Enhancing your home is crucial for anyone aiming to boost their property’s worth, but it can be tough to know which upgrades will offer the most value over time. To help you on this journey, here are 18 worthwhile home improvements that can significantly increase the value of your home.
Garages and Driveways
A UK Gov survey reports that approximately 78% of British households had at least one car in 2022. As a result, having a garage (or at least a decent driveway) to put their vehicle in is essential for Brits. A house without a garage will not sell for nearly as much as one with a garage or driveway, so make sure you have one built on your property if you have the space.
Security System
People have more electronic gadgets lying around their homes than ever before, and everyone is looking for ways to keep their things safe. Installing an updated security system in your home that can be monitored remotely will increase its appeal to both modern buyers and the elderly.
Kitchen Remodel
According to Forbes, the average cost to remodel a kitchen is between £9,300 to £47,000, which includes materials, fixtures, and labor. Although that seems like a lot of money, you will make it all back and more when selling your house, as modern kitchens are well sought after.
Bathroom Renovation
The figures from Architectural Digest say that it costs an average of £8,500 to remodel a bathroom. Putting in a new bathroom is a great way of revamping your home and making your property more desirable when you decide to put it on the market.
Deck
Teak & Deck Professionals says that you can typically expect a deck to last 10–30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite. This means that adding decking to your property is a very profitable idea that will increase the value of your house for many years to come.
Vinyl Flooring
Many people want new flooring but can’t put up with the hassle of installing it. They’d rather move into a house that’s already had the work done. As a result, luxury vinyl flooring has emerged as the most popular flooring in new homes as it’s both practical and stylish.
Basement Conversions
Converting an unused basement storage space into a spare room or an office is another great way to add value to your home. Keeping the colors of the room bright and the décor simple but classic are the keys to making the conversion appeal to potential buyers.
Energy Efficient Windows
Installing energy-efficient windows is a great way to save money now. Not only that, but you’ll also earn the installation costs back in the future. The UDE says that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, so it’s worth considering.
Professional Landscaping
Professional landscaping doesn’t have to mean having elaborate work done to the yard. A wide-open, well-organized outdoor space will add value to your property. Keep the yard manageable by ensuring there is plenty of lawn space. Add plants, trees, and bushes, but don’t overdo it.
Loft Insulation
A well-insulated home will have a big impact on energy bills. Improving loft insulation in your home will help you save money on your energy bills right now. It will also increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Additional Restroom
Homes with more than one restroom are very popular with modern house hunters. If your home has three, four, or more bedrooms, having a third restroom in the home makes it more appealing to families, especially those with teenage children. An additional restroom will add value to your home.
Loft Conversions
Converting a dusty, unused loft space into a spare room, office, or easy-to-access storage room is a superb way to add value to your home. Keep the loft as wide an open space as possible and decorate it with neutral colors to make the room even more appealing to potential buyers.
Open Plan Design
Modern house buyers are looking for homes with open-plan designs that are airy and let a lot of light in. Taking out non-structural walls to make the downstairs of your home feel bigger will give future buyers the room they need to let their creativity flow.
Downstairs Restroom
If your home only has a restroom upstairs, adding one downstairs will greatly increase the value of the property. Modern buyers love downstairs restrooms because they’re ideal for guests and make the main bathroom upstairs feel more private. Downstairs restrooms aren’t expected to be big, and just a toilet and sink will suffice.
Ensuite Bathroom
If your property only has a family restroom for everyone in the house to use, adding an ensuite bathroom is a great idea. A house with an ensuite bathroom is fantastic for couples and young families. An ensuite bathroom is more private and is generally preferred over more bedroom floor space.
Home Office
Many people are working from home now and are looking for the perfect space to convert into an office. Modern home buyers are looking for homes that already have an office space. These spaces are quite simple and also give the buyer the flexibility to use the room as they wish.
Heated Floors
Installing heated floors in your restrooms and in the kitchen and living room can increase the value of your home. If you live in a particularly cold region of the UK, heated floors could make your house very popular when it goes on the market.
Fireplace
Househunters in the colder regions of the UK look for properties with alternative heating options, such as fireplaces. A fireplace in the living room or family room can be a great focal point that makes the room feel warm. Fireplaces are cozy and aesthetic, and they increase the value of your home.