Home improvements to increase home value

Renovate or don’t renovate?

If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, deciding which home improvement jobs are worthwhile – and which aren’t – can be tricky.

Whether you want to add value before trying to sell or feel your house needs a bit of TLC in order to make it more attractive to buyers, the last thing you want to do is overspend and risk being left out of pocket.

So what do you do?

Some projects might make your home look more attractive on paper but are unlikely to add any real value. On the other hand, there are some renovations that will not only have people clamouring for a viewing, but they will also up your asking price too. Here the property experts at GD Legal take a closer look at what they are.

 8 value-adding renovations

1. Convert the cellar

Does your property have a cellar? Is it an unused dumping ground? Then how about converting it into an extra room?

If it’s a family home, you could consider making it into a second lounge or a games room – a space for the kids to chill out with their own tv and play on the games console. Or how about a playroom, so toys can be kept out of sight?

That said, it’s important not to undervalue storage. You could keep costs low by simply creating a more functional storeroom. Put up permanent shelving and organise your clutter so the cellar can be recognised as a beneficial space.

2. Renovate the garage

How many of us actually ever put the car in the garage? Not many – especially if there’s room to park outside. So why not turn it into an extra room instead? Any needed items – lawn mower, bikes, etc – could be stored in a garden shed, and the garage space could be transformed into a convenient downstairs bedroom, a study or a bigger lounge.

3. Create an extra bedroom

Plenty of living space downstairs but not much room upstairs? A loft conversion is a great way to gain an additional bedroom – always a boon with buyers.

4. Extend the kitchen

Whether you extend out into the garden, use some of the garage or add a single-storey side-return, home buyers are always on the hunt for bigger kitchens. Now more than ever they are the focal point of many homes and the more room there is to play with, the more enticing your property will become.

5. Add a conservatory

No space going spare? Then how about building a conservatory? An attractive addition to any home, they are not only a great way to boost floor space, but they also help to merge the indoors with outside, bringing people closer to the garden.

6. Create garden appeal

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from lockdown, it’s the value of outdoor space. And this is an area where you can get a real return on your investment.

Regardless of the size of your garden, make sure you make the most of it. Adding a deck or patio for entertaining is a sure-fire winner and, if there’s room, the addition of a summer house or covered area for year-round use can also increase appeal.

7. Replace your bathroom

A full new bathroom can prove expensive, but it will boost the value of your property. You can keep the cost down by sticking with your current layout or – if that’s still likely to be a bit more than you’re willing to spend – how about updating fixtures and fitting instead (shiny new taps can make all the difference).

8. Go open plan

Open plan living is the modern choice. Aside from the free-flowing practicalities, it also has the benefit of making rooms feel more spacious than they really are.

Don’t forget!

Some renovations will require planning permission from your local authority. So be sure to register with them and make sure you have all the necessary approvals in place before starting work.

Talk to us today on 0161 710 1786 or email info@gdlegal.co.uk.