7 Guaranteed Ways to Add Value to Your Home
Climbing the housing ladder is a tough prospect when you are young. House prices have risen dramatically over the last two decades and getting on the first rung is a daunting step. One option available to help keep costs low, is to buy a fixer-upper. If you are a confident DIY enthusiast, there is no reason you couldn’t renovate a property with a view to selling on at a profit, or for putting down roots. The beauty of buying a run down property lies in the fact that renovations can be carried out at your own pace as funding becomes available. As long as you are able to clean and decorate the property to begin with, you will have acceptable temporary surroundings.
Let’s take a look at some projects you could undertake which will make your home more valuable in a resurging market.
Kitchen
Fitting a new kitchen is well within most people’s capabilities if they are able to swing a hammer, use a saw, and drill a hole. Plumbing is a job that can be carried out by yourself, though electrics and gas should be handled by an expert. Thats not to say you can’t install the wiring to the electricians specifications and leave the final testing and connection to them.
Bathroom
The bathroom is the second biggest money earner and possibly easier than the kitchen to install. A basic knowledge of plumbing and the ability to tile to a high standard is required. Installing two bathroom basins will impress any prospective buyers and bring your bathroom into the 21st century with a bang.
Conservatory
A conservatory is a great way to add more space to your home for a relatively low price. Often planning permission is not required, and the conservatory can be built in just a few weeks by the gifted amateur. A concrete floor will need to be created and walls if required. The conservatory will then come in kit form that can be assembled with help from a friend.
Loft Conversion
Create another bedroom in your home by extending upwards. This conversion may cost very little depending on your roof structure. Older buildings tend to convert more easily than their modern counterparts because many of them have the traditional building methods.
Four bedroom houses sell for more than three bedroom houses.
Extension
If funds are available and planning permission can be obtained, building an extension will increase the value of your home considerably. Source a good architect to draw the plans up for you and set to work one step at a time. An extension is probably the most expensive option and will take the longest time, but it is worth it.
Windows
Replacing all of the rotten window frames with brand new UPVC double glazed units is a standard upgrade. Changing windows is surprisingly easy. Change one a day, taking your time, and you should have no problem.
Garden
Whatever the size of your garden don’t underestimate the effect it can have on the saleability of your property. Take the garden in the image; it could be vastly improved upon with a little thought. Raised beds made from railway sleepers or maybe a natural garden pond would fit in perfectly. Designing your garden is a project that never ends, so make a start on it while having a break from your other projects.
There you have my seven top tips for improving your home. If you carry the work out to a high standard, the projects are guaranteed to increase the value and desirability of your home. Perhaps you have become too attached to it after all your hard labour. It’s a dilemma.
