How to Increase the Value of your Property

There is an endless list of things to think about when selling a home. Here are 8 things to consider that can increase the overall value of your property.

1. Curb Appeal

First impressions are important. Make sure your property grabs interest from the moment eyes are laid on it. Simple changes and updates can make a big difference to the overall look of the property and add to its value. Consider updating an old front door with a lick of paint or replacing with a new, modern door style.

The quality and condition of your windows are a telltale sign of how old the property is and how well it has been maintained over the years. Consider repainting windows to freshen up or update to more modern fittings with double glazing. At an extra expense there are now a wide variety of window options, including full wall length windows or windows with dropped ledges, interesting shapes and placement. These options can be more attractive and bring more light into the house.

2. Extra Parking

Having to park your cars on the street is a safety concern for some people and can cause a hassle when having guests over. An easy solution is to create parking spaces on the property. Most houses have some form of front garden that would serve a better purpose as parking spaces than the unused patch of lawn or shrubs. Consider paving stones or a simple tarmac finish. Done tastefully, this can only increase the appeal and value of your home. Go a step further if you have space and build a garage.

3. Improve your BER/EPC rating

An efficient energy rating on your property will increase its value. Building Energy Rating Certificates (Republic of Ireland) and Energy Performance Certificates (Northern Ireland) are necessary by law when selling a property. Depending on how energy efficient your home is, it will receive a score and a rating from A-G, A being most efficient. Small changes and updates to the integral systems in the property can increase your rating massively. Although some of these tasks can be on the more expensive side, it’s worth it for the extra money saved on heating and electricity bills.

Updating old windows to double glazing will not only improve your home’s rating but it can reduce noise too. As previously mentioned, there are many options for windows that will not only benefit energy ratings, but will improve the overall look of your property too.

Older properties may not have the correct loft and wall insulation so updating these to regulation will also improve your rating. Upgrading your heating systems, either by replacing your old boiler with a more energy efficient one, changing from oil to gas heating, or adding secondary heating sources will give greater fuel efficiency and reduce costs in the long run.

There are ECO Government Schemes that will contribute to some these changes if you qualify under their criteria.

4. Garden

A little work in your garden can go a long way, especially if you only have a small space to work with. The main selling features of a garden is that it has been well maintained, is clean and tidy, lawns and pavements/decking are maintained, weeds are banished, and shrubs and plants have been preened and looked after. Cheap and simple alterations can really transform a space; add colourful plants and flowers, add stones or bark for different textures.

Privacy is most important when it comes to your garden space, this is easily achieved by adding trees or fencing. Make the most of the space you have and if possible, create distinct spaces such as a seating area, BBQ area, or a lawn area.  At a higher price point, consider adding a decked patio or having a professional landscaper come and do it all for you.

5. Kitchen

For most people, the kitchen will be the most important room in the house so as far as internal room improvement goes, the kitchen is a good place to start. Making small modest changes, like anything, can have a big impact on overall look of your kitchen. Repainting walls or cabinets will change the whole feel.  In older, dated houses more extreme measures such as new floors, appliances and kitchen fittings may be required. Keep space and light in mind in any room change and ensure the changes you are making are tasteful to make the most of the space you have.

6. Bathroom

Bathrooms are another important room in the home that can increase value in a property. A bathroom needs to be clean, fresh and hygienic. Update cracked or dated sanitary wear with a simple white set that won’t have you breaking the bank. Again, fresh paint or tiles will have a strong visual impact and increase the appeal of the room. Stick to neutrals and keep it bright. If you are remodelling your bathrooms, consider the layout. Where possible, keep everything in place as moving pipes and connections can be pricey. Finding space to add a W/C downstairs will add a lot of value to your home as will creating en suites for bedrooms.

7. Conversion

Have you a basement or attic space that is unused and wasted? The addition of extra bedrooms or reception rooms is always a worth while addition to any property. If you are creating extra bedroom space, consider adding a w/c or en suite so each floor with bedrooms has a bathroom. Check with the relevant planning authorities before you begin any works.

8. Extension

Definitely the most expensive of alterations, but in some cases, an extension is necessary to create more space in a home. May it be for growing families or for the sole purpose of adding value to a property.

A simple way of increasing the space in your property is to create open plan areas. There are usually walls between the kitchen and living or dining rooms. These can be removed to give the illusion of a larger space while adding a contemporary edge.

Most extensions will be done on the beloved kitchen space, either extend into the side alley of the property or take it further back into the garden. Another popular extension addition is the extra bathrooms previously mentioned or an extra bedroom. The addition of a sun room or conservatory can be done without breaking the bank. These are excellent for allowing extra light and space in the house but it’s important that they are in keeping with the house style.

Our Managing Director gives advice on how to add value to your property

If you are considering making alterations to your home or have recently purchased a ‘project property’ get in touch with Eldron and we will project manage the entire operation for you and give advice on what changes will have the best impact and increase the value of your property. Also, have a look at our Instagram page to see some of our previous projects.

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