While your primary motivation for upgrading your home may be to increase your living space or create a better yard, many improvements can also increase the value of your home. But which ones provide the most value for your money? We take a look at some of the most common renovation options and what you should think about if you want to earn a profit.
Garage and loft conversions:
Loft and garage conversions are two of the most common methods of increasing the size and value of a home. Converting a single garage into additional living space can enhance the value of your property by up to 20%, and converting a loft into an additional bedroom can add another 15%.
Basic loft conversions start at £15,000, but you can expect to pay between £35,000 and £45,000 for a dormer loft conversion with a double bedroom and en-suite. Depending on the size of the area and its intended purpose, garage conversions might cost upwards of £5,000.
If you’re considering either of these options, think about how you can add more storage to the rest of your home to compensate for the storage space you’ll lose. You might be able to add built-in storage to the loft space or a garden shed for items that were previously housed in the garage. Experts including letting agents in Tewkesbury say this improvement can positively affect the home’s value.
Improvements in Energy Efficiency:
Improvements to your home’s energy efficiency can be divided into two categories:
- Simple, low-cost upgrades like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and draught-proofing can often be completed for less than £1000.
- External or internal wall insulation, double glazing, a high-efficiency boiler, or renewable technology are examples of high-cost improvements.
More expensive energy upgrades may not be worth it solely to increase the value of your property, but as a long-term investment, the money saved on your annual energy bills will help offset the cost of the renovations. According to government data, implementing energy-saving modifications to your home can enhance its value by 14%, or up to 38% in some areas of England.
Landscaping and Exterior Improvements:
A well-kept lawn can increase the value of your home by 20% and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Even better, this is one of those areas of your home where less really is more. A buyer would frequently prefer a basic, low-maintenance lawn than a congested space.
If you wish to increase the value of your garden, consider the following features:
- Buyers value privacy and security, and walls, fences, and tall plants can provide a sense of solitude as long as they don’t block out light.
- At night, good garden lighting may change even a modest garden, making it simpler for potential buyers to acquire a good impression during nighttime viewings.
- Eating outside is more popular than ever. A well-planned terraced area may extend your interior living space outside and is more durable than decking.
- While a grassed area isn’t required, especially if your garden is small, a healthy, flat lawn will make your property more appealing to families with little children.
Upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms:
One of the most cost-effective methods to increase the value of your home is to remove an interior wall and create an open-plan living and dining room. It will cost roughly £3,500 but potentially increase the value of London homes by £48,417.
Kitchen upgrades such as new flooring, worktops, and cabinet doors can improve the look of your current kitchen. If you’re considering a complete kitchen renovation, keep in mind the worth of your home and the expected return on your investment.
A new bathroom or en-suite can boost the value of your home by 5%. If you’re remodelling an existing bathroom, add underfloor heating or a rain shower for a touch of luxury.
Adding a conservatory to your home will provide you with more living space.
A completely glazed conservatory will blend indoors and outside, allowing you to feel more connected to nature. To begin, consider how you intend to use the area and whether a modern or classic style will suit your home and lifestyle best.
The glass will make up the majority of your conservatory, so think about your alternatives carefully. While construction standards only allow for double glazing, there are a variety of glazing choices available, including sun control glass and self-cleaning glass. Consider which will best suit your lifestyle and your property.
When it comes to the frame, there are several options to consider. The material you choose will have a direct impact on the conservatory’s performance — uPVC, wood, and aluminium frames all have various qualities, so do your homework and seek assistance from professionals.
Adding a conservatory to your home is deemed allowed development if certain limits and conditions are met, but keep in mind that building rules are a distinct issue. Although the majority of conservatories are exempt, there are times when you will need to apply. If you wish to remove the doors or wall that connects your conservatory to your house, for example, you’ll need to show that your conservatory is just as energy-efficient as the rest of your home.
