7 Home Improvements That Add Value to Your Property

Maybe you need more space for your family - or you’re thinking about climbing a rung on the property ladder? When it comes to selling your home, you’ll undoubtedly be hoping that the value has increased since you bought it. Your house will undoubtedly be more attractive to buyers with some sprucing up and improvements - and it doesn't have to cost the earth. Adding an extension will likely reap high rewards, but smaller changes can make a real difference too. We’ve listed some of the changes you can make to really make your property stand out.

Replace Old Windows

Double-glazing is now considered essential by many homebuyers, so it’s a worthy investment if your home is single glazed. Particularly important if the house is on a busy road, double glazing can stop those noisy roads decreasing your property’s value, as well as keeping the home warm and cosy. You may also consider adding in extra windows, which will not only make your home brighter but will make rooms feel larger too. Be sure to keep the design of the home in mind - sash windows work best in period properties.

Improve Energy Efficiency

When you put your home on the market, it will be examined for its energy efficiency and given an EPC rating (Energy Performance Certificate). The rating will help your prospective buyers understand if the house is built to modern standards, thereby allowing them to work out how much it’s likely to cost to heat.

Windows will help again here. Ensure all windows across the home are double glazed and thermal insulated sealed to reduce heat loss. You might also consider adding insulation, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs or upgrading your boiler to improve your EPC rating.

Convert Your Loft

One of the larger projects on our list, loft conversations can cost around £500/m2 - however, this is around half of what you’d pay for an extension of this size elsewhere in the home, and it can really add to the resale value of your house. Loft extensions are also considerably less of an expense than digging down into the basement. Being able to add another bedroom to the property can be a game-changer; they also function well as a second living room, a snug or for a little wow factor you could kit your loft out as a gym.

Increase Kerb Appeal

First impressions count - most buyers decide if they like a property before they even get into the house, and it’s hard to shake off wrong first impressions, even if the inside of your home is beautiful.

Try repainting walls or replacing old garage doors to improve the exterior appearance. You can also add window shutters - the only kind of window dressing that will actually add value to your home. With their visual appeal shutters tick a lot of homebuyers boxes. If you only can afford to install them on one side of your home, make it the front rooms. You’ll then not only benefit from the benefits of privacy at the front of your property, but it will also ensure your house really stands out from the crowd.

Add a conservatory

Conservatories can add up to 10% value on your property, and it’s easy to see why. They connect the outdoors and indoors, creating an oasis of calm and tranquillity within the home. A conservatory will fill the house with natural light and warmth as well as increasing the square footage of your property. Conservatories are generally easier to get planning permission for than other extensions, so they are a great option if you are keen to increase the size and therefore the value of your home.

When adding your conservatory, factor in other elements that will add even more value to your home, such as lusted after bi-fold doors - a contemporary option that is in high demand from homebuyers.

Tidy up your garden

Gardens are a crucial and often overlooked element of making the sale to your buyers. Outdoor spaces have become a room in their own right, adding more options for entertaining, dining and play. Invest in some landscaping to make your outdoor space stand out and create zones within the space. A well-designed decking area will extend the buyers perception of the home’s size, and adding outdoor awning creates a stylish space for entertaining outdoors, whatever the weather!

Finishing Touches

Last but by no means least, if you’re hoping to sell your property, remember than a few small touches can go a long way.

Consider who your potential buyers are, and think about what they might want from the property. If it’s likely to attract young families consider turning a spare bedroom into a nursery or playroom. If your home is more likely to be of interest to young professionals, presenting a spare room as an office can help them envisage themselves living there.

Oh, and fresh air and fresh flowers still go a long way! Good luck, and don’t forget to check out our ranges of blinds, doors, windows and so much more when you start your home improvements.