Should you renovate your home when putting it on the market? Absolutely. If you want to do this then you need to try and explore the many ways that you can maximise your value.
1. Convert your Cellar- 30% Potential
Transforming your cellar into a living space can easily boost the value of your property by over 30%. Just make sure that the build cost per square foot is way less than the price per square foot.
Converting your cellar can easily be one of the most complex improvements you can do to your home, as it qualifies as being âchange of useâ under your planning permission.
This means that you will need to talk to your local planning officer to see if they can give you the help you need. If you do not have a cellar right now, then you can build one if you want to add some space to your home.
Remember that building a basement will require help from a specialist. You will need to get some support with the excavation as well as making sure that the project isnât going to generate more issues.
Itâs incredibly easy for you to feel somewhat overwhelmed with issues like this, so it helps to try and hire a good architect as they can work with you to make sure that you get the help and support you need with every aspect of your build.
They can also make sure that the project is structurally sound. The last thing that you want is to finish the job, only to find that your home is not safe and therefore cannot be sold.
2. Open Plan- 5% Potential
Did you know that you can really add value to your home by knocking down the wall between your kitchen and dining room? Or your dining room and backroom? This is a DIY job but if thereâs a load-bearing wall, you might have to call in the professionals.
3. Split your Home into Flats- 30% Potential
In cities, converting a home into a set of flats can be a popular option. In certain places, flats are in higher demand when compared to houses and if you split your property into units, then this can help you to maximise the amount of rental potential that you have both in the short-term and the long-term.
Before you even begin a project, just make sure that you do some research so you can see if there is a demand. If you notice that three-bedroom homes are not shifting but a lot of the smaller flats are then a conversion could easily be a good option.
4. New Bathroom- 5% Potential
A new bathroom can easily increase the value of your home, but it can be expensive. Itâs a good idea for you to try and keep the layout if you want to reduce the cost. Framed enclosures tend to be way cheaper when compared to frameless models too so keep that in mind.
5. Convert your Garage- 15% Potential
If your garage is not being used to house a car right now, then thereâs a high chance that you could convert it into a living space. This is especially the case if there is room for parking outside. Your first step here would be for you to make sure that your garage is suited to have a conversion.
You also need to make sure that you have planning permission too. In a lot of cases, the work involved with converting a garage will be classed under permitted development.
This means that you wonât need any kind of planning permission. A garage conversion will be subject to building regulations though, as this will make sure that it is structurally sound as much as possible. You can use your councilâs building or even an independent inspector to do this for you. They will check things like the drainage, the walls and the electrics too.
6. Get Planning Permission- 10% Potential
Did you know that you can increase the value of your property even more by just applying for planning permission? If someone knows that they can build on the property even more, this can stir interest and make someone more keen on offering a higher price.
7. Extend your Kitchen- 15% Potential
A side return is usually a narrow alley which runs adjacent to the kitchen. Properties like this are normally semi-detached. If you are able to extend the kitchen into the side return then you will be able to get a very valuable amount of space and you may even find that you can improve the layout as well.
A single-story return extension can be classified as being a permitted development. This is only if you meet the required regulations, such as by having it no more than 4m high and no wider than 50% of the original house.
If you are thinking about having a side return extension done then itâs important to remember that you will lose out on window space and you will also lose out on the amount of light that is coming in as well. Roof lights in your extension will fix this, or you can even have a fully glazed roof if you want to keep the space airy and light.
8. Carry out a Loft Conversion- 15% Potential
An extra bedroom can add up to 15% of value to your home. This is especially the case if itâs a loft conversion that comes with a bathroom. Nearly every loft can be converted, but it helps to consult a builder to see if they can give you some advice before you go ahead with this.
When you start planning, you will need to get to grips with the types of conversions that are out there. A light conversion will require a minimal amount of structural work and this makes it the most effective when compared to an expensive mansard, full conversion.
9. Build a Conservatory- 10% Potential
If you want to feel like you are closer to nature, then a glazed conservatory will easily help you to merge the outdoors with whatâs inside. If you want to get started, then itâs helpful to think about how you would want to use the space.
Would you want to have a modern conservatory? Or would you be more interested in having a traditional style conservatory instead? The biggest part will be the glass so make sure that you explore your options.
10. Upgrade your Kerb Appeal- 10% Potential
Make sure that youâre making the most out of your homeâs curb appeal if possible. This is especially the case if you are planning on selling. A deck or even a patio can drastically transform your home and you would be surprised at what a difference it can make.
