webuyanyhouse has some top tips to for making improvements to your home that can give it added value.
Converting the garage
Considering that 90% of garages in the UK are left empty, why not create a useable room from the wasted space? Though a typical conversion can cost between £10,000-20,000, the return is exceptional. As Virgin Money claims, ‘an en-suite bedroom could increase your home’s value by around £40,000’ and, ‘a playroom or study…by about £20,000’.
You could even knock down the wall between the garage and the adjacent room, creating more space, build your very own soundproof recording studio, or start your own pub for you and the neighbours.
Building a conservatory
Unless they are built of old-fashioned uPVC that may discourage buyers, these glass rooms can add, on average, £11,000 to your house’s value, yet can be so much more than a living room or dining area. Always wanted your own greenhouse full of exotic plants and wildlife? Or how about an indoor pool (if extended) or gym or home office?
Costing approximately £4,000-30,000, it can be a great addition to your, and the next buyer’s home.
Badly designed and poorly fitted conservatories will hinder the house’s selling price however, so ensure you hire a professional.
Aquarium furniture
Some people take those, ‘Sound of the Ocean’ tapes one step further by literally sleeping with the fishes (well, above their head anyway). These built-in beds house swordtails, bettas and danios and help those beneath drift off to sleep. Though eye-catching and colourful, we’re not too sure how sale-friendly they are. If you’re not put off, on average, they cost around £10,000. You can also buy fish tank toilets, sinks and even walls for a continuous aquarium theme.
Under-stairs storage
What’s under your stairs? This typically unused space can comprise drawers storing clothing, books, wine or whatever else you can think of. To the side, drawers can also be added, or how about a dog house, a bookcase, a home office or a bar? Though prices range from the low hundreds into the thousands, they’ve proven to impress prospective buyers, particularly families where space is always high on the list of new home needs.
A hidden room
First rule of film: if you find a secret passageway or hidden room you must explore. A seemingly normal cupboard door or bookcase could lead to pretty much whatever you want. A secret cinema, or a relaxing sauna and jacuzzi room, or even a hidden playroom where the kids can make as much mess as they like without cluttering up the rest of the house.
Your imagination is your limit and a hidden room can certainly make your home stand out, but you should think realistically. Make sure any room is still a practical and useable space, that a buyer will be able to envisage putting their own stamp on. If you’re keen to ramp up the mystery, there’s nothing stopping you from making the entrance to your secret room an even more secret tunnel from somewhere in the house you wouldn’t expect – we’re thinking in the back of a wardrobe.
Don’t forget
Talking to an expert to determine whether you’ll recoup the amount spent on improvements is also advisable. Every home has a ceiling price and they’ll be a point where no improvement, no matter how impressive, will add additional value to your home. Bear in mind that many buyers redecorate anyway and any major improvement will affect your insurance cover. Weighing up the pros and cons is encouraged.
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