Are you planning some much-needed home improvements? As well as enhancing your quality of life, the right changes could add significant value to your property. While it’s hard to say where house prices are heading now the rapid growth of the past few years has begun to slow, you should still be in a stronger position if and when you come to sell.
Not all improvements offer the same return on investment, of course. Certain features are more in demand than others, including gardens, since the COVID-19 pandemic taught us to reconnect with nature. You’ll need to think about how you’ll fund any major changes too, be it dipping into savings, getting help or taking out a loan if it’s an appropriate option.
Still, you’ve got plenty of options whatever the case. Here are some of the best home improvements for adding value to your property.
Sort out structural issues
First thing first is to see to any major existing problems with your home. Structural issues such as subsidence don’t get missed in surveys and will automatically deter most homebuyers, while massively hurting your home’s value.
In truth, there’s little point making other major updates until sorting structural defects. Other common issues include leaky roofs, rising damps and bowing walls.
Update wiring and plumbing
Similarly, updating services such as wiring and plumbing is best done early and can reassure homebuyers. It’s disruptive work after all, which many buyers will prefer to avoid on top of all the regular stresses of moving.
If your electrics are especially old, updating them will improve safety while allowing for extra touches like adding more sockets. Renovating old pipework meanwhile should improve flow and pressure, reduce noise and prevent burst pipes.
Convert a loft
Converting a loft can be a great alternative to building an extension as you’re using the space you already have. You could create an extra bedroom or office space while welcoming in natural light with a dormer window or rooflight.
Just bear in mind you’ll need room for a staircase, which will eat into the existing space on the floor below.
Create open space
Open-plan spaces have been all the rage for many years now. Modern homebuyers want to enjoy multifunctional, social spaces, providing a smooth flow for people and light. Improving the existing layout is a great option before extending too.
Combining a dining room and kitchen is an obvious place to start, making for better dinner parties. Even better if you can create a clear transition into an outdoor area.
Give it a lick of paint
Redecorating is a low-budget option that, while possibly not adding much value, could still help attract more buyers looking for a hassle-free move. Fresh, neutral paint can go a long way, both on walls as well as doors, windows and ceilings.
Similarly, tidying up your home’s exterior is important for first impressions. Doors, windows, driveways, paths and front gardens should all be neat, at the very least.
Could any of these changes enhance your property’s appeal?