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Whether you’re a brand new homeowner or a seasoned property manager, we’re all looking for ways to improve the quality of our lives and our property. For many, saving up and improving your home is a major step towards moving up the property ladder, which is why we deliberate and spend plenty of time thinking about exactly what we want to change and how.
In this guide, we’re going to look at a few home improvements which both improve home re-sell value and make you life easier, either physically or financially. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be inspired to make a change to your property and take it from good to great.
Basement Conversion
To start with, let’s talk about basements. Not everyone has a basement or cellar but for those who do, they can often be slightly damp, dark and spider-web filled places which are used solely as storage space. Making your basement habitable or, even better, converting it into a useful and practical environment is sure to improve property value and give you an extra space to enjoy at home.
Common basement conversion ideas include games rooms, workshops, wine cellars, cinemas and much more – your imagination is the limit. The only key point to remember is to factor in the pre-build costs. Underground spaces require basement tanking to become waterproof and safe. Similarly, they must be decorated, furnished and have plumbing or electrical wiring installed depending on what you’re doing with it. Conduct a little research and you’re sure to find the best approach for you and your needs.
Attic Conversion
In the same way as basements, attics are often used as cold, empty storage spaces – if they are used at all. Turning this space into a new and more practical space is guaranteed to bring something new and valuable to your property. Most commonly, attics are converted into additional bedrooms or bathrooms, which are usually the most valuable options, but you can turn your roof space into whatever room is right for you. Again, attics require some level of preparation to be ready for refurbishment so plan your upgrade before you begin.
Energy-Efficient Window Upgrades
Window upgrades may not be your first thought when you consider high-value home improvements but they can have a major impact on not just property prices but quality of life too. Usually a little more affordable than the other home improvements on this list, energy-efficient windows have been shown to save a lot of money over the year by reducing the need for central heating. A lot of modern home buyers keep energy efficiency in mind and as a result, the price of properties with appropriate efficiency measures can increase by a surprising amount.
If you want to save money on heating bills whilst also improving home value, you can’t go wrong with improving your windows.
A Second Bathroom
Finally, it’s important to note the importance of having two bathrooms. Whilst en-suite bathrooms are seen as a bit of a luxury, having two bathrooms is considered a necessity, particularly for families. If your home has only one bathroom, investing in an attractive and functional second bathroom will boost value and make your property more attractive for a wider audience – that means a faster and easier sell when you’re ready.
Consider converting a utility room into a bathroom or even better, incorporating it into your basement or attic conversion.
These four improvements are sure to have a major impact on how much your home is worth and how enjoyable living there will be. As with all things in the home, many of the work for these projects can be done by yourself but if you aren’t fully confident, always consult or hire a professional to make sure you get it right first time. There’s nothing worse than spending lots of money on an improvement, only to tear it up and pay even more money to get it done a second time.
