FOUR TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY
There may be many reasons you would want to add value to your property by renovating or extending. You might just be in need of more space, or you might be gearing up to sell. Whatever the reason, anyone looking to add value to their home would be sensible to invest their hard earned money in the right areas.
In the current market, space has overtaken location as the most desirable fixation when property buyers are looking for a home – it’s also a primary factor assessed by a chartered surveyor during a valuation. But what can you do to add space and increase your home’s value?
CONVERSION
If you are looking to create an extra bedroom, converting the loft is great for adding value to your home. Lofts are usually a big but neglected space and can be a perfect place to squeeze an extra bedroom in, and even an en-suite.
The best place to start is to see if you can get planning permission for a conversion – so speak to your local planning office and they should be able to enlighten you. Our very own RICS surveyor in Manchester is an expert in conversions:
“There are two key things to think about if you’re considering converting an area like a loft. Firstly, don’t forget planning. It might not affect you initially, but when you come to sell questions will be asked about whether your new loft-room has permission and the wrong answer can hold up or sabotage your sale. Secondly, pay attention to the quality of work. Any building work done without due care can lead to expensive defects, particularly in a structurally important element like the loft.”
BUILD
If you have the space, adding a conservatory or orangery can add value to your property. You need to make sure that any building done is in keeping with and matches the style of your home, so it just doesn’t look like something bolted on to the back of the current structure.
Ideally, the design will be sympathetic, making the new addition look like it is supposed to be there. Internally, look to add the same floor and colour scheme.
If you are lucky enough to have an outbuilding, it would be a good idea to look into converting it into another usable space. You can even turn it into a holiday cottage which would be great source of extra income.
RESEARCH
It really pays off doing research. You can ask your local estate agent to see what property buyers are looking for in your particular area. That advice might help guide your choices – should you convert the spare bedroom into a study? Should you look to add a feature like a high-end shower or a hot-tub?
GARDEN
In one of our previous blogs, we wrote about adding value to your home without even having to take a step inside. Making the garden look tidy is a good start. You can find our other blog here. But if you are running out of room in your home and need extra space consider investing in a Garden Room, an ideal way of creating office space, a hobby room or granny annexe.
If you’re a bit of a workaholic and work from home, a modular building or Garden Room is a great chance for you to be able to increase productivity by having a place to escape family life. Just adding a desk, computer and electrics will be efficient enough and will give you enough headspace to continue making your millions.
About the author
This guest blog has been provided by Right Surveyors, a national group of chartered surveyors offering surveys, valuations and property advice to clients all over England and Wales. Check out www.rightsurveyors.co.uk for more information.