5 DIY Projects to Increase the Value of Your Home
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Home & Garden
DIY projects are a great way to improve the condition of your home, as well as a way to add value to your property. If you are thinking about selling your house, or even if you simply want a revamp or some extra space, here are five of the best projects you should consider doing.
1. Revamp Your Kitchen
According to property experts, revamping your kitchen is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Buyers appreciate spacious kitchens that are in good condition and have all the key appliances ready fitted.
You don’t necessarily have to fit a completely new kitchen. This might cost more than the value you’ll add in some cases, and some people just don’t have the budget for it.
You can undertake small revamps to give your kitchen a makeover. For example, by painting your cupboards with a light, neutral shade, or remove doors from cupboards to create lovely open-space shelves. Make sure you have as much storage space available as possible.
2. Go with a Loft Conversion
If you have unused loft space, consider converting it to an extra room, Loft conversions typically add the most value to your property.
DIY loft conversions don’t need to cost a fortune and the project can be a straightforward to undertake. You just need to make sure you apply for the necessary building permits and that you hire a professional electrician to do the wiring for you.
By adding an extra room to your house—whether through a loft conversion or alternatively by building an extension—you can dramatically increase the value of your home. But remember that the finished room should be in excellent condition. Badly done loft conversions can cost more and possibly lower the value of a home.
3. Build a Conservatory
It doesn't necessarily have to be a home extension, as standalone conservatories can be cheaper and easier to build while still adding value to the property. The key is to ensure your conservatory is spacious and provides plenty of light.
You can find many conservatory manufacturers who provide all the materials together with simple instructions, guaranteeing you can manage to build the conservatory without hiring outside help.
Conservatories aren’t necessarily the sign of affluence they were 20 years ago, so try to make sure there’s something unique about yours.
4. Fix Your Exterior Spaces
First impressions are important when it comes to selling your home. If you want to make buyers fall in love with your home, ensure the exterior of your house is in top-notch condition.
Give fences a makeover with a touch of paint and clean all the clutter from the garden. Add a small patio or a porch to your home or fix your existing ones. Ensure any exterior paint is in great condition, bay windows are well maintained, and that any visitor would have confidence in your home based on their first impression.
5. Take Care of Your Bathroom
The bathroom is also a big selling point—often considered to be as important as the kitchen—and you can add value with a simple bathroom makeover. Make sure your bathroom has neutral, light colours that make the room look more spacious.
Retile any loose tiles and consider adding storage space if necessary. Homebuyers are wowed by bathrooms that are as practical as they are attractive!
These five projects can help to add real value to your home
Before you start a specific project, make sure you carefully calculate the potential costs and weigh them against the additional value they’re likely to add. Although DIY projects can add more value, you want to make sure your project doesn’t end up costing you more than you think.
Consult with an estate agent before you get started if necessary, as they’re best placed to recommend what could help you sell your home for more.
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