Tips on Adding Value to Your Home

Many homeowners like to make improvement to their home. These are primarily so the homeowner can enjoy their interior changes or the extra space they have created but home improvements can also add value to the home. Here are some improvements that can lead to an increase in value.

Adding an extension increases the size of your home and therefore makes it worth more when you come to sell it. Building a conservatory, converting the loft into a living space and turning the garage into an office or bedroom are all common ways of extending the living area. Anything done to create more space will increase the home's value.

Decorating the interior of your home is another thing that can increase its value. When buying a new home many are happy to redecorate and don't really consider poor decoration, but others do. If your décor is such that many would not approve then you could be omitting many potential buyers. Some do not have the time, or the finances, to redecorate as soon as they have bought a home. Many will not consider buying a home if they think it will take them three years to decorate it to their satisfaction.

These days the majority of modern homes have double glazing. This keeps the heat in and is expected by many home buyers. This makes it a good investment, both while living there (keeping you warm and reducing heating bills) and when you come to sell. Buyers will pay more for a home with double glazing than one without it.

The window coverings can also make a difference and having window shutters installed can greatly increase the value. They are practical and elegant, and it is this elegance that increases the value. They are, unlike curtains, permanent fixtures and therefore can add to the potential asking price.

Replacing old fashioned fixtures and fitting, such as taps, sink and baths is a good idea. This is really about the quality of a home. Fixtures and fittings that are in poor condition will bring down the sale price. This also goes for flooring. Whether carpets, wooden flooring or tiles, well maintained and finished flooring is an important factor in the asking price. Simple things not having a quality finish will lower the cost of a home. This isn't strictly about increasing the value but preventing the value from being less than it should be.

The type of flooring can influence the value, with wooden flooring having the ability to drive the value up. If you have wooden flooring you might consider under-floor heating. This adds an air of luxury and therefore adds to the value.

The inside of a home is not all that needs thinking about; the outside does too. Depending on the material, it may be a good idea to paint the home. This should be done every few years to stop it looking dilapidated when you come to sell.

The garden is another consideration. A well maintained garden can make a real difference and can be a winner with potential buyers.