While what passes as an economic recovery continues to roll on slowly, with the housing market bearing the brunt of the misery, homeowners are deciding to improve and expand their property instead of diving into a moribund market. It's the best option at the moment as value is added to the property, ready for when the market finally improves, various conversions and extensions can really make your house feel more like a home.
1 Refresh 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.
A better alternative is to spruce up the kitchen, a new coat of paint, replacing any damaged cupboard doors or surfaces. Another good trick is to add new (and cheap!) laminate wooden flooring as it can make floor space look larger than it really is and at the same time brighten a place up and giving it a modern and clean sheen.
2 Modernize the flooring:
Different styles and forms of flooring can immediately add flare and character to a room, but it can just as easily make a room look lifeless and dull if that flooring is old and worn or damaged. While re-carpeting a large room can amount to quite a hefty bill, it is a brilliant way of reviving a living space. Although, this is just not an affordable or worthwhile option for some, so an effective alternative could be to simply add a rug. Rugs are much cheaper than carpet and can become an interesting focal point of a room whilst also giving the room a cosy atmosphere.
A further alternative, as mentioned earlier, is to add laminate flooring. This is a perfect option for rooms or areas that experience a lot of usage, such as porches, hallways or living rooms, as they are so easy to clean. Being a much cheaper alternative to carpets, laminate flooring also stays looking newer for longer, guaranteeing you get the most of your money. It is also available in a multitude of styles, effects and colours so it is a flexible option for any room. Some people argue that laminate flooring can make a room look cold and almost sterile, so to minimize this effect, add a rug, or a runner. This will add a warmer and more inviting feel.
3 Adapt 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 Purchase a conservatory
Conservatories are perhaps more commonplace than they once were, but nonetheless they can add immediate value you your home. Conservatories are attractive to potential buyers as they provide an alternative living space that is somewhat removed from the main property. As a result it provides a quieter and more relaxed space away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you want a light and airy space to use in the summer or a cosier space to use all year round, a conservatory is your answer! This is perhaps one of the most effective methods of adding value to your home.
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.
To add the maximum amount to your property as well as a gain a quick sale, then decoration that really sticks out is not the best way to go. Simple or 'neutral' colours that are deemed 'not offensive' or don't stand out and leave too much of an impression on potential buyers, if they can imagine in their mind improvements without being distracted by the leopard print wallpaper and disco ball on the ceiling, the better the chances of a sale. Many people forget the outside walls, especially when it comes to an extension, making sure the walls match, with good brickwork is just as important as how the interior looks. Having wood as a feature of the extension on a pebble dashed house for instance can turn people off quite violently, finally, always check planning permission regulations for your area and get quotes from several builders for the best deal.
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.
1 Refresh 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.
A better alternative is to spruce up the kitchen, a new coat of paint, replacing any damaged cupboard doors or surfaces. Another good trick is to add new (and cheap!) laminate wooden flooring as it can make floor space look larger than it really is and at the same time brighten a place up and giving it a modern and clean sheen.
2 Modernize the flooring:
Different styles and forms of flooring can immediately add flare and character to a room, but it can just as easily make a room look lifeless and dull if that flooring is old and worn or damaged. While re-carpeting a large room can amount to quite a hefty bill, it is a brilliant way of reviving a living space. Although, this is just not an affordable or worthwhile option for some, so an effective alternative could be to simply add a rug. Rugs are much cheaper than carpet and can become an interesting focal point of a room whilst also giving the room a cosy atmosphere.
A further alternative, as mentioned earlier, is to add laminate flooring. This is a perfect option for rooms or areas that experience a lot of usage, such as porches, hallways or living rooms, as they are so easy to clean. Being a much cheaper alternative to carpets, laminate flooring also stays looking newer for longer, guaranteeing you get the most of your money. It is also available in a multitude of styles, effects and colours so it is a flexible option for any room. Some people argue that laminate flooring can make a room look cold and almost sterile, so to minimize this effect, add a rug, or a runner. This will add a warmer and more inviting feel.
3 Adapt 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 Purchase a conservatory
Conservatories are perhaps more commonplace than they once were, but nonetheless they can add immediate value you your home. Conservatories are attractive to potential buyers as they provide an alternative living space that is somewhat removed from the main property. As a result it provides a quieter and more relaxed space away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you want a light and airy space to use in the summer or a cosier space to use all year round, a conservatory is your answer! This is perhaps one of the most effective methods of adding value to your home.
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.
To add the maximum amount to your property as well as a gain a quick sale, then decoration that really sticks out is not the best way to go. Simple or 'neutral' colours that are deemed 'not offensive' or don't stand out and leave too much of an impression on potential buyers, if they can imagine in their mind improvements without being distracted by the leopard print wallpaper and disco ball on the ceiling, the better the chances of a sale. Many people forget the outside walls, especially when it comes to an extension, making sure the walls match, with good brickwork is just as important as how the interior looks. Having wood as a feature of the extension on a pebble dashed house for instance can turn people off quite violently, finally, always check planning permission regulations for your area and get quotes from several builders for the best deal.
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.
About the Author:
James writes for Just Remortgages one of the UK's top sites for the latest remortgage rates and remortgage deals
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