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Top Renovation Tips By Martin Roberts- TV Property Expert, Author and presenter of ‘Homes under the Hammer’ offers advice and guidance on all things property related What adds value and what to avoid If you want to ensure that any money you spend on ‘improving’ your property is returned to you in the eventual value of your home, then there are certain things which work well, whilst others are likely to actually put off buyers. My suggestions are: Home Renovation Jobs costing under £1000 • A coat of paint works wonders - Repaint walls and ceilings in neutral colours if they aren’t already. A fresh coat of paint can transform a property. • Tidy the garden - My wife always says that mowing the grass is equivalent to making the bed in the garden. No matter how great the garden is, unless the grass is cut, it still looks unkempt. Make sure that driveways and paths are also clear of weeds. • Kerb appeal - Lower the kerb to give off street parking. This will involve applying for Planning Permission, the costs of which can vary between different planning offices but if you don't have off street car parking, this will add value. • Insulation – Insulating your loft is not very expensive and can save on heating bills - a real selling point for buyers. Also Cavity wall insulation is cheap, clean and quick to install. • Kitchen Work Surface & Doors - Completely replacing a kitchen isn't necessary - but if your existing kitchen is looking dated, you can give it a new lease of life by replacing the work surface and cupboard doors. • Bathroom tiles - Give the bathroom a new lease of life by either replacing the tiles or painting the old ones. • Recessed lighting - Lighting can really change the mood and atmosphere of a room - Spot lights and recessed lighting is more appealing than pedestal lights. • Strip floorboards - Revealing floorboards is a great way to do away with old, worn carpets that doesn't cost as much as replacing them. If the boards are not in such good shape, you could paint them. • Reveal hidden features - If you’ve got period or unusual features in the house, make sure you show them off. Home Renovation Jobs costing under £5000 • Replace kitchen - It is the most used room in the house and kitchens alone can sell houses. Replacing the kitchen units with something clean and fresh will help sell your property. • Renovate bathroom - Second to kitchens, bathrooms are also critical to the overall appeal of a house. Make sure yours includes a shower as they are considered more economical than baths. • Open up rooms, improve living areas, create en-suite - minor structural works that enhance the lifestyle of the property's inhabitants will also help add value to the house. Consider who is most likely to live here and what would work best for them. • Install Central heating - If your property doesn't have central heating, get this installed. It might not cost as much as you think. • New roof windows or skylights - Grab as much natural daylight into your property as you can. Adding Velux windows or skylights to upstairs rooms is a great way of lifting dark hallways, landings and rooms. • Erect an up-market ‘shed’ – e.g. office/playroom/workshop/studio - You don't usually need planning permission to erect a garden 'shed' to provide some additional space to your property. • Have plans for extension drawn up - Even if you don't actually intend to carry out the works, having plans drawn up for an extension will show buyers what could be done. Home Renovation Jobs costing over £10,000 • Loft Conversion - A great way to increase the living accommodation. Loft conversions can suit a variety of different needs but you'll need building regulations approval. • Convert cellar - If you can't go up, go down. See below. • More major structural works - Other major works such as moving a bathroom, adding an en-suite, building an extension or conservatory are all worth considering. But remember- why are you doing it? is it for lifestyle improvement or investment? Be aware of the ceiling price of property in the area. Home Renovation Jobs that you should think very carefully about • Very personalised renovations. Your tastes might not be the same as future buyers. Steer clear of bright colours or very bold patterns on walls unless you are prepared to return them to neutral colours at the time of selling. • High maintenance facilities such as swimming pools may put off prospective buyers. • Using very expensive fixtures and fittings. Things which may actually de-value your home are: • Fake chimney breasts. Whilst the height of sophistication in the 70's nowadays they are likely to be ripped out by future buyers. • Drinks bars. Very Authur Daley and not to everyone's tastes. • Patterned or coloured bathroom suites. If you are replacing yours, keep to neutral colours or white. • Lots of fitted wardrobes and cabinets. They tend to restrict the living accommodation and make it more difficult to change around the room. Martin’s Property Clinic: Loft Insulation Grants? Sally Wright asks: “I’ve heard that the government offer grants for loft insulation. Who qualifies for these ”. The Government want to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient and so there are grants available for loft insulation. The good news is that all home owners and private tenants - whatever their income – can qualify for up grants of around 50% or more and this increases up to 100% if you satisfy the eligibility criteria. Go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for a list of criteria that if you meet, could entitle you to FREE loft insulation. If you are NOT eligible for the FULL 100% grant, you can still apply for a partial grant of 50-70%. If you have a problem or confusion from the property world, Email your questions to askmartin@martinroberts.co.uk . Individual questions may not be answered personally, but could appear in this column To find out more about Martin Roberts. discounted property deals and for property advice visit www.martinroberts.co.uk |
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