Projects that will Add Value to Your Home

We all want to add that extra bit of value to our homes, but doing so can often be a lot easier said than done. Throwing a load of cash at various renovation projects is all good and well, but if you’re not improving the right areas of your home, the return on investment may not be as much as you expect.

So what are the most valuable home improvements you can undertake in order to ensure the best return on investment? Well we’ve put together a list of the top 7 projects that we think will add the most value to your home – so pay attention homeowners!

Add Lighting

By adding/letting in extra light into certain rooms, your home will feel more warm and welcoming. There’s nothing more depressing than a dark, dingy living space; and this is something that buyers will tend to pick up on when viewing your home.

Both natural and electrical light can easily be enhanced to boost appeal of a room: Skylights and sun tubes are typically great additions to funnel in natural light, whereas increasing the wattage of your bulbs and adding a dimmer function will allow for brighter spaces that can be controlled to create mood.

Fix any Structural Defects

Repairing structural problems can be one of the most costly renovation projects, but if you want to add high value to your home, it’s absolutely crucial you action them. Sellers are often naïve to the importance of fixing the structural defects of a house and will tend to focus on decorating instead. Don’t make this mistake, and do the basics first.

Ensure you check the functioning of your roofing and guttering, then assess your walls, ceilings, (are they cracked or damp?), floors, the plumbing, and anywhere you can think of that might need that extra bit of attention. It may be worth hiring the services of a builder or surveyor to get an experienced observation of the structural state of your property.

Especially consider humidity and moisture as these are common problems families often have in their basements. Whether it be moisture due to a leak in the foundation or humidity because your dryer is venting inside your basement, you must fix it. Once you identify too much humidity, the best thing to do is to control moisture and humidity.

Replacing Windows

Windows can make a big difference to the look of a house, especially in terms of first impressions before you actually enter the property. It’s important, therefore, that you ensure that what you install matches the style of your house, whether it be modern or traditional. Doing so will really improve the exterior aesthetics and consequently, add value.

Get a Flooring Makeover

You’ll be surprised at how much a new floor can enhance the overall look of a living space. Instead of sticking with your old, worn carpet, install something with a more modern feel. Modern laminate, solid wood, and engineered hardwood flooring are both great choices if you’re after a floor that holds value and looks fantastic at the same time.

Quality hardwood flooring doesn’t have to break the bank, and if you shop around, you should be able to find yourself a bargain. Flooring Megastore are one of many flooring supplies that provide an excellent range of bespoke flooring at affordable prices.

Extend into the Loft

Loft conversions are considered as one of the most valuable projects you can undertake; and with the vast amount of extra space it creates, it’s not hard to understand why. Extending into the loft is the easiest way to add an extra bathroom or bedroom to your home, which will definitely add a few £’s on to your home value.

In 2014, Nationwide Building Society claimed that a loft conversion can, on average, increase the value of your property by up to 21% – so it may be costly, but it’s worth it. Alternatively, with the help of basement builders in London or whichever area you’re in, you could extend into your basement, or even do both.

Renovate your Kitchen

Kitchens have become a real focal point of a house and now, more than ever, nice looking kitchen areas are seen as a huge selling point for buyers. If there’s one room you want to priories in terms of renovation, it should be the kitchen.

New units, surfaces, appliances and general interior redecoration will go a long way in improving both the look of your kitchen and value of your home. A new kitchen project will typically add around 5% to property value, but watch how much you spend and make sure its relative to the overall value of your house.

Treat your Garden like another Room

A well-groomed garden often sits highly on the buyer’s preference list – no one wants to open their back doors to the Amazon rainforest. This is why it is important to landscape your outdoor space well; e.g. by planting, pruning, cutting back hedges, removing weeds, clearing debris and general clutter etc.

Depending on the size of your garden, you could potentially install decking, a patio and even a veranda to really optimise your space and boost value. If you’re opting for a veranda you’ll want to make sure it’s sturdy by using glazing bars for polycarbonate roofs to hold it firmly and you understand that glass veranda prices vary depending on the size or style. We also recommend that you ensure your garden is accessible and visible from the house – glass doors can be implemented to really open up your garden and create a portal from your own backdoor. Lighting, furniture etc. can also help bring your back yard to life.

So there you have it, a few DIY/renovation project recommendations for all you homeowners that wish to optimise your position on the property ladder and add significant value to your homes. A final tip from us: renovate to achieve a standard of property that you would be more than happy to live in, and don’t go overboard.

For more information please visit OSC, a Kent based company who supply specialist DIY tools such as self-drilling screws and fasteners.