Not only can home improvements make your time spent at a property much more enjoyable, they can also benefit future saleability and actually increase the value of the property. Here are 7 renovation ideas to suit all budgets and time-scales.
Whip out the paintbrush & roller
Give the entire house a couple of coats of emulsion. Areas such as around doorknobs and light switches can look grubby & uncared for – and flaking paint can raise unnecessary alarm bells for potential buyers. If you’re trying to sell your house opt for magnolia, cream or white walls. It might seem a bit boring and unadventurous, but research shows that they’re most agreeable to viewers.
Install a downstairs cloakroom
It will save you and guests having to go all the way upstairs – and it’s amazing how often the sight of a downstairs loo is greeted by positive exclamations of relief by house viewers. This facility can be sited in all kinds of under utilised spaces such as former larders, pantries or under-stairs cupboards. You could even steal a corner of a large room to accommodate it. Costs could be relatively low too, especially if the connection of pipes to existing drainage is straightforward.
Change the cupboard doors, handles and worktops
This improvement is much cheaper than ripping out entire kitchen cupboard carcasses – and the transformation can be just as dramatic. You could give a drab old kitchen real wow factor relatively easily. Different, distinct looks can be achieved from the same starting point, whether it be modernist & sleek, vintage industrial or rustic country. Be creative and have fun, but choose a style that suits the character of your house.
Convert the loft
This can be done to varying degrees, from simple boarding out and installation of power, heat and light – right up to the creation of luxury bedrooms with en suite facilities. The more simple options can provide useful storage, craft or office spaces. A total renovation with associated roof & wall alterations, installation of windows, bathroom, electrics, heating and so on might run into the thirty or forty thousand pound region. However, the creation of extra bedrooms is almost guaranteed to add value – and it will be a godsend to a growing family whilst you’re still in residence there. The conversion of former loft spaces can produce some very interesting, characterful and memorable rooms which is always a plus point when it comes to selling.
Upgrade the boiler
It puts a potential buyer’s mind at ease knowing that the central heating system isn’t going to breakdown at the first hint of sub-zero temperatures. A new boiler will cost about two thousand pounds. It provides more reliable service and a certain peace of mind. An old tatty boiler will usually require expensive ongoing repairs and cost much more to run in general. It’s hardly likely to fill buyers with any confidence about the general condition of your property either. Boiler installation from My Plumber is a recommended route to take to tackle this particular job. Also, the energy efficiency rating in your Home Information Pack (HIP) will surely benefit from an efficient, well-maintained boiler.
Build a summer house
Whether it’s an office at the bottom of the garden, hobby space or man cave – some form of summer house will prove attractive to many home owners… and buyers too. A place to escape! You could install Aluminium French doors leading out into the garden. Light can then flood in – and there’s no better way to connect indoor & outdoor living spaces. These doors can be a very successful addition to kitchen, conservatory and bedroom areas too.
Tackle the weeds
Whether you have an acre of land or just a small patio make sure that, at the very least, it’s clean and tidy. A major outdoors project will be very off-putting to most buyers. Going a bit further than tidying up is highly recommended, of course. Essentially, an attractive garden area provides an extra living and socialising space. In addition to growing plants or vegetables, you can create cooking and dining areas with seating, a barbecue and even a pizza oven. Heaters and fire pits allow you to stay outside long after the sun has gone down. And, if you have the space, there’s also the option of installing a hot tub or saunas.
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