12 Mar 10 Expert Ways To Add Value To Your Home

How to add value to your home guide!

In the last 10 years, the housing market has experienced another boom and house prices are rising all the time. Experts believe that this trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future, so now is the best time to start to make the most of your home.

Investing in your home now means that when you do decide to sell, you will get much more than you originally paid for it. Capitalize on the added value you add as well as the increase in house prices to get the most for your property when you do decide to sell.

Our experts have compiled a list of 10 of the best tips to help you add value to your home, whether you are looking to sell now or in the future.

1. Hire a builder or designer to inspect your home

It can be hard to view your own home objectively, as a potential buyer would do when they view your house for the first time. getting a builder or designer to come and view your home will give you an independent, and expert opinion on any changes which could be made. You may have to pay a designer a consultancy fee for this, but many builders will come as a courtesy. you’d be surprised at how much difference changing your colour scheme or furniture placement can bring.

Builders will also be able to check the structure of your home before your sell. They can discover any hidden problems which may negatively affect your selling price. Unused chimney breasts or outdated electrical systems may not be in view, but they can still affect your home’s value.

2. Add an extra bedroom with a loft conversion

Space is premium and adding an extra bedroom can boost your home’s value by 15%, especially if the bedroom has an en-suite. Converting your loft needn’t be disruptive and much of the work can be done from outside. It doesn’t need to be expensive either with different types of conversion to choose from.

Roof light conversions are the most cost-effective as there is little need for structural changes, whereas mansard conversions are a more expensive option. Here one or both sloped sides of the roof are replaced with a steeper-sided structure with an almost-flat roof. Mansard conversions generally need planning permission, but most other conversion types don’t. Check with your local planning authority for clarification.

3. Paint the house

It may be a simple tip, but it is one of the most effective. Painting your home can add up to 5% on the value of your property so spruce up your rooms with a fresh lick of paint- remembering that neutral colours appeal to more people.

Don’t forget to paint the outside of your home too, to attract in potential buyers. At the very least, your home should look better than your neighbours.

4. Make external repairs

You can add a potential 10% to the value of your home by ensuring that all external repairs are carried out before welcoming viewers. Make sure your guttering, front door and patio look smart and tidy. Consider installing an overhang or porch to offer shelter at the front door. Paint render and repointing, and even the creak on the garden gate shouldn’t be overlooked.

5. Consider a new kitchen

If you are only going to make changes to one room in your home; make it your kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home where you will cook, eat, entertain and spend time as a family. If you can afford it, installing a new kitchen can add 6-8% to the value of your home. But even jut changing the work surface or painting the cupboard doors and hanging new handles will give your kitchen a fresh new look.

Make sure the kitchen is well-lit, under cupboard lighting is a simple and cost-effective solution to a dim kitchen. Ensure you floor and wall tiles are well-fitted, and the grouting is clean.

6. Create an open-plan living space

Open living areas have become much more popular, particularly in the kitchen and dining room. Buyers are looking for sociable spaces and are much more interested in the amount of usable space rather than the number of rooms a home has. Add value to your home by 3-5% with the removal of an internal wall to create a larger eating and dining area or a bigger lounge.

7. Upgrade your bathroom

Add value to your home by around 3-6% by updating your bathroom. After the kitchen, this is the room most people are influenced by. If you are refitting the whole room; drop sinks are out and under-mount sinks are in. Opt for marble or granite countertops (it is much cheaper to include granite in the bathroom rather than the kitchen as the surfaces are much smaller). Wall-mounted lighting creates a warm feel.

If you are looking for a quick fix to freshen up your bathroom, make sure you have a shower installed and refresh the grout around the tiles to give a clean and new feel.

8. Improve your kerb and garden appeal

Garden space is limited in London so if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Make the most of any outside space you have, mow the lawn and keep flower beds tidy. Adding decking or a paved area gives buyers a place to entertain and gives your home an extra “room”. Combined with a lick of paint outside and some shiny new ironmongery, you can add up to 10% to the value of your home by giving it some kerb appeal.

9. Put in central heating

If you don’t already have it, this is a must. You might spend £1000 to £3000 doing it but it will add £5k to the value of your home.

10. Apply for planning permission

Even if you have no intention of extending, just by securing planning permission on your home you can add up to 10% value to your home. You will remove any doubt in your buyer’s mind and make your home stand out from the rest on your street.

Get professional advice to get the best price for your property

If you are looking to sell your London home and want to get as much money as possible for it, then call S&M Solutions Ltd today. Our experts can come and evaluate your potential home improvements and advise you on the best way you can add value to your property. We can carry out any potential repairs as well as install conversions or extensions to add those extra thousands on to your house price. Take advantage of the housing market boom while it lasts and get expert advice so that you can get the best price for your property.