Which home improvements really add value to your home before selling?

Whether you are planning to put your home on the market soon or are considering a DIY project, it is important to give careful thought to what home improvements to make. An extension or loft conversion will almost certainly add value to your property, but small projects can also make a huge difference. Here are some of the best home improvements to make before putting your home on the market.

Give your property “kerb appeal”

Prospective buyers must be able to visualise themselves living in your property, so it is essential to make the most of what they see when they arrive. If you have a front garden, trim back overgrown plants and tidy away bikes, bins and outdoor toys. Paint the woodwork and make sure windows are sparkling clean. A new front door can also make a huge difference (this could set you back somewhere between £300 and £1,500). Finally, add some bay trees or pots of flowers to give your visitors a stylish welcome.

Convert the garage

Converting a garage into an extra bedroom, office or utility room can be an excellent way to
increase your property’s value. According to Spring, the average garage conversion costs £6,500, including plastering and decorating. A garage conversion could add around 15% to the value of your property.

Go green with eco-friendly features

Installing energy-saving features such as better insulation, a new boiler or solar panels can boost
your home’s value by around 6%. And going green might not always have to be very costly: check
whether you may be eligible for any government grants or lower tax rates.

Upgrade the kitchen

A new kitchen with cabinets, worktops and appliances can cost anywhere between £8k and £25k
with some even reaching further than that. It is unlikely to bring you a significantly higher profit
when you sell but an open-plan kitchen and dining area is a must-have for many purchasers.
Removing a non-load-bearing wall to change the layout will typically offer a great ROI. Another
option to gain more space is to extend the kitchen into the side return, although this can often cost
in excess of £35k.

Repair, declutter and decorate

An essential task before putting your property on the market! Clean our gutters, repair any leaky
taps, replace missing lightbulbs (or install all new ones) and remove any mould or mildew. Get rid
of any clutter that has accumulated. When decorating, pay attention to the finish and don’t get
carried away with the latest trends. Buyers might not be able to “look beyond” overpowering
colours and patterns. Opt for light, neutral shades throughout to create a calm, spacious
atmosphere.

Convert the loft

More and more people are looking upwards in search of extra space. Converting the loft costs on
average £30k but property experts Spring say that a loft conversion could add as much as 25% in value to your home.

Spruce up the garden

Many buyers are now demanding more outdoor space. For a quick fix, give your garden a thorough
tidy, prune back any overhanging branches to increase the light and invest in some pots of
colourful flowers. Paving to create an outdoor seating area will add value to your, as will a garden
cabin that can be used as a home office, playroom or extra bedroom.

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