When it comes to extending or improving your home, most people will do so with the aim of creating a functional and usable space that brings the most significant benefit to the whole family. However, many homeowners will also consider whether their improvements will increase the value of their property. After all, if you’re going to invest money into your home, then the idea that you’ll get it back and potentially even make a profit when you sell up is a pretty attractive one!
With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some practical improvements that you can make to your home that will also add value to your property.
Potential value increase – up to 30%
If you have an unused and unloved basement, then you’re sitting on a goldmine. Transforming an existing basement into a living space is just about the surest way to add value to your home. As long as the cost to develop the space is less than the price per square foot in the area, then you’re almost guaranteed not only to get your money back but also to make a profit.
As well as the financial benefits, converting a basement should, in theory, be one of the easiest home improvements you can make, as you shouldn’t require planning permission. That reduces the time and cost of the work considerably. Common basement conversions include everything from creating an additional bedroom to building underground home movie theatres, games rooms, gyms, recording studios, and even bars.
2. Revamp your kitchen
Potential value increase – up to 10%
Not all of the ways of increasing the value of your home require extensive building work or high costs. It is possible to add a good chunk of value to your home by spending a relatively small amount of money. For most homebuyers, the kitchen is the most important room in the house, so you can really boost the appeal of your property by replacing a tired and outdated kitchen with a modern, practical, and attractive alternative.
While buying a new kitchen can cost as little as $6,000, the average cost tends to be around $12,000-$16,000, but the good news is that you should see a return on your investment. Fitting a new kitchen can add between four and 10% to the value of your home.
To get the biggest benefit, you must make sure that the amount you spend is proportionate to the value of your home. For example, if you spend $25,000 on a luxurious new kitchen for a $200,000 house, you may not see the full investment reflected in the selling price. However, a new $10,000 kitchen on a $200,000 home will be a real selling point and could lead to a tidy profit.
3. Install an in-ground swimming pool
Potential value increase – up to 15%
There’s much debate among real estate professionals about whether installing a swimming pool in your home adds value to your property. The reality is that it depends on where you live. If you live in a cold part of the US that’s covered by snow for six months of the year, swimming pools are, understandably, not particularly desirable. However, if you live in an extremely hot climate, pools can make a big difference in your sale price.
For example, in California, a swimming pool can increase the value of a median-priced home by around $95,000, making a $30,000 pool a very shrewd investment. Whereas, in the Midwest, the addition of a swimming pool is likely to add between nothing and $40,000 to the value of your home.
If you do choose to install a swimming pool, you should opt for a salt pool. Salt pools help to keep the maintenance costs down, making them more attractive to homebuyers. There are also no chemical smells or health concerns that you can get with traditional chlorine pools.
4. Apply for planning permission
If you haven’t got the time, inclination, or budget to make improvements to your home, then one very cost-effective step you can take is to apply for and obtain planning permission. That will help elevate your home and attract buyers with bigger budgets looking for a little more space than your home currently offers.
For example, if you have planning permission for a single or double floor extension, that could allow buyers to add a new bedroom and bathroom upstairs and increase their living space dramatically downstairs. It’s also very appealing because it gives them the freedom to create a space that works specifically for them.
5. Make a good first impression
You might think that purely cosmetic changes won’t do much for your property’s value, but first impressions count. Buying a new front door, giving your home a new coat of paint, and tidying up tired old masonry with fresh render can make a huge difference to your home’s appeal.
As well as making the front of your home as inviting as you can, a few aesthetic improvements to the back garden can also add value. Cutting the grass, sweeping up the leaves, and doing some planting can help. A tidy lawn will always look larger than a messy one, so turn your garden into a selling point by creating a simple, stylish, and welcoming space.
In interior design today, how you place decorative objects makes the difference between a good space and a great one. While architecture gives you the bones and furniture handles function, decorative objects create the personality and emotional connection that makes a space feel complete. This isn’t just about making things look pretty. It’s about understanding […]
Picture this: You’re juggling groceries, coffee, and your laptop bag while fumbling for house keys that are nowhere to be found. Or maybe you’re standing in the rain, patting down every pocket twice before realizing your keys are on the kitchen counter. We’ve all been there. It’s a common struggle that can turn a simple […]
In recent years, India has experienced a significant shift in its work culture, driven by the rise of startups, freelancers, digital nomads, and hybrid work models. At the heart of this transformation lies the rapid growth of co-working spaces, vibrant, flexible environments that blur the lines between traditional offices and collaborative studios. But behind the […]
For many homeowners in San Diego, the kitchen is more than just a space to cook — it is the heart of the home, where meals, memories, and connections are made. If you’re considering a kitchen remodeling in San Diego this year, you’re in the right place. The latest trends blend functionality, elegance, and California-inspired […]
In the world of modern architecture, metal isn’t just about cold, hard construction. It’s about artistic vision, structural brilliance, and a dash of unexpected charm. As buildings evolve from mere shelters to bold statements of style and innovation, metal elements take center stage. They provide not only strength and durability but also the fine details […]
Managing a client project or designing a personal space? What if I told you you can use advanced tech to expedite planning, visualise outcomes, and make better decisions? 3D walkthroughs, automated measurements, and even AI-powered recommendations now make it possible to create the best layouts without relying solely on mood boards and sample colours. Solve […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]