Which Projects Will Add Value to My Home?
Follow this expert advice to help you decide whether your home improvements will be worth it in the long run
Our main consideration when deciding whether or not to go ahead with a home project is will it create a more functional, liveable space. However, another element to keep in mind is whether it will add value when it comes to selling your property.
Take a look at this advice from three property experts to find out how to ensure your project will attract buyers.
Professional advice from: Zoe Kenworthy at Patrick Oliver Estate Agents; Louise Randall at EastHaus Estate Agents; Liz Jeffrey at Saxon Shore Estate Agents
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Take a look at this advice from three property experts to find out how to ensure your project will attract buyers.
Professional advice from: Zoe Kenworthy at Patrick Oliver Estate Agents; Louise Randall at EastHaus Estate Agents; Liz Jeffrey at Saxon Shore Estate Agents
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Bring in the professionals
Our experts recommend you think carefully about your space to ensure any renovation works well.
“The flow of a house is absolutely key,” Zoe says. “You may find yourself adding another room that doesn’t flow, which can actually have a negative impact, and thus not add value.”
Louise Randall agrees and says, “How the extension affects the current internal layout is a big factor in a home’s value. Simply sticking on an extra room doesn’t automatically add to its worth – the extension needs to flow with the rest of the property.
“Design and quality of work are the main components of a successful extension,” she says.
Our experts recommend you think carefully about your space to ensure any renovation works well.
“The flow of a house is absolutely key,” Zoe says. “You may find yourself adding another room that doesn’t flow, which can actually have a negative impact, and thus not add value.”
Louise Randall agrees and says, “How the extension affects the current internal layout is a big factor in a home’s value. Simply sticking on an extra room doesn’t automatically add to its worth – the extension needs to flow with the rest of the property.
“Design and quality of work are the main components of a successful extension,” she says.
Research your area
If your aim when renovating is to add value, it’s worth doing some local research.
“Check the current property values in your area and the types of property being offered,” Louise advises. “Your home will only ever be worth the same as those around you, no matter how much refurbishment you do, so if profit is your goal, choose your projects wisely.”
Liz Jeffrey agrees and adds, “Research improvements thoroughly in your local area if you want to add value to your property. There may be something that will attract buyers locally that wouldn’t appeal to others further afield.”
Zoe adds, “My advice would be to call in some agents to discuss the plans, as they’ll have an insider’s knowledge as to what does and does not add value. This is something I frequently get asked to do.”
If your aim when renovating is to add value, it’s worth doing some local research.
“Check the current property values in your area and the types of property being offered,” Louise advises. “Your home will only ever be worth the same as those around you, no matter how much refurbishment you do, so if profit is your goal, choose your projects wisely.”
Liz Jeffrey agrees and adds, “Research improvements thoroughly in your local area if you want to add value to your property. There may be something that will attract buyers locally that wouldn’t appeal to others further afield.”
Zoe adds, “My advice would be to call in some agents to discuss the plans, as they’ll have an insider’s knowledge as to what does and does not add value. This is something I frequently get asked to do.”
Focus on the kitchen
“The kitchen is one of the most important rooms people take into account when house-hunting, and it could make or break a sale,” Louise says. “A well-designed, functional kitchen has huge appeal.
“Whether your kitchen is large or small, it’s really important to think about the design to ensure you maximise the space you have,” she says.
“Good-quality, integrated appliances are also important. They don’t necessarily need to be high-end brands, but they do need to work well.
“There are lots of clever storage solutions available to suit smaller spaces,” she adds, “as well as smaller appliances, such as half-size dishwashers.”
Zoe agrees that you don’t need to spend a fortune. “It depends on the value of the house as to how much to spend. You can’t guarantee your buyer will like [your taste], so keep it neutral. A plain kitchen with nice handles, solid work surfaces and an under-mounted sink looks fabulous.”
“Open-plan kitchens with family space that opens out onto the garden are very popular,” Liz adds.
“The kitchen is one of the most important rooms people take into account when house-hunting, and it could make or break a sale,” Louise says. “A well-designed, functional kitchen has huge appeal.
“Whether your kitchen is large or small, it’s really important to think about the design to ensure you maximise the space you have,” she says.
“Good-quality, integrated appliances are also important. They don’t necessarily need to be high-end brands, but they do need to work well.
“There are lots of clever storage solutions available to suit smaller spaces,” she adds, “as well as smaller appliances, such as half-size dishwashers.”
Zoe agrees that you don’t need to spend a fortune. “It depends on the value of the house as to how much to spend. You can’t guarantee your buyer will like [your taste], so keep it neutral. A plain kitchen with nice handles, solid work surfaces and an under-mounted sink looks fabulous.”
“Open-plan kitchens with family space that opens out onto the garden are very popular,” Liz adds.
Convert the loft
If you’re thinking of converting your loft, it certainly won’t hurt when it comes to selling, according to our experts. “A loft conversion is worthwhile, and, if possible, a suite will always attract more buyers than a couple of rooms,” Liz says.
Louise agrees and says, “A loft conversion is a good way to add value. A common choice is to create another bedroom and an en suite bathroom.”
However, there are a number of factors you should take into account when considering a loft conversion, including ensuring you have adequate headroom in the loft pitch.
“You’ll also need to think about whether space will be lost on the floor below by adding in a staircase to access this new level,” she says.
Find out what happens when you hire a loft conversion specialist.
If you’re thinking of converting your loft, it certainly won’t hurt when it comes to selling, according to our experts. “A loft conversion is worthwhile, and, if possible, a suite will always attract more buyers than a couple of rooms,” Liz says.
Louise agrees and says, “A loft conversion is a good way to add value. A common choice is to create another bedroom and an en suite bathroom.”
However, there are a number of factors you should take into account when considering a loft conversion, including ensuring you have adequate headroom in the loft pitch.
“You’ll also need to think about whether space will be lost on the floor below by adding in a staircase to access this new level,” she says.
Find out what happens when you hire a loft conversion specialist.
Keep the bathroom minimal
When it comes to bathrooms, Louise says, “Keep it clean and minimal. Mould and mildew, dirty grout and stained toilet pans are all common, but won’t help you with the value of your home.”
It makes sense for many of us to remove the bath in a small space, but if you’re focusing on resale value, it might be worth reconsidering. “We recently did a survey on bathrooms,” Liz says, “and despite most people showering for ease, our followers voted overwhelmingly for having a bath to soak in occasionally.”
Louise agrees, and says, “If you have space, we’d always suggest a bath and shower, even if it’s just a shower over the bath.”
When it comes to bathrooms, Louise says, “Keep it clean and minimal. Mould and mildew, dirty grout and stained toilet pans are all common, but won’t help you with the value of your home.”
It makes sense for many of us to remove the bath in a small space, but if you’re focusing on resale value, it might be worth reconsidering. “We recently did a survey on bathrooms,” Liz says, “and despite most people showering for ease, our followers voted overwhelmingly for having a bath to soak in occasionally.”
Louise agrees, and says, “If you have space, we’d always suggest a bath and shower, even if it’s just a shower over the bath.”
Focus on storage
Storage space is a key attraction for homebuyers, according to our experts. “Clean clutter-free homes always attract more attention,” Liz says.
Louise agrees: “Clutter is very off-putting, so it’s a good idea to find storage solutions to solve this. Building in cupboards under the stairs and in bedrooms is a good option, and will actually give the house a more spacious feel once the clutter is put away.”
Liz also highlights porches and boot rooms, which are very popular, “particularly with young families that have to accommodate prams or pushchairs.”
Need a carpenter? Read reviews of professionals in your area.
Storage space is a key attraction for homebuyers, according to our experts. “Clean clutter-free homes always attract more attention,” Liz says.
Louise agrees: “Clutter is very off-putting, so it’s a good idea to find storage solutions to solve this. Building in cupboards under the stairs and in bedrooms is a good option, and will actually give the house a more spacious feel once the clutter is put away.”
Liz also highlights porches and boot rooms, which are very popular, “particularly with young families that have to accommodate prams or pushchairs.”
Need a carpenter? Read reviews of professionals in your area.
Connect with the garden
A room that connects to the outdoors could be a winner, but our experts offer some words of advice about conservatories.
“The better quality the conservatory, the more likely you are to add value,” Louise says. “The quality of the glass and construction materials can make a big difference. Thermally efficient glass will help stop heat escaping and tinted glass can help in the height of summer.”
“Buyers are favouring garden rooms,” Liz agrees. “The absolute minimum requirements for any conservatory or garden room is that it has a brick base and heating, and large rooflights are preferred (where possible) to a glazed roof.”
Tell us…
Are you planning a renovation project? Is adding value something you’re taking into account? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
A room that connects to the outdoors could be a winner, but our experts offer some words of advice about conservatories.
“The better quality the conservatory, the more likely you are to add value,” Louise says. “The quality of the glass and construction materials can make a big difference. Thermally efficient glass will help stop heat escaping and tinted glass can help in the height of summer.”
“Buyers are favouring garden rooms,” Liz agrees. “The absolute minimum requirements for any conservatory or garden room is that it has a brick base and heating, and large rooflights are preferred (where possible) to a glazed roof.”
Tell us…
Are you planning a renovation project? Is adding value something you’re taking into account? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
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We often assume buyers will want to do their own renovations, but Zoe Kenworthy notes, “We’ve seen a decline in the number of clients willing to take on major works. I feel that’s because people today want more quality time for themselves with friends and family.
“Without a doubt, we find clients will pay a premium for an on-trend property that has an open-plan kitchen and living layout,” she adds. “Islands are definitely on the wish list, as are en suites [in the bedroom].”
However, she does offer a word of caution. “That said, clients will typically put location first, especially in an area renowned for its schools and excellent commuter links.”
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