How To Add Value To Your Home In 2011!

While what passes as an economic recovery continues to roll on slowly, with the housing market bearing the brunt of the misery, homeowners are deciding to improve and expand their property instead of diving into a moribund market. It is the best option at the moment as value is added to the property, ready for when the market finally improves, various conversions and extensions can really make your house feel more like a home.

1 Refresh the Kitchen space:
Location Location Locations Phil Spencer describes the kitchen as the heart of the home; a place that forces together the busy family for a bit of family bonding! Cooking is also a key aspect in any home and therefore the kitchen is perhaps one of the most used rooms in the home. Surprisingly, the kitchen is usually one of the first rooms a buyer looks to change when they first purchase a home. This is because a kitchen is regarded as a space to show off your individual style and flare, which may not be to everyones taste. Therefore, if you are solely looking for a quick sale, it would be a waste of money to fit an expensive new kitchen, as it is likely to be completely changed by the new homeowner.

Instead, look to revive your kitchen, give it the kick of life! A simple lick of paint, replacing cupboard doors, counter tops or even re grouting any tiles can instantly rejuvenate the living space. For homeowners worrying that the small size of their kitchen may put off buyers, then instead of forking out on a refit, how about simply laying down some laminate flooring. This will open up the space instantly, making it seem bigger and brighter. This is a fantastic option for kitchens especially as laminated flooring is extremely easy to clean and maintain.

2 Take a look at the floor:
Having the wrong carpet or worse, a worn out carpet can leave a room looking dull and dark, including well lived in and not fresh at all with various stains or dog hairs for example. Replacing carpet in well used areas, such as porches and stairways will make a house more inviting and again, fresher and brighter. Replacing a carpet can be an expensive proposition however, so consider cheaper options such as large rugs that cover large portions of the floor and make a room seem more homely.

A further alternative, as mentioned earlier, is to add laminate flooring. This is a perfect option for rooms or areas that experience a lot of usage, such as porches, hallways or living rooms, as they are so easy to clean. Being a much cheaper alternative to carpets, laminate flooring also stays looking newer for longer, guaranteeing you get the most of your money. It is also available in a multitude of styles, effects and colours so it is a flexible option for any room. Some people argue that laminate flooring can make a room look cold and almost sterile, so to minimize this effect, add a rug, or a runner. This will add a warmer and more inviting feel.

3 Renovate a garage:
Not everyone needs or uses a garage, leaving them empty or stored with odds and ends, so consider converting the garage into an extra room, a dining room or study for example. If you are blessed with a large drive for a few vehicles, the garage is most likely going spare meaning you have a good amount of space to use. However if you have the opposite problem, lack of vehicle space, then consider converting it into a double garage, an ever growing popular option in rural areas where families are more likely to have more than one car. Having a double also means having more room and more functions available to use the garage for, perfect for DIY fanatics!

4 Extend with a conservatory:
Adding a conservatory can really add character and flare to a property. Conservatorys provide a rather alternative living space, one that can be designed as a light and airy space to enjoy during the summer time, or one that can be made into a cosy and comfortable living space that is used on a more regular basis. Conservatories are available in a variety of styles and sizes nowadays, so you are not limited by the amount of free space of your property. What is more is that they are not as expensive as they used to be as they are rather commonplace in todays society. The most beneficial feature of a conservatory though is that is adds instant value to your home, which is perfect for those who are looking to make a quick sale but also make a return on their expenditure.

5 Eco Developments:
We all know the pressures of greener living at the moment, the constant advert reminders to turn lights off can sometimes be more of a pain than anything else. Nonetheless, our social consciousness has changed over the past few years when it comes to a greener living. As a result, new home buyers are increasingly looking for more energy efficient and eco friendly homes. More and more new build homes are being built inclusive with insulation, solar panels and double glazed windows, so why not join the trend to ensure your home remains current on the market? Eco upgrades are a fantastic way of lowering your utility bills whilst also ensuring you live in an environmentally friendly way.

It is clear that expressive decoration and individual styles are not the way forward if you want to add value to your home. Neutral colours and simple styles provide a blank canvas for the potential buyer, whilst also ensuring that your home does not lose its value over these rapidly changing times. Similarly, if you are thinking of renovations, extensions or adding a conservatory, then ensure the job is done properly. Seamless joins and the same brickwork makes the outer aesthetics of your home impressive and attractive; adding a brick extension onto a pebble dashed property would be an instant turn off for any buyer. (Always check planning permission regulations if you are considering an extension) In order to get the best value for money, shop around for builder quotes, the last thing you want is to fork out more than necessary on home improvements, as you are then at risk of not receiving a return on your expenditure.

Here is just a small taster of a few changes you could make to your home to add value, save money and make a good sale. While this list is by no means a definitive one, there are a few tips on there that are guaranteed to helping your property on the current tough housing market. Whether you are looking to make some big changes or just a few simple and affordable changes, make sure you cover every avenue to ensure you get the most out of your property.