Which Home Improvements Add the Most Value?
Home renovations and refurbishment projects can give you a fresh new living space without the hassle and expense of packing up and moving house.
With a complete home renovation service, you can have the design, management and building work handled as part of one project.
In this week's blog post, we look at the types of home improvements that can improve your living space and potentially add value to your London property.
Home renovations can cover absolutely everything, from building work and joinery right down to those all-important finishing details such as kitchen tiles, flooring, lighting and taps.
You will also have the opportunity to choose from a huge range of high-quality bespoke designs and finishes that reflect your particular taste, property and style.
Types of Renovations
Renovation doesn't always have to mean whole-house remodelling. It can include relatively simple improvements such as replacing flooring, redecorating rooms or updating fixtures and fittings. Flooring is often overlooked during a property renovation, but it can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of a home.
Choosing the right flooring can be difficult, especially with so many options available. When updating flooring within your property, look for a reputable company that offers specialist services for the type of flooring you are considering.
A more substantial renovation of the exterior and interior of your property, including a new kitchen or bathroom, can also create a more attractive and potentially more valuable home.
You don't necessarily have to move house to find the extra living space you need. A loft conversion, house extension or basement conversion can provide valuable additional space while allowing you to remain in your existing home.
Before carrying out major work, homeowners should check whether planning permission or permitted development rules apply. This is particularly important in London, where conservation areas and Article 4 Directions can restrict permitted development rights.
For London homeowners, the Greater London Authority also provides information about roof and upward extensions in London, including some of the planning considerations affecting these projects.
Home renovation companies can provide a complete one-stop design and build service, working with you from the initial design and planning stages through to completion.
A professionally managed project should follow a staged process, giving homeowners the opportunity to make informed decisions with clear information about costs, designs, materials and timescales.
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are one of the most popular ways of creating additional living space without having to move home. An unused loft can potentially become an additional bedroom, home office, bathroom, playroom or living space.
Many professional companies specialise in loft conversions and can assess whether your existing roof space is suitable. A good loft conversion company should inspect the property, discuss the available options and explain any planning permission or Building Regulations requirements before construction begins.
You can also read this Which? loft conversion step-by-step guide before starting a project.
When selecting a loft conversion or renovation company, look for:
- Good project organisation and management
- Modern, appropriate building products and equipment
- Experienced and qualified tradespeople
- Clear and competitive pricing
- No unexpected additional charges
- Realistic and clearly agreed working schedules
- A straightforward booking and consultation process
- Good customer service throughout the project
Loft conversion companies can help you renovate your space professionally while taking care of the different aspects of the project and ensuring that work complies with the appropriate standards.
It is also worth remembering that major building and renovation projects can create a considerable amount of builders' waste and unwanted materials. Rather than leaving waste at the side of the road or allowing it to accumulate outside the property, use a professional London rubbish removal company. One London company is EnviRecycle, which provides rubbish clearance and waste removal services: https://rubbish.me.uk.
Professional builders and renovation companies can organise the different parts of your project and arrange consultations with relevant specialists to help ensure the work progresses smoothly. Choosing experienced and reputable tradespeople is an important part of the process, so it is worth spending time finding an honest and affordable tradesperson.
Depending on the scale of the project, your renovation company may also organise decorating, flooring, lighting and finishing work so that your new space is ready to use when the building work is completed.
Materials, equipment and finishes should all be carefully selected to suit the property, the intended use of the space and your available budget. A well-planned renovation can improve both the way you use your home and its appeal to future buyers.