5 Home Renovations That Add the Most Value

It is one of the most frequently asked questions but when it comes to home improvements, getting it wrong can be a costly mistake. So what changes and adaptations will add value?

Adding value is a mix of adding style and functionality to your home, as well as a hefty dose of desirability. But to realise the true value of any home improvement, you also need to consider not just how much it adds to the asking price, but what is the real profit to you. If you borrow heavily and expensively, any value and profit will be diminished.

And so, as you look through these five home renovations that add the most value, you need to assume that the financing of them is done so at the lowest possible cost, the materials used are high quality but sourced from the most competitively priced source and that the changes are in keeping with the age and location of the property.

Which projects add value AND desirability?

• An extra bedroom

Top of the list is adding an extra bedroom but take care this doesn’t push your property out of the area’s price range. In other words, location is a limit to value in many ways and so unless the remainder of your home supports an extra bedroom, then this could prove a costly mistake.

Where the bedroom is located is important too. A converted lost will need a fixed staircase with a door in order for it to be classed as a bedroom. You will also need to bear in mind other building regulations and fire ones too.

A four-bedroomed property, however, is the most popular options for families, so worth considering. Done right, an extra bedroom could add up to £10,000 in value.

• More living space, with improved flow

As important as bedrooms are, if the remaining living space is tight or flows poorly, then you may not realise as much value when you come to sell. Buyers tend to look for;

• A generously proportioned kitchen diner
• A separate living room
• Utility room
• Any other separate rooms need to have a defined purpose, e.g. home study etc.

If you struggle for floor space, consider adding an extension especially to the kitchen area that would allow life to flow across the home much easier. Again, done in the right way – that is, working with your property rather than against it – adding a kitchen diner or a useful extension could add from £10,000 to £15,000 in value.

• Update interior structures

Interior structures such as staircases, hallway landings and fireplaces etc. are an integral part of many properties and replacing them is not for a weekend DIY-er! Before removing, you will need to have your home surveyed so that in their absence, support can be put in place. Likewise, the new staircase, for example, needs to also perform the same structural function as the old one.

However, it is a bold move that reaps rewards when it comes time to sell and realise the profit in your property. A unique, stylish interior is key but imagine the amazing first impressions created by a bespoke staircase complete with stylish balustrade.

When it comes to this kind of project, you need to keep an eye on the smaller but just-as-important details. A frameless glass balustrade, for example, is uber-modern and ideal for making a statement. It also looks fantastic, creating a sense of desirability that you need in potential buyers.

Key statement features and structures of this ilk could add upward of £5,000 on the value of your property.

• Modern bathroom with universal design

An up to date modern bathroom is a must and can add up to £10,000 but you need to consider not just the appeal of the bathroom but the design too.

Universal design is a concept that has been around for some time and, as the name suggests, it is a design that is inclusive. Rather than having separate bathroom design for people with disabilities, this design technique ensures that it is accessible by everyone. It makes the best use of space, as well as easy access.

• Updated kitchen

And finally, possibly the biggest upgrade you can make to your home is to renovate the kitchen. If the kitchen is a good size and can accommodate a dining table or area, then simply updating the cupboards is a worthwhile move.

If not, the clear winner is to create a kitchen diner, a perfect space for cooking and informal dining. For modern buyers, especially with family properties, this is a must.

Considering how your home flows currently and the who potential buyers, what changes do you think would add the most value to your property?

 

These tips were prepared by Balustrade Components – they have everything for interior and outdoor balustrade systems, from the small fixing to glass infills and complete frameless balustrade systems that will add value to your home. Connect with them on Twitter @BalustradeComps