With the prices of UK homes ever increasing, it’s never been more important to get in on the action. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways to add value to your home, which don’t break the bank.
Restore original features
This can bring out the true character of the property, and therefore increase its appeal to future buyers. Restoring original elements is especially effective in period properties, where so many beautiful features are often found - the key is to think about the way your building was originally constructed and acknowledge its history.
Some of the best projects are:
- Restoring original fireplaces
- Polishing wood floorboards
- Revealing concealed timber beams hidden behind paint
- Restoring decorative mouldings
Don’t be put off by the term ‘restoration’. If you’re not into the period theme, it’s definitely possible to mesh these features with a modern design and come out with a sleek looking home, one that fits right into the twenty-first century.
Upgrade your glazing
While this is not the cheapest of options, it can certainly save you money in the long run. Not only will it lower your future heating bills, but it will increase the selling price of your property.
Installing double glazing could cost up to £500 per window. However, while secondary glazing (adding another pane to the existing window) is not quite as effective an insulator, it’s a great cheaper alternative. It’s up to you to weigh up how much you’re willing to invest in your property in order to increase its overall value.
While there is no fixed figure on how much value improved glazing will add to your home, it has been reported in recent years that 79% of UK homes are now fitted with double glazing. This means that if your home has low-quality windows, it may not meet the mark on the property market.
Learn more about the costs of glazing here.
Give your kitchen a makeover
It has been said that the only thing a future buyer looks at when picking their future home is the kitchen. Therefore, if you’re wanting to create some household appeal, you’ll need to make sure your kitchen is looking hot to trot.
Our favourite ways to add value to your kitchen:
- Add a kitchen island
- Replace or paint over drab looking cabinets
- Add a backsplash
- Change the lighting
- Install improved countertops
Prune those weeds
This is a home improvement that, as long as you have a little time on your hands, does not require much effort at all. Additionally, it can all be done at little to no cost, depending on how much faith you have in your own green fingers. An attractive, well-kept garden can add a lot of value to the property, and can be quite the selling point if you’re showing your home to buyers in the summer months.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, there are countless simple ways you could go about glamming it up, whether it be repairing the lawn, adding colourful plants, or cleaning and tidying dead shrubs. Not only will this make the property more appealing to future buyers, but it will benefit the daily life of the homeowner, especially during a heatwave.
If you live in an area with lots of gardens around yours, another idea could be to make your outside space more secluded. In this day and age, privacy, especially in tightly packed residential areas, is a real luxury… one that will add value to your home. This could be achieved by erecting a fence around your garden (although depending on your property this may require planning permission), or simply planting bushes around the perimeter.
Clever storage solutions
This can be a real selling point, as a lack of storage is a fast way to put off buyers and reduce value. This is especially prevalent if your property is a family home.
Here are some great storage solutions for your home:
- Inbuilt bookshelves
- Alcove shelving
- Swivel out kitchen cabinets
- Walk in wardrobes
- Floating shelves
There’s nothing more alluring to parents, especially those with young children, than hidden places to store toys and trinkets.
