When we think of renovating our property we do so with the end in mind being that we are living in the property and it’s to enhance our own lives. So many people benefit from giving their property a face-lift in order to make more money when selling it, which is a concept not many people can grasp when you look at some of the properties on Right Move.
There are so many things you can do to increase the value of a property and here are just a few, be it quite varied depending on budget.
Starting small – let’s start with decorating and DIY. A little paint can go an awfully long way, especially as some buyers can’t see past the current décor and outstanding DIY jobs. Make sure walls are freshly painted or at least in good condition they don’t require immediate attention. Take the same approach to cracks in ceilings or plaster.
Doors are important and often get missed. Have broken latches fixed and lubricate any squeaks as these can be a huge put off to potential buyers.Thoroughly clean off any mould around the bathroom or kitchen sealants, this is rather unsightly. Tighten any drippy taps and fix up any loose tiles. Taking all these things into consideration could increase value by up to 10%.
Double-glazed windows are considered essential by potential buyers. It will absolutely increase the value of the property and a big plus for potential buyers as they won’t need to do this themselves. Timber windows can also be low maintenance, either stained hardwood or timber coated with an external layer of PVCu, vinyl or aluminium. Always consider how this will look with the rest of your property.
A new bathroom could add up to 5% to the value of your property and can also be done on a budget by retaining the existing layout. If you choose to update your shower enclosure, go for a framed enclosure to keep costs down and in terms of toilet bowls, cisterns etc. floor mounted versions are less pricey than wall-mounted versions due to work going on to conceal the elements behind the walls. It’s worth bearing in mind that it is more cost effective to buy a bathroom suite together than purchasing individual pieces and of course, waiting for those big end of season sales!
A clean and sociable kitchen is essential both to buyers and valuation surveyors. Before replacing an entire kitchen, consider the fundamentals such as its position and shape and decide if you need to make any structural changes to the space, or if you want to relocate it elsewhere.
An extra bedroom can add up to 15% in value of a property, especially as part of a loft conversion with an en-suite bathroom. Always check with an architect and get planning permission, along with any guidelines that need following, otherwise you may have issues when you come to sell.Conversion options can be a minefield if you don’t know what you’re looking for. A roof light conversion will need the least amount of structural work and so is the most cost-effective, however if you wish to spend more money then there are other options available.
Finally, converting a garage into an extra living space could increase property value by 15%. Most of us with garages don’t generally use it to house our cars so why not make use the space? Planning permission isn’t always required so it’s best to check with your local planning authority to check your garage is suitable for conversion. The local council’s building control service will be able to check all key areas such as electrics and roofing comply with regulations during conversion.
Good luck with your renovations!
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