Major renovation work is not only expensive, but it also takes time and can cause disruption to your home life.
Not all large home improvement projects add considerable value, either, so being strategic with what your choose to do is key if you’re thinking of selling, or if you’re a landlord
looking to add value and tenant appeal to your rental property.
Luckily, there are a whole range of things that add value to your property without spending a lot on big, time-consuming projects.
What adds more value to a house?
From full-scale renovations to more intricate touches, there are many ways you can add value to your home, including:
- Adding square footage through an extension or loft / garage conversion
- Landscaping your garden
- Fitting a new kitchen or bathroom suite
- Interior and exterior decoration
- A deep clean
- Adding kerb appeal to your property’s exterior
- Restoring or adding period features
What renovations will increase home value the most?
The renovations that add the most value to your property will usually be those that add square footage and usable space.
That might include:
- A kitchen / diner extension
- A two-storey extension that adds a bedroom or a bathroom
- A loft conversion to create a master bedroom with en-suite
- A conservatory
However, other improvements, such as those to energy performance, like roof insulation, under-floor heating, or new double-glazed windows can also add considerable value.
How can I add value to my house easily?
If you’re not keen on taking on major renovation work to add value, or your budget is limited, there are still a whole host of things you can do to add value to your home…
1. Upgrade your kitchen cabinets on a budget
Your kitchen is one area buyers will be immediately drawn to on a viewing – and it can be a deal-breaker for some if lots of work is required to bring it up to scratch.
Of course, you could go down the route of installing a new kitchen or even adding an extension.
But if your budget or the time you have don’t stretch that far, try breathing new life into your cabinets.
A lick of paint in a popular, striking colour could make a huge difference to your kitchen and make it feel like new.
If your budget allows it, you could consider replacing the doors of your cupboards and upgrading the handles to something more modern, which is also likely to appeal to buyers.
2. Redecorate to make your house feel like home
It’s amazing how much impact a pot of paint can have if it’s the right colour.
And repainting your property’s interior spaces is also one of the most cost-effective ways to boost its value.
Opt for a flat matt finish on your walls and don’t be afraid to consider bolder colours like blues and greens, which could really help your property to stand out.
3. Fix any issues before you market your home
Taking on repairs and fixing problems before you sell will not only provide peace of mind for buyers, but it could add value too.
When considering what work to do to add value before you sell, always place some focus on any problem areas of your home that need maintenance or a little TLC.
Major problems, like a leaky roof or an issue with damp, should always be tackled – although can be expensive to fix.
But even smaller maintenance jobs, like tightening taps, fixing a broken cupboard door, or replacing a cracked tile, are important before your home hits the open market.
4. Improve your property’s kerb appeal
How a property looks from the roadside can have a huge impact on its value – as well as how it’s perceived by buyers.
An unkempt exterior can indicate to buyers that a property is poorly maintained even before they step inside.
So, spend some time (and budget) tidying up your front entrance if it needs it. That could include:
- Jet washing pathways
- Washing down windows, and cleaning and painting frames
- Clearing guttering and downpipes
- Mowing the lawn and adding new planting
- Painting or replacing your front door
5. Spruce up your garden space
Since the onset of the pandemic, buyer priorities have shifted – and outside space has become far more important to many.
If your garden is looking a little tired and unloved, even some basic gardening work can add value and make the space more appealing to buyers.
But if your budget allows it, why not consider some landscaping to create useable spaces for barbecues or al-fresco dining.
Adding a patio or extended hard-standing space like a deck can be a great way to breathe new life into your garden.
6. Add a downstairs cloakroom
A downstairs toilet can add an estimated 5% to the value of your home.
And if you have the space to accommodate it, it doesn’t always have to cost the earth to install, either.
Spaces under stairs can make superb downstairs cloakrooms, and you’ll only require a toilet and small basin to make the space work.
7. Add another parking space
For families, having two cars is extremely common, so properties that offer more than one off-street parking space can command a premium with these buyers.
If your property has a short driveway for one car, you could consider eating into some of your front garden to create a second parking space.
For many family buyers, there will be more value in an additional parking space than a front garden they may never use.
8. Boost your home’s security
Buyers today are very conscious of security – so additions to your home that will make them feel safer could mean they’re willing to pay more for it.
Some of the additional security measures you could consider adding include:
- A video doorbell
- A security alarm system
- Security lights
- Additional locking mechanisms on doors and outside gates
- CCTV
9. Improve your property’s energy efficiency
Like security, buyers are very aware of a home’s eco credentials – and may be willing to pay more for a property that is more sustainable.
One way to improve your property’s energy efficiency is through loft insulation, which can lower your heating bills (and those of your buyers after you’ve sold your home).
You could also consider replacing your windows with energy efficient double or triple glazing, or installing an energy-efficient front door, if your budget allows this.
10. Obtain planning permission
Obtaining planning permission for a large extension can be a great way to add value without actually doing any of the work.
A basic planning application can cost in the region of £400, but buyers will be hugely attracted by permission already being in place, as they won’t have to arrange any of the paperwork – as well as knowing they can do the work right away if they wish.
