IMPROVE OR MOVE?

Moving home is always a big deal and is not to be undertaken lightly. If you really don’t have to move to a different location but just require more space or different or more modern facilities to make your home more comfortable then you could look at improving your current home instead of moving.

Making improvements even if some construction is involved is always going to be easier than moving home.

To get more space you could build an extension, conservatory or do a loft conversion. To make your home feel more spacious you could knock through walls and redesign your internal living space. Similarly in your garden you could redesign the layout and add a patio or deck.

The ideas are endless and today there are many TV programmes and websites to help you do all of this. You probably already have ideas of what you would like to with your home and garden. You don’t have to do it all at the same time but can make plans to improve your home in stages. All you need is the money and the will to see it through.

If you are going to make major alterations then you will need to hire a professional such as an architect to help with the design and submit plans to the council if required for planning or building regulations approval.

If you need cash or loan to get you started or for the whole project then call one of our loan advisers now to get some expert advice on how we can help you. Even if you have problems with your credit status we should still be able to find you a solution.

Why Improve?

There are lots of different reasons why you might want to improve your property. However the result of anything you do should always increase the value of your property and you need to have this in mind as an objective at all times.

If you sell soon after making the improvements don’t expect the increase in the price of your home to necessarily cover the cost of the improvements. However the fact that your house now has the improvements will mean that when you want to sell your home it will be more attractive to buyers.

Comfort and space are two of the major reasons for improving a home. Both can be driven by a desire to have a better lifestyle, but more space may become a necessity as a family increases in size.

May be you just want to add value to your property and this can be achieved by providing more space. For instance if house prices are rising and you add an extra bedroom then there is a very good chance that you will get your money back and more.

More Space Please

Any improvements that can add more space to your property will also add the most value.

A Home Extension is the favourite way to add space and if you build something that fits in closely with the existing character of the property then you will reap more rewards. To get an idea of what it might cost have a preliminary chat with an architect who should be able to help provide a ball park figure.

A Loft Conversion is also a very popular way of adding room to your home and it is also one of the most cost effective. They are normally much simpler and cheaper than building an extension and will add more value for the same amount invested. A well-designed and carefully constructed loft extension may add significant value to your home. 

Not all properties can have a loft conversion, because there may not be enough space below the roof. Older properties tend to provide better opportunities as more modern houses tend to have a roof with a less steep pitch and they are normally lower anyway. Check with an architect first.

A Conservatory can be just about the cheapest way of providing more space and it is a relatively quick solution too. They look best and will add more value if they fit in nicely with the external décor of the house and complement the garden as well.

They can be quite cheap or even expensive but be aware in this market and make sure you buy from an established brand. Also shop around for a good deal and to get exactly what you want, because there are many different styles available.

A Garage, although not really living space, will give you a lot more storage and indoor working space as well as somewhere to park your car. 

Make Yourself Comfortable

There are many ways in which you can make your home more comfortable and they will add value, but some more than others.

If you do not currently have central heating in your home then you should get this installed as a priority. It is the fastest way to make your home more comfortable and buyers will always expect to find it in any house they view.

A new kitchen or bathroom will always increase the comfort of your home and there are lost of designs to choose from. Visit any kitchen or bathroom showrooms to see what is available or even visit a show house in a nearby residential building project to check what the property market currently expects to find in a new home.

You could also consider double-glazing but even though it is now expected in most homes it will not be very cost effective unless the current window frames really need replacing. Once again cost vary considerably so show around to get a good deal from an established company.

Whatever improvements you do make sure you get what exactly what you want and that you do them for the right reasons. When it comes to selling they will add value and make your home easier to sell.