The improvements that add value to your home revealed

A home is easily the biggest investment you will ever make in your entire life. For some people, their house is, in fact, their retirement fund, and they have plans to sell it and downsize once they retire. It can also provide you with much-needed funds through home equity loans and lines of credit. It’s a nest egg that grows in value over time and that you get to enjoy in the meantime.

With that said, most homeowners want to be sure that they are doing all they can to add to the value of their home over the years. This means simple things like maintenance and repairs when needed, but it can also go deeper than that. For those considering home improvements in the near future, it’s important to look at the ones that will add value to your home, so you know you’ll get your money’s worth.

Because there are so many different home improvement projects you can take on, we’re here to break down which ones will add the most value to your home. This may help you to narrow down your list and hone in on the ones that make the most financial sense.

Build an Extension

This is perhaps the most elaborate home improvement you can take on, building a whole new extension on your home, but when it's done correctly and it meets building regulations, then you can expect to see a big increase in the value of your home. Keep in mind that the cost of an extension is pretty high.

Generally, for a single-storey extension, you're looking at an average starting price of £30,000. The trick is that it needs to be done properly through the planning office and you need to get planning permission before the work begins. Also, it will need to pass various inspections along the way for it to be legal.

Experts suggest you go as big as you possibly can without infringing on your garden too much. There’s nothing wrong with taking away a bit of the garden, but you still want to have something of a garden out there.

Modernize and Update Your Kitchen

The next project is one that not only adds value to your home but is also one of the most popular home improvement projects with homeowners.

Modernizing and updating the kitchen gives you a chance to transform the look and layout of your kitchen. Not only will it look better but you can make it more functional by changing its footprint, adding more storage space, increasing the prep space, and more.

Kitchen projects are all over the map when it comes to pricing, as you can get away with a modest budget or you can go all out and spend a small fortune. You may want to check out BBK Direct, which offers a huge selection of essential materials, hardware, appliances, and products at discounted prices.

Install a New Central Heating Boiler

Here in the UK, central heating is essential. While this isn't exactly a glamorous project or one that will transform the look of your home, installing a new energy efficient central heating boiler will definitely add value to your home. It will circulate the heat much better and save money on your energy bills, which is a priority for many home buyers today. This isn’t a cheap project, so it’s a good idea to shop around and get a number of quotes before you decide to hire a qualified installer.

Replace the Windows in Your Home

Another area that could use some attention is the windows and doors in your home. If they are more than 15 to 20 years old, it is likely time to look at replacing them. Again, this is one of those projects that you don’t necessarily see huge results, but it helps with the energy efficiency of the home and adds that all-important value.

Make Use of Your Loft

If your home has a loft that is currently going by unused or is used just for storage, it may be worth it to look at finishing it off and turning it into a useable space. A loft conversion will give the home more livable space, which adds to its value. A popular conversion is to turn it into a bedroom or study. The way you use the space is dependent on how much room you have in your loft, and also the ceiling height and pitch.

Update the Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another area in the home that can do with some attention now and then. While you may have dreams of converting the Bathrooms into a spa-like experience, you may want to go easy on what you spend. While simple updates will increase your home’s value there is such a thing as taking it too far.

If you go all out and install all top-line materials and fittings, there’s a good chance you won’t get that money back as far as the value of your home.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

While there is a lot of attention paid to interior home renovation projects, the exterior is just as important. Typical improvements that add value include fixing cracks in the exterior walls/foundations, replacing the roof if it needs replacing, tidying up the garden and driveway, adding garden landscaping and lighting, and just making it more presentable in general.

Curb appeal goes a long way when it comes to selling a home and valuing a home, so you don’t want to look past this area when you start tackling home improvement projects.

A Variety of Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

When it comes to home improvement projects that add value to your home, there is no shortage of projects that can accomplish this. Remember it has a lot to do with the location of your home, the neighbourhood, the price point of the homes in your neighbourhood, the size of your home, and the layout of your home.