How To Add Value To Your Home In 2011!
As the housing market continues to struggle through the so called recovery of the recession, more and more homeowners are opting to add value to their existing property instead of moving home. This way, homeowners can add value to their home and reap the financial benefits as and when the property market improves. Larger home improvements such as extensions and conversions, if done properly and efficiently, can make the home a much more enjoyable space.
1 Refresh the Kitchen space:
Location Location Locations Phil Spencer describes the kitchen as the heart of the home; a place that forces together the busy family for a bit of family bonding! Cooking is also a key aspect in any home and therefore the kitchen is perhaps one of the most used rooms in the home. Surprisingly, the kitchen is usually one of the first rooms a buyer looks to change when they first purchase a home. This is because a kitchen is regarded as a space to show off your individual style and flare, which may not be to everyones taste. Therefore, if you are solely looking for a quick sale, it would be a waste of money to fit an expensive new kitchen, as it is likely to be completely changed by the new homeowner.
A better idea perhaps is to just freshen up the kitchen space. For example, replace what may be worn looking cupboard doors or counters, or maybe just add a lick of paint to the walls. Adding new flooring can also brighten up the space. There is plenty of cheap laminate wooden flooring available which not only gives the impression of a bigger floor space, but it modernizes a kitchen and is easier to clean and maintain.
2 Relay the flooring:
One of the main contributors to a home appearing dull, dark and lifeless is its carpets, especially in communal living areas. All too soon can they become worn, damaged and stained in areas which are regularly used. By replacing the carpet in the entrance hall, porch or stairs for example, a house can instantly look more inviting to people seeing your home for the first time. Now, I understand that replacing carpet can be an expensive job, so how about some alternatives. Buying a nice rug which fits in with the style of your home can add extra comfort to a room, whilst also disguising a slightly warn carpet underneath.
A further alternative, as mentioned above, is laminate wooden flooring. This not only instantly opens up a room but, although it is cheap, it can look modern and classy if installed correctly. As I understand it, laminate flooring Is not the most popular choice by homeowners as many believe it can make a room look and feel cold. However, adding a rug quickly minimizes this as does, the more expensive option, of adding under floor heating. Now before you dismiss this option as an unnecessary expense, it may be worth looking at its benefits. Most new build properties now include under floor heating as it is an economical method of heating a property. Therefore, investing in this method of heating ensures your property remains current and makes your home attractive to the modern buyer.
3 Adapt a garage:
If your property has a garage that is unused then it is probably advisable to convert it into an added room, say a dining room for example. This is especially applicable if you have a lot of parking space which can easily be used by multiple vehicles at any one time. However, if your parking space is limited, and there is no room to extend it, then an alternative could be to extend your garage into a double garage. This is extremely popular with larger families in more rural areas, where multiple cars are necessary to just to get around. Double garages are also multifunctional as they can also be used as work stations for individuals who enjoy the odd bit of DIY, or even those who work in the creative industries, such as in art and photography.
4 Add a conservatory:
Adding a conservatory can often make a huge difference to your living space. Not only does it add a versatile room which is often the focal point of many houses, but it is a light and airy space which is considered a great place to entertain visitors. Conservatorys can be modern and classy or more traditional and cosy; either way they are a great way to add value to a property.
5 Eco Upgrades:
The main focus in property development at the moment, is making homes more eco friendly in order to promote greener living. Therefore, most new build projects are automatically built with solar panel energy installed, cavity wall and loft insulation and double glazed windows. Such changes are not only environmentally friendly, but they can significantly cut a propertys utility bills. By upgrading your property to a greener one, you ensure that your property remains current, whilst also saving yourself that extra bit of cash.
The most important thing to remember if you are hoping to add value to your property is to avoid expressing eccentric personal style throughout the building. Neutral colours on internal walls will always be favoured by potential buyers who are then provided with a blank canvas to express their own personal style. Similarly, when considering an extension, think about how the outside of your home will look, just as much as the inside will. For example, seamless brickwork will be a huge advantage, whereas adding, say, an extension using wood onto a pebble dashed home would not attract as many buyers. For any major home improvements, always check whether you need planning permission and always shop around for quotes from builders, your first quote may not be the best deal available.
The five improvements we have mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg on what can be done to improve your property. Going from an extensive rebuilding or refurbishment project to simply buying a few rugs for a few rooms, no stone should be left unturned when it comes to adding value on your property.
About the Author:
James writes for Just Remortgages the leading website in the UK dedicated to providing the latest remortgage rates, and best remortgage deals in the market.
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