Whether you're wanting to update or extend your property to enjoy yourself, or intending to eventually sell it on for a profit, here are some of the most popular home improvement options for creating that perfect living space, plus a few hints and tips!
Kitchen
The kitchen has become the showpiece of the home and is a popular way of adding value to a property. Even if you're not intending to sell, a modern kitchen is high on the list of must-haves!
Kitchens tend to be one of the main rooms that potential buyers look out for at first, so if you’re thinking of selling it’s worth considering updating as buyers may be willing to pay more to save themselves having to arrange a new one. Bear in mind though that potential buyers are likely to prefer a neutral, contemporary style. Also ensure you don’t overspend on the kitchen relative to the type of house - for example, a budget kitchen would be out of place and underwhelming in a large farmhouse, whilst you may not get a return on your investment by installing a £25k kitchen in a two bed terrace! Alternatively, a kitchen refresh, such as redecoration, door, handle, worktop, tap, or floor replacement may be more cost-effective considerations. If you possibly can, try to fit in a dishwasher - you may be surprised just how one can be squeezed into tricky kitchen layouts, even if it’s only a slimline one.
When it comes to kitchen design and layout, it's often the case that you might not have thought through some of the practicalities, and this is where our friendly Kitchen Designers come in. With years of experience, they have often come up with practical ideas and suggestions that had not occurred to the customer beforehand. They also provide free computerised design, so you can visualise what your kitchen will look like. We’re here to make the whole process as easy as possible, and can even arrange fitting if required! Don't worry if you're not in the trade as we sell kitchens to the public as well, and we can usually supply them at fairly short notice and deliver on the day you need them. Be sure to book in advance if you wish to have a consultation with one of our kitchen designers at our Bordon branch.
This stunning kitchen was designed and supplied by us, plus we also helped complete the look with other items, such as the flooring and the bricks to block up an old external door, which we matched to blend in with the existing ones. Like this customer, many are so delighted with their kitchens that they regularly write to thank us and tell us about their positive experiences.
Bathroom
This is another important room from both a resale point of view or for your own enjoyment. These days we’ve come to expect more than one bathroom in the average home, so if you have space, adding another bathroom can add value, particularly if joined to the master bedroom. However, this needs careful consideration in order that you don't reduce the appeal of other rooms in the process. Unless you live in a high-spec luxurious home in a prestigious area, the general rule is to buy a middle-of-the-range bathroom suite that suits the style of your home, as an expensive high spec one may not provide the return on investment you were expecting! Again, if you enjoy a jacuzzi bath then all well and good, but remember that should you be looking to sell your house, it may not be perceived to have the same value by the potential buyer. Once again, our Bathroom Designers are happy to provide practical help and advice and also provide a free computerised design of your dream bathroom! Be sure to book in advance if you wish to have a consultation with one of our bathroom designers or just view our showrooms at Alton or Bordon at your leisure.
Loft Conversion
Although not cheap, some estimate a loft conversion can add between 10-15% to a property value, particularly if it's an en-suite bedroom. It’s often the least disruptive space to convert and is less expensive/stressful than moving! Commission a structural survey to ensure the additional weight is properly supported. Check that you have space for a staircase so the new floor complies with building regulations and can be considered a permanent room.
Extension
An extension done well can be a great selling point or one you can enjoy as a homeowner. Before planning anything too extravagant, look at what others have done in the area and research what extensions are popular locally to ensure your plans are realistic. Don’t overdevelop if you want a return on your investment. If you want to sell and add value without building anything, consider applying for planning permission only.
Garden
An attractive, tidy garden can make your property more saleable and an outdoor haven is also high on the list of things we all desire. Decking allows you to extend your living and dining space outdoors, whilst you can bring the outdoors indoors seamlessly with bi-fold doors and paving suitable for indoor and outdoor use. If parking is scarce in your area, you may consider paving the front garden to create valuable parking space, which is highly likely to add value.
Check out our landscaping products, book a consultation with one of our experts, or call in at Bordon to browse our indoor and outdoor landscaping displays at your leisure (you can see paving and decking samples at Alton and Haslemere branches too).
And remember ...
It's possible to add value to almost any home if you choose the right improvements.
Before starting a project, do the maths and speak to the professionals so you know what each project will cost in your area and how much value will likely be added. An estate agent will know what buyers are looking for in your area and whether your property may have the potential to add value. It's important to realise that not every project is right for every property. For example, all homes will have a ceiling price so if your property is situated in a road full of 3 bedroom homes and you extend yours to 6 bedrooms and several reception rooms, it won't necessarily make you the money you expect because potential buyers looking for large properties may prefer to live in a select neighbourhood alongside properties of a similar size.
Don't forget to let your insurer know of work that might affect the security of the property and inform them of changes to the property size. Also, file all related paperwork (eg. building regulations and planning permission) as this will be needed should you sell your home.
Whether you're wanting to update or extend your property to enjoy yourself, or intending to eventually sell it on for a profit, here are some of the most popular home improvement options for creating that perfect living space, plus a few hints and tips!
Kitchen
The kitchen has become the showpiece of the home and is a popular way of adding value to a property. Even if you're not intending to sell, a modern kitchen is high on the list of must-haves!
Kitchens tend to be one of the main rooms that potential buyers look out for at first, so if you’re thinking of selling it’s worth considering updating as buyers may be willing to pay more to save themselves having to arrange a new one. Bear in mind though that potential buyers are likely to prefer a neutral, contemporary style. Also ensure you don’t overspend on the kitchen relative to the type of house - for example, a budget kitchen would be out of place and underwhelming in a large farmhouse, whilst you may not get a return on your investment by installing a £25k kitchen in a two bed terrace! Alternatively, a kitchen refresh, such as redecoration, door, handle, worktop, tap, or floor replacement may be more cost-effective considerations. If you possibly can, try to fit in a dishwasher - you may be surprised just how one can be squeezed into tricky kitchen layouts, even if it’s only a slimline one.
When it comes to kitchen design and layout, it's often the case that you might not have thought through some of the practicalities, and this is where our friendly Kitchen Designers come in. With years of experience, they have often come up with practical ideas and suggestions that had not occurred to the customer beforehand. They also provide free computerised design, so you can visualise what your kitchen will look like. We’re here to make the whole process as easy as possible, and can even arrange fitting if required! Don't worry if you're not in the trade as we sell kitchens to the public as well, and we can usually supply them at fairly short notice and deliver on the day you need them. Be sure to book in advance if you wish to have a consultation with one of our kitchen designers at our Bordon branch.
This stunning kitchen was designed and supplied by us, plus we also helped complete the look with other items, such as the flooring and the bricks to block up an old external door, which we matched to blend in with the existing ones. Like this customer, many are so delighted with their kitchens that they regularly write to thank us and tell us about their positive experiences.
Bathroom
This is another important room from both a resale point of view or for your own enjoyment. These days we’ve come to expect more than one bathroom in the average home, so if you have space, adding another bathroom can add value, particularly if joined to the master bedroom. However, this needs careful consideration in order that you don't reduce the appeal of other rooms in the process. Unless you live in a high-spec luxurious home in a prestigious area, the general rule is to buy a middle-of-the-range bathroom suite that suits the style of your home, as an expensive high spec one may not provide the return on investment you were expecting! Again, if you enjoy a jacuzzi bath then all well and good, but remember that should you be looking to sell your house, it may not be perceived to have the same value by the potential buyer. Once again, our Bathroom Designers are happy to provide practical help and advice and also provide a free computerised design of your dream bathroom! Be sure to book in advance if you wish to have a consultation with one of our bathroom designers or just view our showrooms at Alton or Bordon at your leisure.
Loft Conversion
Although not cheap, some estimate a loft conversion can add between 10-15% to a property value, particularly if it's an en-suite bedroom. It’s often the least disruptive space to convert and is less expensive/stressful than moving! Commission a structural survey to ensure the additional weight is properly supported. Check that you have space for a staircase so the new floor complies with building regulations and can be considered a permanent room.
Extension
An extension done well can be a great selling point or one you can enjoy as a homeowner. Before planning anything too extravagant, look at what others have done in the area and research what extensions are popular locally to ensure your plans are realistic. Don’t overdevelop if you want a return on your investment. If you want to sell and add value without building anything, consider applying for planning permission only.
Garden
An attractive, tidy garden can make your property more saleable and an outdoor haven is also high on the list of things we all desire. Decking allows you to extend your living and dining space outdoors, whilst you can bring the outdoors indoors seamlessly with bi-fold doors and paving suitable for indoor and outdoor use. If parking is scarce in your area, you may consider paving the front garden to create valuable parking space, which is highly likely to add value.
Check out our landscaping products, book a consultation with one of our experts, or call in at Bordon to browse our indoor and outdoor landscaping displays at your leisure (you can see paving and decking samples at Alton and Haslemere branches too).
And remember ...
It's possible to add value to almost any home if you choose the right improvements.
Before starting a project, do the maths and speak to the professionals so you know what each project will cost in your area and how much value will likely be added. An estate agent will know what buyers are looking for in your area and whether your property may have the potential to add value. It's important to realise that not every project is right for every property. For example, all homes will have a ceiling price so if your property is situated in a road full of 3 bedroom homes and you extend yours to 6 bedrooms and several reception rooms, it won't necessarily make you the money you expect because potential buyers looking for large properties may prefer to live in a select neighbourhood alongside properties of a similar size.
Don't forget to let your insurer know of work that might affect the security of the property and inform them of changes to the property size. Also, file all related paperwork (eg. building regulations and planning permission) as this will be needed should you sell your home.
