Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Home And Add Value At The Same Time

The economic recovery is on according to the government, media and experts, that's unless you work in the property market or are looking to sell your house. With the market still in the doldrums and the drying up of the opportunity to take advantage of the best remortgage deals from ever increasing equity, many property owners are turning to adding extensions or conversions onto their existing property than enter a half dead market. With such house improvements, value is being added and that value will increase significantly when the market finally picks up, it seems to be a case of improving and waiting for many house owners this year.

1 Refresh the Kitchen space: Professionals agree that the Kitchen is the room most prone to homeowners expressing their unique character and individual flare. From those who value traditional styles, to those who enjoy retro or quirky modern styles, a kitchen is certainly the place to show it off. Therefore it's not surprising to learn that a kitchen is usually the first room a new homeowner makes changes to. As "the heart of the home" (Phil Spencer), homeowners value the kitchen as a personal space where the family comes together. So, if you are looking to add value to your home in the hope to make a quick and profitable sale when the market improves, do not spend your money on the installation of a new kitchen. Not only will it be a waste as prospective buyers will undoubtedly quickly transform it but expressive styles will in fact put off some buyers altogether.

Instead, look to revive your kitchen, give it the kick of life! A simple lick of paint, replacing cupboard doors, counter tops or even re-grouting any tiles can instantly rejuvenate the living space. For homeowners worrying that the small size of their kitchen may put off buyers, then instead of forking out on a re-fit, how about simply laying down some laminate flooring. This will open up the space instantly, making it seem bigger and brighter. This is a fantastic option for kitchens especially as laminated flooring is extremely easy to clean and maintain.

2 Relay the flooring: Having the wrong carpet or worse, a worn out carpet can leave a room looking dull and dark, including well lived in and not fresh at all with various stains or dog hairs for example. Replacing carpet in well used areas, such as porches and stairways will make a house more inviting and again, fresher and brighter. Replacing a carpet can be an expensive proposition however, so consider cheaper options such as large rugs that cover large portions of the floor and make a room seem more homely.

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 isn't 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: This is perhaps a misleading title; as most property's that have room for a garage do in fact have one as standard. However, what is the point of having a garage that is unused? You'd be surprised at how many homes use their garage simply to store odds and sods that they no longer need (that's what the loft is for!). So how about converting it into an additional room, perhaps an office or workplace? Say, for those who like a bit of DIY or for those who have jobs that require large workspace areas, such as artists and photographers. However, if your garage is actually causing the opposite problem and is too limited for your vehicle storage needs then consider extending it. There is a huge demand at the moment for houses with double garages due to an increased demand of owning a car. An extension could not only add value to your home, but it could attract some serious interest from prospective buyers.

4 Add a conservatory: Adding a conservatory can really add character and flare to a property. Conservatory's provide a rather alternative living space, one that can be designed as a light and airy space to enjoy during the summer time, or one that can be made into a cosy and comfortable living space that is used on a more regular basis. Conservatories are available in a variety of styles and sizes nowadays, so you are not limited by the amount of free space of your property. What's more is that they are not as expensive as they used to be as they are rather commonplace in today's society. The most beneficial feature of a conservatory though is that is adds instant value to your home, which is perfect for those who are looking to make a quick sale but also make a return on their expenditure.

5 Environmentally friendly Upgrades: Green living is the new trend on the block at the moment. All new build projects are not only adopting a greener way of working/building but the property's themselves are all being standard fitted with Eco friendly and energy efficient methods of heating and electricity. Most are now fitted with solar/thermal panels on the roof, loft and wall insulation and double glazed windows. Not only do such adaptations significantly slash a property's utility bills but they also ensure that they are environmentally friendly. As all new builds are being made in this way, by adding eco-upgrades to your home, you can ensure your property remains current and attractive to the evolved needs of the buyer. It's a win-win situation for the average homeowner who is looking to save money whilst also hoping to add value to their home/make a quick sale.

So there you have it, 5 different ways to add value to your home and, effectively, save money living as you wait for the housing market to improve. Now, there are too many different ways to add value to your home, so don't take this as a definitive list. The point of these particular 5 is to highlight that small changes can be just as effective as larger ones. The most important thing to remember when making any change though, is to ensure you don't put too much of a personal stamp on your property, especially if you are hoping for a quick and effortless sale. Seamless extensions will improve the external aesthetics of the building whilst neutral colours and simple styles will attract the buyer looking for a blank canvas of potential. It is important to note here though to always remember to check for planning permission when planning any big home improvements.

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.

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