Home Renovations that Add Value (and Some that Don’t!)

Many homeowners assume that any renovation will add value to their home, but this isn’t always the case. In worst case scenarios, some renovations can detract from the value of a property. Avoid these mistakes with this guide.

ADDS VALUE: Kitchen and bathroom renovation

Without a doubt, the two key factors that any potential buyer will look in a property is the kitchen and bathroom. It may not be their exact style but if they are clean, modern and tidy, most homeowners will ‘live with’ a kitchen and bathroom as they are until they have the budget to make the changes they want.

ADDS VALUE: Energy efficient home

From a modern boiler or heating system, to ensuring the loft and walls are insulated, the less expensive it is to heat your home, the more attractive it is to potential buyers.

WHAT DOESN’T ADD VALUE – not all energy efficiency measures work so make sure you research the effectiveness of any insulating measures you invest in. Use official and certified materials and methods, professionally installed to get the most return not just on savings but when it comes to selling your property too.

ADDS VALUE: Sympathetic styling

If you own a Victorian or Georgian property, you’ll want to add modern flourishes and touches but trying to fuse the uber-modern with the traditional only really work if you take a professional approach. Unless you have a bespoke designed modern conservatory sympathetically fused with your traditional property, they will jar together. Make sure any additions fit well with the period of your home.

ADDS VALUE: A garden that ‘fits’ your property

If it’s a family home, a huge pond in the middle of the lawn may not be what buyers are looking for in the garden. Make sure it ‘fits’ with the property so make it family friendly and usable if that suits, or low maintenance and so on.

WHAT DOESN’T ADD VALUE – luxury, high end landscaping. It may look stunning and beautiful, but it won’t bring a return when you sell. As much as you love it, buyers will only see a garden…

ADDS VALUE: Usable attic and/or cellar space

From converting the cellar to use as a utility and laundry space to adding a hobby room in the loft, using the space wisely in your home makes it a more attractive prospect to potential buyers.

ADDS VALUE: Adding an en suite

Denote the master bedroom as exactly that with an en suite. It could be a functional shower-only bathroom – ideal for the morning rush – but makes sure that it is well-designed, using the small amount wisely.

WHAT DOESN’T ADD VALUE – losing a bedroom, even if it does give you an amazingly huge bathroom with all the trimmings. As soon as you repurpose a bedroom, you lose thousands off the value of your home.

Thinking of renovating?

If so, why not contact the SD Project team. With our knowledge and experience, we can help you get the most for any home improvement project.