8 ways to add value to your home

The best way to work your way up the property ladder is to maximise your current home, so that when it comes to selling it, you can get the best price for your property.
 
Here are some of the best ways to add value to your property.

Installing a modern kitchen
We agree kitchens are a big investment but having a modern kitchen will attract buyers to want to choose your home. Remember the cost of buying your home is going to leave them tight for cash for a while. If you can offer them a home with a brand new kitchen installation, that they can be happy with, you are likely to get an offer more quickly.
 
Beautiful bathroom installations
As with kitchens, installing bathrooms can be costly too. But adding a beautiful bathroom to your home will add value. If your home is on the market, you are likely to sell it faster by updating this well used room.
 
Convert your garage to a living space
If your garage is an oversized junk room, then maybe it is time to have a good clear out. Rehome the wanted items into a new area, such as a shed and convert your garage into a liveable area.
 
Your first step should be to check that your garage is suitable for conversion and whether you need planning permission. In many cases, converting a garage will be classed as permitted development, so you won’t need planning permission, but always check with your local authority.
 
A garage conversion is always subject to building regulations to ensure it is structurally sound. They will check that drainage, electrics, walls and the roof comply with the latest regulations. 

Build a side-return extension
A side return is a narrow alley that runs adjacent to the kitchen in a typical terraced or semi-detached house. Extending the kitchen into the side return and to the full width of the rest of the house means you gain valuable space and can also improve the layout.
 
A single-storey side-return extension will usually be classed as a permitted development, provided you meet certain limits and conditions.

​For example, it must be no more than 4m high and no wider than half the width of the original house.
 
Build a rear extension
For houses that don’t have a side access to build upon, you may be able to benefit from a rear extension. Rear extensions tend to be single storey, and sometimes are called kitchen extensions. In these instances, the entire property is built out into the back garden. Often homeowners will bring the outdoors in by adding bi-folding doors.
 
Loft conversions
Loft conversions will instantly add to the value of your home, especially if it’s a bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Most lofts can be converted, but it’s worth getting an architect or builder to double check before you start.
 
Once you have met with an architect they can talk you through the types of conversions available for your property. Options range from a roof light conversion, which needs the least amount of structural work and so is the most cost-effective. These usually come under permitted development. More expensive loft conversions are when one or both slopes of the roof are replaced with a new structure with steeper sides and an almost flat roof. These types of extension require permission form the local authority.
 
The general rule of thumb is that you need to apply for planning permission if you want to extend your roof space by more than 50m3 (40m3 for terraced housing).
 
Increase your living space with a conservatory
A fully glazed conservatory will merge indoors with outdoors. But there is lot to think about and decide when it comes to building a conservatory. What type of frame do you want? uPVC, timber and aluminium frames all have different qualities. What type of glazing would you like?  Determining how you want to use the space, will make decisions easier.
 
The biggest cost of your conservatory will be the glass, so explore your options. Double glazing is the minimum standard permitted by building regulations, however, there is a vast range of glazing options available, including self-cleaning glass and solar control glass.
 
Adding a conservatory to your house is considered to be permitted development provided you meet various limits and conditions. Building regulations will be required if you want to remove the doors or wall linking the conservatory to your house. There will be other criteria that you will have to meet too. Check with your local authority before starting any work.
 
Adding a porch
A porch is popular feature. It’s a place to help transition from the outside in. It can be a place to store coats, shoes, sports kits and all those other things that you want to keep out of your hallway. Porches also add an extra layer of security to your home, as well as preserve the heat within the home during the winter months.
 
If you would like to talk to Essex Building and Carpentry Services about your home refurbishment and renovation ideas, you can reach us on 01708 578 014. Located in Romford, Essex, we build offer a range of building services in and around Havering, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Billericay.
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