Planning on selling your old house sometime in the near future? If so, you’ll be better off if you make some upgrades and assemble a plan in place. Home improvement and remodelling projects can be heavy on the pockets which is precisely why you should be extra careful if you’re planning on going down that road. Rest assured, we’ve got you covered with this list of home improvement projects that will actually add value to your old house:
Invest In Double Glazing
Double glazing has been talk of the town and for good reason. Here’s how it works: the two panes of glass work to save energy, making your home more energy efficient. Depending on the style of your home, it is estimated that you can save about £75 to £100 a year, now that might not look like a big figure but if you take the additional safety and aesthetic feature into account, it certainly is worth investing in the long run.
Single glazed windows only offer a single layer of protection and are not as efficient compared to their double-glazed counterparts. Additionally, single glazed doesn’t have insulated properties and wont help in terms of heating too during the winters. If you really want to get your money’s worth and truly turn your home into an energy efficient haven, this is certainly a good way to go. Learn more about several more benefits of double glazing here.
Convert your garage to living space
If you’re currently only using your garage to dump clutter then you might as well convert it into a living space. Besides, you’ll never find home-buyers complaining about extra space. If done right, converting your garage into a living space can drastically increase the value of your home. This can be particularly advantageous if you don’t already have enough rooms in your house.
Best of all, a garage conversion means that they’ll be minimal disruption in your home and you can carry on with your day to day activities. However, we don’t recommend converting your garage if you already have minimum parking space, doing so would actually decrease the value of your home.
Additionally, keep in mind that such conversions require planning permission hence make sure you’ve got all the legalities covered before you move forward. Here is more information about the costs.
On the other hand, if garage conversion isn’t a feasible option for you because of parking limitations, consider basement remodelling. This is a great way to utilise existing space and get rid of some junk while you’re at it. Of course, you can also move forward with an attic conversion if you’re not able to get permission for a garage remodel.
Increase living space with a conservatory
When you think about it, there’s nothing not to love about conservatories. The bright, illuminating spaces will add a warm glow to your heart when you’re enjoying a nice summer day with your family. Plus, unlike other options, it won’t mess with the overall layout of your home. To get the most value, ensure the conservatory is proportionally designed according to your home. Poorly designed living space may end up decreasing the value of your property.
Another advantage of adding a conservatory is that you should be able to use it for a variety of applications. If you’re someone who loves nature, we recommend a fully glazed conservatory that will beautifully merge the indoor and outdoor experience. You can choose from a variety of options including self-cleaning and solar control glass – which ever best suits your lifestyle. Now here’s where double glazing comes to play again because it’s the minimum standard permitted according to building codes. If you’re extra cautious about aesthetics, you can also play around with the frame. Choose between aluminum and timber. Make sure you reach out to an expert when you’re making these decisions.
Check your old plumbing
If you’ve been living in the same house for a few years now then chances are your plumbing has become old and outdated. If that is the case then you might want to upgrade or replace plumbing to avoid serious problems in the future. Plumbing is one of the first things potential buyers consider when buying a house. Discoloured water, foul odour and mould are just a few signs that you should have your plumbing inspected and fixed.
While we recommend you hire a professional for the inspection, you can conduct a basic round yourself by simply inspecting the pipes for simple wear and tear. Remember to wear a pair of plastic gloves and get your hands on a flashlight before you start the process. Look for corrosion damage or residue buildup as these are all red flags. Leakage and draining problems are also some signs that you need to make improvements. If things aren’t looking well, you’ll have to call in someone to get plumbing back in order.
Add a new Roof
A new roof installation might be a hefty investment but it is likely to have a significant impact on the value, appearance and functionality of your house. Even if your shingle roof hasn’t worn out yet, you should still consider replacing it to increase real estate value and improve curb value. Needless to say, the new roof will offer greater financial security to prospective homebuyers.
If you have the budget, you can also opt for major roof remodelling to change the roofline and overall appearance of your home. However, this is a time-consuming project and may require you and your family to moveout while construction takes place.
Keep in mind, most of these home improvement projects require a major investment and aren’t decisions that should be taken lightly. Reach out to us for a consultation if you’re in need of advice. Our team of highly skilled professionals will be happy to guide you through the process and will also take care of the paper work for you.