. For example, seamless brickwork will be a huge advantage, whereas adding, say, an extension using wood onto a pebble dashed home would not attract as many buyers. For any major home improvements, always check whether you need planning permission and always shop around for quotes from builders, your first quote may not be the best deal available.

So it is clear that money is certainly not everything! Be realistic in your home improvements. If you have limited space, then smaller changes will add just as much value as bigger renovations would in a larger home. Always ensure that, whatever your plans, it will be a worthwhile investment in your property.


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