Six major, home improvements which will increase, the value of your property.

Although there are many home improvements, that will raise the value of your property. It is always advisable to seek an estate agent’s advice to make sure the work will raise the value of your property. As a general rule, all homes have a ceiling price so it’s vital to make sure that the cost of any home improvement (to raise value of your property) is not so expensive that you won’t make a profit and may even loose money.

Raise the value of your property with a Loft conversion.

A loft conversion is the most cost-effective way to raise the value of your property and gain extra living space, you should be able to do it if your home was built before 1975, homes after this period tend to have less headroom in the loft. The loft should have maximum headroom of 2.3m. Depending on the number rooms (bedrooms, shower room etc) work costs between £20,000 and £45,000 and should take about six to 12 weeks. It’s always worth getting quotes from builders and check what experience they have of loft conversions. Creating a double bedroom with en suite is the most popular option and could add 20-25% to the value of your home. Take professional advice before you start because the conversion must meet building and fire regulations.

Raise the value of your property with an Extension.

A single-storey side or rear extension can start at around £30,000, while two storeys can cost from £45,000+. According to estate agents, a ground-floor extension can raise the value of your property by 5-10%, while adding an extra bedroom to create a four-bed house will raise the value of your property by 10-15%. When planning, make rooms as big as possible, but don’t sacrifice too much garden as it can make a property feel out of balance and deter buyers. Always check with the local planning office to see if you need permission, as regulations are always changing. Work must also comply with Building Regulations and be inspected and passed at key stages.

Raise the value of your property with a new kitchen.

A new kitchen will make your property more desirable to buyers and can raise the value of your property by as much as 5%. But always keep expense in proportion to the size of your property. Remember, if your selling your home keep the kitchen style and décor neutral. Ensure the cost of the kitchen doesn’t exceeds 2% of your homes value, otherwise you won’t make any profit, when you sell.

Raise the value of your property with an Extra or new bathroom.

A new bathroom or an en suite bathroom can raise the value of your property by 5%. However, ensure you have the space for an extra bathroom, as loosing space from a bedroom could devalue your property. Renewing an existing bathroom suite will also make your home more saleable and raise the value of your property, but keeps costs to a minimum and ensure the new suite and tiles are neutral.

Raise the value of your property by adding a Conservatory.

Adding a conservatory can raise the value of your property by 4-5% according to the RICS and is a relatively simple and cost-effective way of increasing your space. Choose a design that complements the style of your home and make sure it doesn’t dominate your garden. Also think about its position: a south-facing conservatory needs ventilation and shade, while a north-facing room requires good heating. Check with your local planning department whether you need permission.

Raise the value of your property with Eco upgrades.

Several specialist home sites predict that within the next five years having an eco-friendly house will raise the value of your property by 5-8% more than a standard home. There are many ecological improvements you can make, like adding insulation and fitting solar-panel heating, which will also save money when it comes to energy bills. These ECO upgrades will also improve your EPC rating, further raising the value of your property. A 27cm-thick loft insulation (current standard is15cm) will reduce heating bills by £210-£250 per year, and cavity wall insulation will save £210-£250 per year. Prices start at £1,500 for a solar water heater, which can provide up to 70% of your hot water free. Government grants are available to help you make these ecological improvements.

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