This is the first blog in a two part series. Please click here to read the second blog.
It is vital that when considering adding value to your home you actually add value and do not make changes for changes sake and be out of pocket.
There are many ways to enhance the value and boost the attraction of your home that may include building an extension, changing the kitchen, and upgrading the bathroom giving your home a makeover. The golden rule is that when adding accommodation, in the main, you add value!
Specific projects are relatively quick and easy and will combine immediate interior appeal while others may be larger projects that will make the property more marketable and increase the overall value.
Structural defects
One logical way to identify where to focus and consider starting this process is to imagine that a surveyor is inspecting your property. The surveyor would pick up on structural defects and issues. This is a logical place to start by making sure the property is structurally safe, secure and must be the priority.
It makes no sense to carry out cosmetic improvements or internal work, such as upgrading and changing the kitchen or bathroom, or any decoration work without dealing with any structural defects first. Rectifying structural defects can be costly, so working within a budget is also advisable.
Some examples of structural defects could include:
Sagging or leaky roofs
Rising damp
Structural cracks to walls
Bowing walls
Rotten joists or roof timbers
Insect infestation
Missing or broken roof tiles
An unstable chimney stack
A collapsed floor/slab
Using the services and expertise of a builder, surveyor or structural engineer is to be advised in the case of structural defects. They will also be able to give you an idea of how much it will cost to rectify and works needed and keep you working within your planned budget.
New Heating System
Having sorted any structural problems then another way to Add Value to Your Home could be a New Heating System with emphasis on being Eco and generally energy efficient.
Improving the efficiency will include:
Sealing any drafts around doors and windows (but not airbricks)
Replacing windows that are beyond repair with double glazing
Adding insulation into the loft space
If the existing boiler is in reasonable working order and ideally less than 15 years old and regularly serviced, try to make use of it.
If the boiler has sufficient capacity, consider adding new radiators or have the system pressure cleaned to ensure maximum heat output and capacity.
Rewiring and Replumbing Residential Properties
Rewiring, updating plumbing and utilities/services, such as wiring, and plumbing can be a disruptive task and could involve lifting floors and chasing out plaster or timbers. It is vital to complete the work before making any aesthetic improvements when looking at ways to add value to your home.
Updating the electrics
Take advantage to upgrade the electrics if the house has not been rewired for some years. A big and obvious clue is by looking to see if there is an old fuse box, you probably need to rewire the house and install a modern consumer unit with an RCD (residual circuit device) for safety and to be compliant.
Adding extra sockets with the latest USB sockets will also add value to your home, there are so many attractive designs of face plates for sockets and switches available now!
If rewiring, use the opportunity to update the lighting, change from a central light and consider Eco highly efficient LED down or up lighters.
A new plumbing system
Old pipework is never efficient as its modern counterpart; old pipes can get 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. Consider a pressurised plumbing system, rather than gravity fed, as it eliminates the need for a header tank, thus freeing up space, and ensures good pressure on both the hot and cold supplies
If you have room for a cylinder, you can still have stored hot water for filling a bath quickly. If not, consider a combination boiler that provides hot water on demand but make sure you choose one with a good flow rate you need at least 10 litres a minute for a decent power shower. In our experience this is one of the key things that buyers look for, we even get into some tricky situations testing them as you can read here.
When you need help finding the perfect property, it's time to call the experts. For more information about buying your next home, please contact Premier Property Search on 01962 793100 or email enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk
