Ways to Increase House Value

1. FIX STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS

Before you even begin to consider cosmetic improvements and repairs like new bathrooms, kitchens, flooring and redecorating, make sure you fix any major structural problems.

Cosmetic solutions can hide problems from potential buyers but are very unlikely to fool a valuer and this will be sure to scupper any sale.

2. ADD CENTRAL HEATING

Adding or updating the central heating system will always add more to the value of a property than it costs. It will be considered an essential by most buyers and mortgage valuers.

Using a plumber to add central heating Using a plumber to add central heating to an average three bedroom Victorian or Edwardian house will cost £3–4,000.

3. UPDATE SERVICES

Updating services such as wiring and plumbing is a disruptive job, involving lifting floors and chasing out plaster walls, so find out exactly what is required and complete the work before making any cosmetic improvements.

Electricity:

Plumbing:

- Updating the electrics may be essential if the house has not been rewired for some years.

- Adding extra sockets will also add value to your home and in some cases it might be worth opting for attractive face plates for sockets and switches.

- Old pipework can be very furred up, leading to poor hot and cold flow, knocking or rattling sounds and other noises at worst, it can lead to burst pipes.

- If you have room for a cylinder, you can still have stored hot water for filling a bath quickly.

4. FIX ALL SUPERFICIAL DEFECTSSmall defects do not directly affect the value of a property. However, cumulatively they will prevent it from selling at the optimum price.

5. CONVERT THE ROOFSPACE

A typical loft conversion costs around £500-600/m² compared to around twice this for an extension.

In terms of adding value, it is likely to be a In terms of adding value, it is likely to be a very good investment providing it adds more accommodation than it takes away. Remember, you need to make room for a full staircase and this will take up existing space.

6. REPLACE WINDOWSNew double glazed PVCu windows can add considerable value to a property and in the lower end of the market are considered essential by most buyers, regardless of their style or lack of it. PVCu windows require very little maintenance, are energy efficient and, depending on design and installation, depending on design and installation, can be very secure.

7. MAKEOVER THE KITCHEN

An attractive, hygienic looking kitchen is essential both to buyers and valuation surveyors. Before replacing a kitchen, consider the fundamentals such as its shape and position and decide if you are going to make any structural changes to the space, or if you want to relocate it elsewhere.

8. REMODEL EXISTING SPACEAdding new space will increase the value of a property, but first you should consider how you can improve the use of the existing space. Maximum value will be added by improving public space, such as the kitchen, dining and living areas. Draw up a simple floorplan of the existing layout. You can get a basic CAD system for your PC for as little a basic CAD system for your PC for as little as 10. Play around adding and removing walls to achieve the optimum layout.

9. MAKEOVER EXISTING BATHROOMSBathrooms need to be fresh and hygienic looking, so make sure there is adequate light and paint the walls a nice neutral light shade ideally an off white.

If there is not enough light, replace a single pendant with a triple halogen spotlight unit.

10. IMPROVE OR ADD TO EXISTING ACCOMMODATION

A great deal of value is placed on the number of bedrooms in a property, and so adding bedrooms will usually add to the sale price, although be aware that there is a ceiling value for every street and so at some point the additional cost ceases to bring any return.

Sources:

https://pixabay.comhttps://www.homebuilding.co.uk/20-sure-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home/eMoov.co.uk

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