Renovating has become more popular in recent years. As the cost of moving has increased and it’s become more expensive to get a mortgage, revamping is more appealing than ever. There’s also a growing interest in sprucing up our homes thanks to social media and TV shows. When renovating, it’s beneficial to focus on what you want and need, but it’s also wise to protect your investment. Adding value is a major benefit of doing work on your property. In this guide, we’ll explore some value-adding upgrades to consider for your home.
Updating your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the modern home and the room most buyers prioritise when viewing properties. If your kitchen is compact, cramped or dated, updating it is a brilliant way to create a more practical and aesthetically pleasing space while boosting value and saleability. You may choose to embark upon a full-scale kitchen renovation, but even small changes can have a big impact. Examples include replacing or upgrading the units and flooring, changing the colour of the walls and modifying the layout by opening spaces up or adding an island or a peninsula.
The range of options for kitchen makeovers is hugely diverse so it’s worth spending time looking at images, browsing online galleries, visiting showrooms and reading magazines and blogs. It’s also helpful to contact local kitchen installation companies and kitchen designers to get quotes and compare ideas and plans. A survey by Magnet Kitchens suggests a kitchen revamp can increase property value by up to 6%.
Extending your property
One of the most common reasons up to 7 million Brits plan to renovate in the next two years is to create more space. As it’s become more expensive to move, more people are staying put with a view to doing work. Extending your property is an effective way to solve problems if you’ve welcomed children or pets to your family, you’re working or running a business from home, or you’re living with elderly parents or grown-up children.
Home extensions enable you to add extra rooms or expand living spaces, such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. Depending on the size of the extension and your requirements, you could use the space to design a large, open kitchen, dining room and snug, an office and study area, a playroom, a games room, a bedroom with an en suite or a work studio, treatment room or stockroom.
Before you start work on design plans and creating virtual blueprints or mood boards, it’s important to make sure that a home extension is a viable option for your property. You’ll need to ensure there’s enough space, the land is usable and you have the relevant planning permission and permits. It can take time to plan and execute a project. Hiring reputable firms that specialise in extensions is crucial. Take the time to research companies, meet with experts, discuss ideas, compare quotes and read verified reviews. If your neighbours have extended, or you’re a member of local social media groups, ask for recommendations.
The cost of extensions varies hugely as does the amount of value an extension adds. Generally speaking, an extension can increase values by up to 25%.
Bathroom makeovers
For many people, the bathroom is the second most important room in the house, behind the kitchen. Our bathrooms are essential for washing and maintaining basic hygiene, but they can also be relaxing, tranquil spaces to unwind at the end of a busy day. Shabby, old-fashioned bathrooms may not offer the serenity or dreamy aesthetics you crave, but they can also make your home less appealing to buyers. A bathroom makeover is a great option for homeowners looking to add value and enhance saleability.
The best thing about updating your bathroom is that you don’t have to blow the budget or set aside weeks to reap the rewards. Even simple upgrades can make a big difference. Examples include replacing old tubs and sinks, adding smart accessories, fixing broken tiles and flooring, freshening up the paint on the walls and adding new lights.
It’s beneficial to look for inspiration and think about the trends and styles you like before you plan a bathroom revamp. Look for ideas that complement the style of the house and your personal tastes. You may love the clean lines and neutral palettes of contemporary bathrooms, or you might gravitate towards bright colours, quirky prints and statement-making accessories associated with vintage and retro trends, for example.
On average, a bathroom revamp can add up to 5%, but this will vary according to the spec.
Improving energy efficiency
Creating an energy-efficient home has never been more important due to high energy prices and the need to reduce consumption to protect the environment. Improving energy efficiency has multiple benefits for homeowners. Not only will it save you money and help you reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also make your home more valuable and saleable.
There are several ways to make your home more energy efficient. The best ways include replacing your windows and doors and adding insulation. New windows and doors boost curb appeal, improve insulation and security, reduce noise and add value. You can choose from a vast range of styles and materials to suit your budget and preferences. Research shows new windows and doors can increase value by up to 10%.
Adding insulation is another brilliant way to lower bills, add value and keep your home warmer for longer. In addition to fitting new windows and doors, you can explore options, such as professional loft and cavity wall insulation services.
Upgrading your home is a great way to improve aesthetics, create more space and make your home more comfortable, practical and versatile, but it can also help you add value. As a homeowner, it’s wise to consider updates that will enhance value and saleability. Examples of value-adding renovations include kitchen and bathroom makeovers, home extensions and measures to increase energy efficiency.
If you are thinking about doing work on your property, always research companies extensively, ask people you trust for recommendations, compare quotes and take your time to make decisions. It’s helpful to learn more about how much value you could add before setting a budget for your project.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
