When it comes to home improvements, modifications made to the building will not only increase curb appeal but will also add value to your property. There are several ways you can make enhancements to your home in the UK and get value for your investment. Check out hometree for better heating options!
Beyond curb appeal and resale value, proper home improvements will also boost your comfort and enjoyment.
However, an intended enhancement can turn into a bad investment if not properly executed.
The first step to improving your home is to use durable materials. Although it may be tempting to go for inferior quality, resilient and durable materials will substantially add value to any home.
Materials like composite wood have super-low maintenance and premium durability. It is also a smart investment as you can recoup up to 62% or more of your investment in composite decking.
Their longevity in that they can last up to 20 years more than wood materials make them the ideal choice for most homeowners in the UK and beyond.
Here, we would look at eight home improvements that will add the most value to your property in the UK.
Consider Adding a Garden to your Outdoor Living Space
A study has shown that 40% of UK buyers would not consider a property without a garden. Another research revealed that an attractive garden could add up to 20 per cent to your home’s value, especially if it has a modern garden shed with durable cladding.
Besides the substantial value a garden adds to your home; it also gives you a significantly-improved space to enjoy and use to host guests.
Whether you are doing it for your enjoyment, increased value or for a visually appealing setting, adding a garden to your outdoor living space can make your home look elaborate, effectively shooting its value up.
Upgrade your Kitchen and Bathroom
Most experts say the kitchen and bathroom are the most important rooms in a house, so if yours are looking a bit past their best, then it is time to focus on an improvement. In fact, these two areas may have the highest return on investment.
If you are working with a small budget, consider replacing the toilets and showerhead. The average home toilet in the UK is responsible for about 30% of water consumption.
Therefore, consider switching to a low-flow system, which will reduce water waste and help you save money. Underfloor heating in your bathroom is also a great way to add value to your home.
Improve your HVAC System
If you have an out-dated Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, changing it can add more value to your home.
Air conditioning, underfloor heating and low carbon heating systems are some of the many ways you can remarkably improve your HVAC system.
These two are also excellent low carbon heating options for UK residents who may want to replace their gas boilers which will be banned in the new builds from 2025 onward.
Be Creative with your Basement
If you have a basement, then consider converting it. Not only do you gain extra space that makes your home more appealing, but you will also ensure your basement is not a source of damp.
You can use a converted basement for many things, and you could increase your home’s value by as much as 30% if you make it into a usable space.
Strive for an Energy-Efficient Home
You can reduce your electricity bill and, at the same time, increase your home’s value with energy-efficient appliances.
Although they may be expensive, they will be well worth it. Some also do not have to break the bank. You can change your lighting from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs.
Also, look to updates that may cost a lot more upfront but will add a lot of value, like new solar panels. Before switching, do thorough research on the pros and cons of having solar panels, and use a solar panel calculator to estimate your solar potential based on your roof, electricity bill, and actual offers in your area.
Add a Garage
A garage can also increase your home’s value. Consider oak frame garages; they are easier to erect and still maintain the same longevity as brick-built.
Your garage does not have to be a place you only put the car; you can build one with plans of converting it into a usable space in the future.
Work on the Curb Appeal
Things like the drive, front garden or lawn, and your home’s overall exterior are important in increasing your property’s value.
The key to this is looking at the exterior of your house from a potential buyer’s view.
Add Popular Amenities
Adding popular amenities to your home is also a great way to increase its value.
Consider adding a dishwasher, especially new models that do not waste litres of water in each cycle. Other amenities include storage space, outdoor living areas like a patio or balcony, a fenced-in yard for pets, and a washer and dryer in-unit.
