Everyone thinks that adding value to their home is as simple as just adding extra space. However, this is not the case, and in fact, there are some crucial dos and don’ts you need to follow to maximize the value of your property. Read on to find out what they are,
Do add extra space
When it comes to value, space is crucial for properties. That is why it makes a lot of sense to add some extra space if you want to up the value of your current home. However, there are several different ways of doing this, so you should give careful consideration to each one before making your financial decision. Also, don’t forget to always do your calculations first; remember, you will need to know that the increase in value when you come to sell is worth the investment in time, materials, and labour.
Extra space option 1: Extend
The most obvious way of adding extra space to your home is to extend it. This means starting with the floor plan you have now and adding to it. There are many different types of extensions to choose from, including ones that add totally new rooms or ones that make existing rooms larger. You may also want to consider a multilevel extension, which extends the room you will have both up and downstairs.
Extra Space option 2: Convert
A conversion is another way to add extra living space to your property. However, unlike an extension, a conversion does not require building work in the traditional sense. Instead, it uses a space that has already been constructed, like a cellar, attic or garage and converts it into a livable space.
Extra Space option 3: Add
Adding is a little different to extend because it’s not about making a part of the building you already have larger. Instead, it’s about adding a separate building or outbuilding to your property with the view of making it into usable, livable space.
Probably the most popular way of doing this is to either use a storage container or a wooden building. Both can be made into comfortable spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes, from home gyms to artist studios to offices and even granny flats. Just be sure to check the planning permission rules in your location before you begin such a project.
Do upgrade your kitchen
A property is often sold on the strength of its kitchens, which means good kitchens will help raise the value of your home. That is why it can be very useful to get your kitchen remodeled if you are looking to increase the value of your property.
Of course, there are several things to consider carefully before you go ahead with a kitchen remodel. The first of these is what style and look you will go for. This is because you must enjoy the way your kitchen looks if you are to continue to live in your property for the time being.
Secondly, it’s important to consider what you will be using your kitchen for. This is because your kitchen should above all else be a functional room. With that in mind, consider whether it will be used solely for food prep and cooking, or whether you would like to include areas for the family to gather and eat as well.
Thirdly, you will need to consider who you will get to do your kitchen remodel work. You can, of course, try and do it yourself, but most people find that it’s incredibly stressful, messy and time consuming to do it this way. Instead, it’s much more sensible to find the best kitchen remodeling specialist in your area and work with them. Then you can benefit from their expertise, experience and established connections with high-quality suppliers.
Lastly, it’s very important to consider how you will cope while your kitchen is out of action during the remodel. What will you do for food, for drinking water and the like? Some people create a field-type kitchen in another room with a microwave, a hot plate and a mini fridge to cope during this time.
Don’t remove period features
A big don’t on the list of adding value to your home is to not remove any period features. Yes, that plaster rose in the middle of your ceiling might not match your ultra-minimalist aesthetics, but it’s actually worth a fortune to most buyers who look for properties with these features still intact.
With that in mind, try and avoid removing or damaging period features such as plaster roses, cornicing, skirting, picture rails, and fireplaces. In fact, if you find that these items are damaged, you may even wish to invest in a sympathetic restoration as this can further add to the desirability of your home, and so boost its value.
Don’t lose a bedroom
While it can be tempting to make bedrooms in your home into other things like home cinemas, games rooms, home gyms and offices, and en-suites, this can be a big mistake when it comes to value. This is because potential buyers will always search by number of bedrooms, which means it’s vital that you maximize this to ensure your home can be found by the right people.
Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t use spare rooms for these purposes. It just means you need to refrain from making any permanent changes that could prevent them from being used as a bedroom in the future. For example, clearing out a room to make a home gym is fine, but adding a wall of mirrors is harder for new owners to remove. Similarly, adding a project and some settings for a cinema can be OK, but plumbing in a wet bar could be a mistake as the space then has to be used in this way, until major changes are made by the next owners.
