5 Tips on How to Increase House Values
by Carly Morson on Feb 17, 2020
If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your property and make potential buyers weak at the knees, these five handy tips on how to increase house value are a great place to start. First things first though - always check the current value of your home before you plan renovations to establish if they make the best financial sense. For example, if you’re selling your property in Mayfair, study the price of other properties for sale. Should the cost of your renovation project push your property over the current top-out point of other properties in the neighborhood, renovations could end up costing you more than they make you.
Target kitchens and bathrooms
Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen and bathrooms have the most power to seal that deal. A newly-renovated kitchen can make all the difference between your property being on the market for months, or being snapped up in a flash, plus it can add up to 4% to the value of the house. Buyers will be enticed by a sparkling kitchen, with decent appliances, that they won’t have to lift a finger to make liveable. Likewise, a bathroom can add between 4-5% to the value. If you can’t afford to have the whole thing renovated, adding a second sink, giving the room a lick of paint, and installing a fancy shower can have a similar effect.
First impressions count
It’s not all about the inside of the property – outdoor space is top of most buyers’ wish lists. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, make the most of it to guarantee your potential buyer falls in love with your property at first sight! A new door and a mowed lawn can be enough to put a twinkle in their eye before they’ve even stepped inside. Similarly, installing a deck or landscaped patio can win people over easily, especially if you set it up so they can visualize entertaining friends on warm summer evenings. Also, landscaping is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways of pushing up your home value and can add up to 10% to the value of the property.
Transform your existing space
If your property has cellar space, you can add as much as 30% to the value of your home by converting it into additional living space. One significant bonus of this type of renovation is that you won’t require planning permission for the job as it’s only classified as ‘change of use’, which keeps things nice and straightforward! In London, most plots are restricted from expansion outwards by neighboring properties. Therefore, owners are opting to build up, or have basements dug out beneath their properties or under their gardens (which works out cheaper). Conversions of this nature are charged on a per square meter basis, with the average cost of a 25 square meter basic fit-out (under the house) costing around £87,500 + VAT. A cheaper, less disruptive option to convert your garage into additional living space. This has the potential to add up to 15% to the value of the house.
Modify the floor plan
Buyers just love open-plan properties, so a sure-fire way to add value to your home is to open up a closed-off floor-plan. Removing a wall here or there, particularly to link a kitchen and living room, has the potential to add thousands to the home value.
Bump up the square footage
As a general rule, bigger homes equal bigger price tags. Adding an additional bedroom increases the value and also broadens the list of potential buyers. Many people hunting for the perfect home will consider viewing properties with more rooms than they need, but very few will look at those with less. A loft conversion that adds an extra bedroom and en-suite bathroom can add around 15% to the value of the property. Another popular way of adding square footage is with a side-return extension. Many semi-detached or terraced houses have a narrow alley by the side of the kitchen, which is essentially wasted space. Opening the property out to the full width of the plot can completely transform the downstairs of a property. A conservatory is another winner that can push the value of your property up by 10%.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
91999 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
72959 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71168 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51522 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30088 Views
Latest Articles
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Advantages of Using an Electric Range
Among cooking enthusiasts, the debate can become very heated when discussing whether a gas or electric range is better. Gas stoves have...
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Crawl Space Repair
Homeowners should never attempt DIY crawl space repair for, as improper repairs can leave behind damaged piers and beams. A damaged, weak...
How to Choose the Best French Door Refrigerator
French door refrigerators are full-width refrigerators with twin doors and a pull-out freezer compartment on the bottom. Throw in dual-activation...
Holiday Home Safety Tips That Are Often Overlooked
While preparing for the holidays, it is easy to forget about basic safety measures. Nevertheless, home decoration and celebration with the family...
What Size of Best Sump Pump Should You Buy for Your Basement?
Pick a rainy day to try this experiment. Take your current sump pump and run it until the water level recedes to shut off level. Unplug the pump...