With so many of us having to spend time at home since the outbreak, it isn’t surprising to see why a lot of people dove into the competitive housing market to get a new place. However, many also chose to stay right where they were, remodelling their home instead.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or install LVT flooring to add more aesthetics to it, here are 7 of the best things you can do to exponentially increase the value of your home.
Keeping or Installing a Log Burner
First & Main PM says log burners are something many homeowners consider getting rid of, simply because they do not feel they will make the most of it. This is valid. It is an obvious central point for living rooms which, for some, isn’t desired. For others, it will be an object of upmost importance, as they contribute significantly to a cosy room, even when they aren’t being used. What research suggests is that log burners add value to homes. They are expensive to install (and expensive to remove). They are unique feature which many houses on the market won’t have because technology and tastes have changed, making them redundant or unwanted.
As they’re expensive to remove, you shouldn’t feel that you have to put up with the log burner because it’s expensive to remove. You can make it yours. Log burners are often associated with certain kinds of aesthetics – namely the cottagecore and countryside stylings – which can be a key factor in whether someone likes or dislikes them. However, they are a versatile piece. For instance, while often paired with rustic and reclaimed mantel pieces or baroque architrave fireplaces, a simple and straight marble mantelpiece, arguably inornate, transforms the log burner into a much more ‘modern’ or ‘futuristic ‘setting. The flooring will also contribute vastly to this more ‘modern’ aesthetic, a grey LVT flooring option – click here for examples – would take the log burner further away from its traditional environment.
Go With an Open-Plan for your Living Room
Another great way of adding value to your home but at the same time keeping costs down is to extend your living room. The best and most affordable way to do this is to break down the wall that separates your living room and kitchen. This can be a DIY project if the wall isn’t load bearing – if it is, then you’d have to call in the professionals.
On the other hand, if you feel tearing down a wall is too much, you can also consider adding a side or rear extension. However, keep in mind that this process is going to be more expensive, but it will do the job of extending your living room, boosting more aesthetic value.
Transforming the Cellar
If you have a cellar, you can potentially transform it into a storage space or a living room and considerably boost your home’s value. However, the amount of realistic value it will increase greatly depends on the total cost of the project. It has to be less than the price of the area per square foot.
As a matter of fact, transforming your cellar can be a pretty simple home improvement because you’re adequately converting it for another purpose. And this essentially means you won’t have to get planning permission.
However, if the project involves structural alterations in a listed building, you’re going to have to schedule an appointment with your planning officer.
Dividing Your Place into Flats
This is an excellent way to enhance the value of your property, especially if you’re living in a city where the demand for flats is increasing – London, for example. Dividing your house into flats or smaller living units can boost value in the sense that you’d be able to increase your rental income. But you’ll also be banking on considerable profits from selling your property in the long term.
However, before you make a decision, commit to some research, and find out whether there is an increase in demand for flats where you live.
Changing Your Garage into a Liveable Space
If you have adequate parking space outside and don’t really use your garage to park your car, you have a great opportunity to convert it into a nice living space. But the first step is to ensure whether the garage is realistically big enough to convert. Also, find out if you require planning permission.
In most cases, the work involved in converting the garage will fall under permitted development – which means you may not need planning permission. But it is still wise to confirm everything. Also, keep in mind that transforming a garage into a room will involve structural changes – which will be subject to several regulations.
You can request your building control service to send a certified inspector to check if everything is structurally sound. The inspector will check on the project several times while you’re converting the garage. They will primarily inspect electrical work, drainage systems, walls, etc.
Converting Your Loft for a Bedroom
There’s no question adding a brand-new bedroom will exponentially increase the overall value of your property. This is especially true if you’re transforming your loft and adding an ensuite bath with complete LVT flooring. Although converting a loft into a room isn’t complex, it’s still better to consult with a certified builder or architect to make sure everything checks out.
When you start the transformation, you’ll quickly need to understand the types of loft conversions you can choose. For example, a roof light construction would require the lowest amount of structural alteration – which means it’s also the most affordable. A mansard conversion is generally more expensive and involves replacing the slope(s) of your roof with a steeper structure and a completely flat roof.
However, keep in mind that if you go with a mansard conversion, you may need planning permission. But most projects come under permitted development. It’s a good idea to check with your local building authority to make sure.
Enhancing Your Kerb Appeal
You’re lucky if you have a garden and you should make the most of it. This is especially true if you’re planning to sell your house in the near future. There are plenty of ways you can add aesthetic value to your garden.
For example, you can install a patio or a deck, transforming it into a whole new entertaining space. Or you could add a room in the form of a summer house to significantly boost property value.
The key to attracting potential buyers is giving an excellent first expression. Even if you don’t decide to add anything to your garden, be sure to at least add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior walls, add a new door into your garden or install new ironmongery. Invest in landscaping, ensure the bushes are trimmed and there are no leaves scattered about.
Whether its adding a new bedroom, developing a new garden, or converting your garage into a living room, there are several ways you can successfully boost the value of your home. So, if you’ve decided to sell your home, be sure to choose one or some of these excellent options to quickly attract potential buyers.
