10 tips to renovate your home
The outlook for the housing market may be getting gloomier by the day but homeowners need to stay positive. Whilst recent research suggests that, this year, improving rather than moving is the focus, clever homeowners know that the right home improvements can add real value to a property - and often don't require a big financial outlay or months to complete. The organisers of The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is at the SECC, Glasgow on 17 & 18 May, have got some great tips for anyone who is looking to improve their home with a view to selling in the near future.Tip 1 - Update your kitchen
One of the key rooms in your home, the kitchen can be given an effective makeover for only a modest outlay. If your carcasses are in good condition, consider adding new doors, handles and worktops. Alternatively, spray paint your existing cupboard doors to give them a fresh new look. Remember that in a small house a new kitchen can cost as little as £1,500-£2,000, plus fitting.
Tip 2 - The business of bathrooms
Replacing a coloured bathroom suite for a white one could cost you as little as £500 and will completely transform this important room. If the walls look dingy, think about re-tiling. At least one shower in the house is a must for most people today. If your bathroom is too small, create a shower room by taking space from a larger bedroom. A basic shower room need measure only 900mm wide by 2.6m if it is to include a WC and basin.
Tip 3 - The smallest room
Most homes have scope somewhere for a downstairs loo and this will invariably add more value than it costs. Many buyers see a downstairs loo as a must-have. Consider understairs space, a section of the hall or a large cupboard. A loo needs only 1.3m2 and today's compact sanitaryware allows even the smallest space to be used effectively.
Tip 4 - Be clever with your conservatory
A conservatory often requires no planning permission or Building Regulations approval and can be quick to build. A standard kit conservatory bought off the shelf (kits start at just £1,299) will add space and value but an integrated conservatory or sun room creating extra living space can add much more. Generally, the greater the proportional increase in floor space and the more usable the space, the more value it will add.
Tip 5 - Aspiring to lofty heights
According to the Halifax, a loft conversion can add the most value to your home. If a property is in the right location and the project properly managed, it is possible to recoup 100% of the amount spent. As a general guide, expect to pay between £750-£1,000 per m2 - that's considerably less than the cost of the average extension. The best way to add value is to use the conversion for further bedrooms and an en-suite bathroom.
Tip 6 - A window onto the world
Shabby windows can put buyers off before they even get to the door but don't assume that replacing windows will automatically make a difference. Windows that are the wrong style, size and character can seriously damage appeal and value, particularly in a period home. However, double glazing is essential for many buyers and will add at least as much as it costs to the value of a property so it will never be money wasted.
Tip 7 - Kerb appeal
Improving kerb appeal costs little but can give a great return. Tidying up the garden and driveway, re-pointing brickwork or stonework, painting doors and windows and other external joinery, replacing an old garage door and repairing cladding and render are all worthwhile investments.
Tip 8 - Maintain the structure
Structural repairs and updating services such as heating and wiring should always be top priority. Ignoring the basics such as damp, structural movement or outdated wiring is a false economy. If a property is ready to move into, you'll broaden its appeal to a larger number of buyers, increase its value and sale price. For advice on finding a builder, visit www.fmb.org.uk or meet them at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Tip 9 - Never forget the basics
Painting and decorating is an excellent, cost-effective way of giving your home a new lease of life and can really put value on your house – but keep it neutral and hold the purple paint. Newly painted rooms in neutral colours appear bigger and brighter, improving your home's appeal and saleability.
10 - Do Your Homework?
Get as much information as possible by buying specialist magazines and get along to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the SECC on 17 and 18 May. The Show is a one-stop shop with over 140 exhibitors and an unrivalled daily series of free seminars and masterclasses on all aspects of building and renovating. Show opening hours are Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. Tickets, which are valid for both days of the show, can be booked in advance by visiting homebuildingshow.co.uk before 3pm, on May 16. Advance tickets £5. On the door tickets £8.
