We’ve seen an increase in garden room requests in the last few years as a result of the pandemic and a shift towards home working. This trend continues but 2024 renovations have seen homeowners looking to upgrade the inside of their homes without risking higher interest rates that may come with buying a new home.
Those who have decided to look for a new home have been met with a competitive property market so knowing how to add value to your home is essential for capitalising on your investment.
Home renovation is a big investment in time and money so knowing what’s worth doing to improve the way you live and add value to your property could be the difference between adding value to your investment and wasting money on ‘faddy’ trends.
Below we’ve listed our top 10 improvements that can add value to your home. We are always available for a friendly chat to discuss any improvements you are thinking about. We can advise on price and potential added value and can provide free consultations and quotes. We manage all our trades so you don’t have to worry about sourcing and booking your own and we work with all our preferred suppliers to make sure you get the best deals on materials and finishes.
- Extensions and conversions
Extensions and conversions are attractive improvements as they add living space which can add up to 15% to the value of your home*. Most of our requests are for garage conversions as they add valuable space without eating into the garden or driveway. Lets face it, garages these days are rarely big enough to park a car and are usually filled with years of junk we don’t even need. They are perfect to convert into a spare bedroom, second living room or playroom for growing families or a home office. Loft conversions can also utilise dead space and create an extra bedroom, bathroom, playroom or office.
Where outside space is more plentiful, homeowners are now looking for proper extensions rather than conservatories as they are more energy efficient and can be used all year round.
- Install double glazing
Installing new double glazing is a no-brainer as it will save you on heating bills, cut down noise on busy roads and can quickly update the look of your house. Windows are pretty quick to install and can increase your EPC rating. Larger windows in dining and living rooms can be turned into French doors to make rooms brighter and make the most of garden views.
- New external doors
New external doors not only update the look of your house but can improve energy efficiency and provide additional security. UPVC and composite doors require less maintenance than traditional wooden doors and composite doors provide additional locking mechanisms that can reflect positively on home insurance cover.
- Improve your kerb appeal
Increasing your kerb appeal doesn’t sound like a deal breaker but it can be. Prospective buyers will often drive past properties to check out the location and a shabby appearance can put them off booking a viewing. First impressions are important and sprucing up the gardens and exterior can boost value up to 10%* without breaking the bank. Simply weeding and cutting back bushes or painting the front gate can really benefit the look of your home. Broken, old fences and decking are a big ‘no no’ so make sure you replace them if they are beyond a lick of paint and a simple repair. If you plan to stay in your property then consider replacing timber with composite as it lasts longer and doesn’t require any maintenance so less time spent painting on sunny days!
- Garden rooms
We’ve seen a big increase in demand for garden rooms since the pandemic. The main reason being the shift to working from home. A garden room with lighting, heating, good quality insulation, double glazing and even water supply and toilet facilities can be used for a variety of purposes including home office, art/music studio, treatment room, gym or workshop. They are also a welcomed addition to growing families who need additional living space. Depending on the size and height of the garden room, you may not require planning permission if it qualifies for permitted development. The installation is quick and easy and the size and spec can be tailored to suit your needs. The convenience of these all-weather additions to work and home life can see an estimated added value up to 1.5 times the cost of installation** so a good return on investment.
- Kitchens
The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home so of course it will not only improve your living experience but can add value up to 10%***. Make sure you have a good think about how you use your kitchen and what needs to be improved – not just the appearance but the functionality too. Do you need more storage? Do you want to hide appliances? Do you need more shelves, drawers or a larger cupboard for your ironing board? The biggest mistake we see is clients updating ‘like for like’ and not resolving these issues. Open plan living is becoming more and more popular (can add up to 6%**) so often our clients request we also remove the walls between the kitchen and dining room and/or living room to create a more sociable and flexible space.
We always advise clients to discuss layout and design with us so we can provide advice and measure the space to draw up detailed plans. We can then work with our suppliers to create a computer-aided design (CAD) so clients can imagine the new layout in their space. Colours, units and worktops can easily be changed on the CAD so you can change your mind as many times as you like to get the best option before we order your kitchen.
- Bathrooms and down stairs toilets
There is nothing worse than waiting to use the bathroom so it is no surprise that adding another bathroom, ensuite or downstairs toilet can not only add convenience but up to 5% in value too**. Make sure you think about storage (under sink cabinets are a must) and the type of finishes you want. Wallboards can be quicker to install than tiles, reduce the risk of leaks and are easier to clean. Our top tip is to have a contingency for hidden issues like old pipes or water-damaged floorboards and plasterboard that might need to be replaced.
- Internal doors
There is nothing more annoying than ill-fitting doors that bang, stick or squeak and old-fashioned and damaged doors can really date your home. Replacing solid doors with glass inserts can also add light to gloomy halls and can give an open-plan feel without compromising on privacy and noise reduction.
- Renovations and redecoration
We’ve all got that ‘to-do’ list of renovations and decorations but not ticking off these tasks can make your home look shabby and put off potential buyers.
Renovating your staircase is a great example. Replacing old and dated banisters and spindles can really modernise your home. Swapping out wood for glass can really lighten up a space and make a classy statement.
A decorating trend we’ve seen this year is wall panels. They add interest and texture to your home but are harder wearing and easier to fix than wallpaper. A quick touch-up with paint will cover a multitude of sins, especially if you have kids in the home, and it is easy to change the colour whenever you want to update your décor. Wall panels are quick and easy to install and we can accommodate a range of designs from traditional to contemporary.
- Restoration and repairs
It won’t cost the earth to fix a few broken door handles, cracked tiles or replace the odd damaged worktop but it will make all the difference to revamp your home. Not only will it give a better impression for resale but it can save money in the long run by preventing further damage like water leaks. Soffits and fascias are a good example. Their condition is reflected in a Home Report and delaying their repair or replacement can cause damage to the structure underneath. When replacing them, consider swapping out wood for composite. It’ll save you painting and maintaining them in the future, they come in a range of colours and are harder wearing.
For all home improvement enquires call 07811449050 or email info@etdproperties.co.uk
* www.propertypriceadvice.co.uk
***www.ukgardenbuildings.co.uk