Improving your home: what are the best improvements you can make to add value to your property?

With the continuing uncertainty in the real estate market, many homeowners are choosing to stay for now rather than move. Instead, many people decide to invest time and money in their existing property to improve and modernize their living space. In general, it is assumed that you will recoup the cost of your improvements when you sell the property, but it all depends on what you choose to do with your home. Certain improvements can take thousands of dollars off the price of your home instead of adding value.

Double glazing

One of the most popular upgrades many homeowners choose is double glazing. Old, dilapidated windows and doors can detract from a home’s appearance and waste valuable energy. Therefore, replacing older units with draft-proof, energy-efficient, security-enhanced and low-maintenance double-glazed units can be a real upgrade. On a street where most houses have double glazing, such an improvement becomes a selling point. A conservatory is a popular way to expand your living space and enhance your property.

However, if you own an old, vintage home, glossy white PVC frames may be an unpopular choice for a prospective buyer, so you should consider other options such as wood replacement windows or whatever suits the mood. property style.

external finish

The exterior of your home is the first impression a prospective buyer receives, so it’s important to keep it in good repair. One of the worst ‘improvements’ cited in the survey was the stone or pebble cladding on the exterior of the property; A lot of people don’t like the look and it tends to put them off buying.

Inside

Redecorating your home is an inexpensive way to update it and should be considered an investment. However, if you plan to sell soon, consider decorating in neutral colors, as most people moving into a new home prefer a “blank canvas” to work from, rather than more vibrant, hard-to-cover décor. .

The same goes for carpets: if you have worn or stained carpets, replacing them with a neutral-colored basic rug is beneficial, but putting new carpet throughout your home is no longer considered a good investment. Many people now prefer laminate flooring or like to select their own rugs to match their personal color scheme. Textured walls and ceilings are another no no!

Expected Basics

A good central heating system is now almost essential for the needs of most people in your home. In addition, a modern bathroom and a fitted kitchen are generally expected. Therefore, any money spent on these is generally considered an investment. However, if you are going to put your house on the market soon, it is not advisable to invest too much, for example in the best kitchen equipment, and if you have to replace bathroom fixtures, then white is the most popular choice! !

extensions

If an extension is done right, it can add value to your home and provide additional living space. Attic and loft conversions are the most popular because they don’t take away any precious area of ​​the garden.

Adding a garage, if you don’t have one, can bring an advantage to your property. If you don’t want the expense of building a garage, even one parking space such as a driveway is preferable to properties with only street parking for prospective buyers, if they are car owners.

Loans are readily available to finance home improvements, but make sure they are the right type of ‘improvements’.

High Value Home Improvements

• Replacement of old windows and doors
• a conservatory
• redecorating
• Central heating
• A loft/penthouse conversion
• Has a garage

The Worst ‘Home Improvements’ to Avoid

• Exterior stone or pebble cladding
• Textured ceilings or walls
• Double glazing in a period property
• a third bathroom
• pool