Property Eye: Martin Roberts on Renovation and Improvement for under £1,000
Renovation and home improvement projects are not a sure fire way to boost the value of your property. There are certain things that work well and others can really leave buyers running.
Martin Roberts, host of Homes Under the Hammer, takes us through his suggestions home improvements for under £1,000, £5,000 and £10,000 that can really make a difference.
Jobs for under £5,000
- A fresh coat of paint
First off is the simplest tip: Repainting walls and ceilings in neutral colours can transform a property.
- Clean up the garden
My wife always says mowing the lawn is equivalent to making the bed in the garden.
No matter how wonderful your garden is, unless the grass is cut, it will still looks unkempt.
Make sure that driveways and paths are also clear of weeds.
- Kerb appeal
Lower the kerb to give off street parking.
But this does need applying for Planning Permission, and the costs can vary between different planning offices. However, if you do not have off-street car parking, this will add value.
- Insulation
Insulating your loft is not very expensive and can save on heating bills - a real selling point for buyers.
Also Cavity wall insulation is cheap, clean and quick to install.
- Kitchen surfaces & doors
You don't have to completely refit your kitchen.
But if your kitchen is looking a bit dated, give it a new lease of life by replacing the work surface and cupboard doors.
- Bathroom tiles
New tiles or replacing old ones can give a bathroom a new lease of life.
- Lights and action
Spot lights and recessed lighting can change the atmosphere of a room and are more appealing than pedestal lights.
- Floorboards
Revealing floorboards is a good way to do away with old, worn carpets that won't cost as much as replacing them. If the boards are not in such good shape, you could paint them.
- Hidden features
Show off any period or unusual features in the house.
Home Renovation Jobs costing under £5,000
- New kitchen
Kitchens are the most used room in a house and can make the difference over securing a sale.
A fresh and clean kitchen will help sell your property.
- Renovate bathroom
Second to kitchens, bathrooms are critical to the overall appeal of a house.
Make sure yours includes a shower as they are considered more economical than baths.
- Central heating
Simply, if your property doesn't have central heating, you really need to consider getting this installed. It might not cost as much as you think.
- New roof windows or skylights
Adding Velux windows or skylights to upstairs rooms is a great way of lifting dark areas with much natural daylight.
- An up-market 'shed'
You don't usually need planning permission to erect a garden 'shed' to provide some additional space to your property - which can be used as a study, playroom or office.
- Draw up plans
Even if you don't actually intend to carry out the works, having plans drawn up for an extension will show buyers what could be done.
Home Renovation Jobs costing over £10,000
- Loft Conversion
Loft conversions can suit a variety of different needs but you'll need building regulations approval.
- Convert cellar
If you can't go up, go down.
- More major structural works
Other major works such as moving a bathroom, adding an en-suite, building an extension or conservatory are all worth considering.
But remember- why are you doing it? is it for lifestyle improvement or investment?
Be aware of the ceiling price of property in the area.
Home Renovation to think very carefully about
- Very personalised renovations.
Your tastes might not be the same as future buyers.
Avoid bright colours or bold patterns on walls unless you are prepared to return them to neutral colours at the time of selling.
- High maintenance facilities
'Improvements' such as swimming pools may put off prospective buyers.
What may actually de-value your home
- Fake chimney breasts
The height of sophistication in the 70s, but nowadays they are likely to be ripped out by future buyers.
- Drinks bars
Very Arthur Daley
- Patterned or coloured bathroom suites.
- Lots of fitted wardrobes and cabinets.
They tend to restrict the living accommodation and make it more difficult to change around the room.
Martin's Property Clinic: Loft Insulation Grants?
Martin tackles some readers' property question
Peter Wright from Southampton asks:
I've heard that the government offer grants for loft insulation. Who qualifies for these?
Martin replies:
The government wants to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient and so there are grants available for loft insulation.
The good news is that all home owners and private tenants - whatever their income - can qualify for up grants of around 50 per cent or more and this increases up to 100 per cent if you satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Go to www.energysavingtrust.org.ukfor a list of criteria that if you meet, could entitle you to FREE loft insulation.
If you are NOT eligible for the FULL 100 per cent grant, you can still apply for a partial grant of 50 to 70 per cent .
If you have a problem or confusion from the property world, email your questions to askmartin@martinroberts.co.uk
Individual questions may not be answered personally, but could appear in this column.
To find out more about Martin Roberts and for property advice visit www.martinroberts.co.uk
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