Adding Value To Your Home [Infographic]

Aimee Middleton http://www.castironradiators4u.co.uk 4m 1,095 #homevalue

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Additional Values Of Your Home

Your home is your castle, however, all buildings need to be kept in tip-top condition to retain or improve their market value, so whether you need to add improvements to give your home a facelift or you’re looking to move home adding repairing problems or adding new features is a worthwhile exercise.

The infographic below provides an insight into the variety or internal and external options available. From simple makeovers to major structural repairs, renovations to extensions, there are plenty of ways to improve and upgrade your home.

The guide offers the top 5 home improvements for under £100, many of which you may be able to undertake yourself with a little DIY knowledge. It also includes 5 improvements that can potentially increase the value of your property, including new electrics although for these you’ll need to engage the services of a qualified and registered electrician, and updating the central heating system using a registered company. These more costly improvements can make your home more appealing to prospective buyers, and if you’re not moving home, they’ll certainly make your home safer and comfortable.

Breathing new life into a tired property, some home improvements can become expensive and very disruptive, so take a look at the guide and consider the options available before making an informed decision as to which improvements will be most beneficial to your style of living or increase its value.

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HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

Getting on the property ladder these days is difficult, but once you’re on it, you may find yourself stuck on the same rung. Investing in your property can increase the value of your house and make your time there much more comfortable and enjoyable.

The top 5 home improvements that would add the most value to your home are…

1. Loft conversion
2. Extra bedroom through an extension
3. Increasing floor space
4. A second bathroom
5. A conservatory

If you do just 3 out of these, you could add an extra 37% to the value of your home.

WAYS YOU CAN IMPROVE THE MARKET VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE

STRUCTURAL

Structural issues can really put a dampener on your home. Literally! Before you even consider any cosmetic improvements, be sure to fix any problems that are likely to put buyers off. Structural surveyors and valuers won’t be fooled by cosmetic attempts to hide serious problems.

WHAT TO DO:

Check for the following defects:

• Unstable chimney stack
• Rotten roof timbers or joists
• Rising damp
• Structural cracks to walls
• Insect infestation
• Leaking roof
• Collapsed roof

ESTIMATED COSTS:

Depending on the depth of the damage, costs can range widely.

DIY DIFFICULTY RATING: 8/10

VALUE ADDED:

However much it costs you, as this would be what any potential buyer would have to pay if they were doing the job after a sale.

CRACK WIDTH – CATEGORY – POSSIBLE REPAIRS

LESS THAN 1mm – VERY SLIGHT – NORMAL DECORATION

1 TO 5 mm – MINOR – NORMAL DECORATION

5 TO 15mm – MODERATE – NORMAL REPAIRS / MINOR MASONRY REPLACEMENT

15 TO 25 MM – SEVERE – EXTENSIVE REPAIR WORK / REPLACING SECTIONS OF WALLS

OVER 255MM – VERY SEVERE – MAJOR REPAIR WORK / PARTIAL BUILDING

THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR CRACKING OF BRICK WALLS:

• Settlement
• Thermal expansion
• Moisture
• Roof movement

ADD SPACE

WHAT TO DO:

Create more space with a loft conversion or a conservatory.

LOFT CONVERSION OR CONSERVATORY:

Simple loft storage = £500
Full loft conversion = £20,000 – £45,000
Conservatory = £5,000 – £20,000

DIY DIFFICULTY RATING:

10/10

VALUE ADDED: 

7 – 11% for a conservatory.
Up to 20% for a full loft conversion as bedroom with en suite.

EXTERNAL

WHAT TO DO:

Most buyers will decide whether they like a house before they step inside.

You can focus on things like the garden, repointing brickwork, adding a porch, repainting walls, or replacing an old garage door.

ESTIMATED COSTS:

Garage doors = £200 – £500
Adding porch = £3,500
Repointing = £200 – £4,000

DIY DIFFICULTY RATING:  

9/10

VALUE ADDED:

These are very much cosmetic and will increase the desirability of your house to potential buyers, but not necessarily the value.

UTILITIES

CENTRAL HEATING

WHAT TO DO:

Add / update central heating.

ESTIMATED COSTS:

£3,000 – £4,000

DIY DIFFICULTY RATING:

9/10
Never cut corners on anything to do with gas and electric!

VALUE ADDED:

5.4% of your property price.

ELECTRICAL RE-WIRING

WHAT TO DO:

Electrical re-wiring.
A three to four bedroom house costs around £200 – £250 for a full electrical installation condition report.
This will highlight any defects, outdated wiring, and faulty connections.

ESTIMATED COSTS:

Prices depend on size of house, whether it is occupied, the specification of fitting, and whereabouts in the UK you live.

DIY DIFFICULTY RATING:

9/10
Only a trained and registered electrician should do thi job!

VALUE ADDED:

If this isn’t done, prospective buyers could use it as a bargaining chip to knock off a few thousand pounds from the house price.

EXAMPLE:

A three bedroom, semi-detached house will cost between £3,000 – £4,000, assuming the following is done:

• Remove old wiring and fittings.
• Running new cables.
• Installing new fittings.
• Supplying a new consumer unit.

KNOWING WHEN TO STOP

Your house will have a ceiling price based largely on the desirability of your area. Do some research and never invest more than you will receive in a sale.

IMPROVE DON’T MOVE! THE TOP FIVE IMPROVEMENTS FOR UNDER £100.

If you’re not ready to sell and don’t have the money for the costlier improvements, here are our top 5 things that you can do for under £100!

• A FRESH LICK OF PAINT: You can give your rooms a whole new lease on life with just a fresh lick of paint. Choose light, neutral colours to give the feeling of more space.
• UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM: Changing the taps and light switches can dramatically change the look of your bathroom. Peeling radiator? Try some radiator paint. Add a floating shelf with fresh, clean towels, and a couple of candles and your bathroom will suddenly look classy and inviting.
• DECLUTTER: Clutter is oppressive. It stifles the mind and the energy of a room. It can even induce feelings of claustrophobia. So, clean out all your rubbish. Your home will look a million times better for it and you’ll feel happier too.
• DRESS TO IMPRESS: Just as accessories can make an outfit, they can also make a home. Cushions, throws, a vase, a candle, or a nice lamp or two. Stay simple and elegant.
• UPCYCLE AND RECYCLE: Go on a charity shop hunt! You can find some real bargains on furniture, vases, and ornaments. Local upcycling companies will also have some great furniture that has been given a new lease on life.

Cast Iron Radiators 4 U

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