3 Home Upgrades That Boost Value

2023-06-13 11:24:53

Homeowners look at alterations to their property for two distinct reasons.

In the first instance, it will afford greater comfort for all those living there, and when these alterations are carried out professionally, they will add value to your property.

Starting with one alteration that may not be uppermost in many homeowners’ minds, here are three property alterations that will certainly achieve the two benefits mentioned above.

#1 Cellar conversion or addition of a cellar:

Existing cellars: Those properties with an existing cellar can maximise this space by turning them into additional living space, precious storage space or a home cinema.

Estimations of the added value to your property go as high as 30%. The caveat here is that the alteration building costs per square metre should be less than the square metre price of the area.

This may seem like a major conversion project, but with correct advice, it can be one of the least complex.

For planning purposes, this type of work qualifies as a ‘change of use’. That being the case, you should not require planning permission. Although those living in a listed building who intend to make any structural changes to their property do need to discuss such a project with a local architect and obtain advice from their local planning office.

Those who currently do not have a cellar/basement can create one by digging down to add the required square footage to their home. For such a project, specialist skills are required.

This involves work relating to excavation, structural engineering and all-important waterproofing. Again, speaking with a respected architect will reap rewards from the beginning to the end of such a project.

#2 Conversion of a loft into an additional bedroom:

Instead of going down with a basement project, many property owners look upwards to convert their loft into an additional bedroom. To ensure maximum benefit from such a conversion you should consider adding an en-suite bathroom.

The majority of lofts can be converted, but it really is worth your while consulting an architect on viability and design options available for such a conversion.

We say this because there are two common types of loft conversion with many different elements of design choice:

  • ‘Roof Light’ Conversion: This is the most cost-effective loft conversion as it requires far less structural work to be carried out.
  • Mansard Conversion/adding dormers: Although this is a more complex and expensive conversion it gives you a far greater design scope. A mansard conversion requires that either one or both roof slopes be replaced. This new structure will have steeper sides and a roof that is almost flat.

#3 Garage conversion:

When it comes to adding additional living space to your property a garage conversion is a very popular choice. It can be particularly beneficial for those who have parking spaces around their property.

Before any work begins it is important to ascertain that the garage construction is suitable for conversion and whether planning permission will be required.

Many homeowners find that work involved in such a project does not require planning permission because it is classed as ‘permitted development’.

While planning permission may not be necessary, such a conversion will always be subject to building regulations. This is to make sure it is structurally sound.

Scope galore:

Your existing property can be redesigned or added to through well-planned alteration projects.

This makes the benefits in terms of additional comfort and future added value certainly worthy of consideration.

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