Thinking of Home Improvements?
Ideas for home improvements
Buying your own home is the biggest expenditure that you are likely to face so it is natural that you will want to make the best of your bricks and mortar. Even if you have bought a modern house that requires little or no renovations, there are still many projects that can add amenity and value to your abode.
A very big trend at the moment is towards creating a garden room that serves to bring the outside closer to your interior. This could involve the use of decking or patio areas under a canopy, awning or pergola, which can be used as a useful extra area for entertaining and relaxing.
A modern kitchen or bathroom is another popular project to commit it. It is often the first thing that anyone does after moving house, especially if the existing fittings are outdated.
Other ideas include loft conversions, extensions and conservatories. Before committing to any home improvement work, it is always wise to research everything very carefully before you proceed.
What to watch out for when renovating or improving
1. It will always work out to be more expensive than you first think, so always account for this. Even if you have had a quote, unless it is fixed (which is rare) expect to pay about a third again more.
2. It might not be cost effective to carry out a big project. So, if you are looking for profit be very careful as a £15,000 kitchen might only add £5,000 onto the value of the property.
3. Always carry out work and finish it to a high standard. Unfinished and/or shoddy work can devalue your property.
4. Don’t be tempted to sacrifice a bedroom to make one larger one. More bedrooms almost always means more profit, no matter how small they are.
5. Gas central heating adds value and attracts more buyers. If the property is able to be connected to the gas network, a new condensing gas central heating system will add value.
6. Some eco-features can attract more buyers such as under floor heating, good insulation or solar panels for top-up heating. However, it is not yet known if these features are cost effective in terms of increasing property value.
7. Creating a parking space, especially in areas where there are severe parking restrictions can add as much as 6% on to the value of a property.
8. Building an extension, especially if it adds an extra room or two will always add value to the property which is almost always turned into profit when sold on (unless the project has gone horribly over budget) .
9. Sometimes, just a simple de clutter and redecoration can improve the property and add value. Buyers are attracted to a property that is clean, has a neutral decor, and is styled in a simple fashion.
10. Remember the neighbours too if you are doing any disruptive work. A neighbour complaint lodged against your property can devalue it and cause problems when it comes to selling.
Excerpt from Health & Safety Wear the appropriate safety gear. Each job demands specific safety protection...