How Can I Add Value to My Home?

Sarah Beeny is an English property developer and TV presenter who has helped many homeowners get the home of their dreams. She has also written several property-related books and has taken on demanding projects so she has earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable people for assisting with any property issues

To add any significant value to your home it's wise to replace the most expensive items first. There's no point redecorating if the kitchen units have seen better days. Cover-up jobs will only make matters worse and can even detract from the value of your home. If you can't afford the financial outlay all at once it would be prudent to concentrate on one room at a time. When cash is limited, working with the living space you already have is better than opting for the addition of a conservatory or other expensive home improvement.

Whatever the nature of your home improvement project is, make certain you have put as much effort into preparation as you can. Doing things on a whim will likely mean that the end result will not add any value to your home at all - or worse still may even cause it to lose value! Make sure that you have the correct tools for the job and the most appropriate materials. It is of utmost importance that all work is done by a competent person.

Kitchens and bathrooms are by far the best areas to refurbish in order to add value.There's nothing worse than a dated bathroom suite and shabby kitchen that will devalue a property that is in otherwise reasonable condition overall,

A gleaming white bathroom suite and shiny new taps will work wonders and need not cost the earth. Most DIY materials such as tiles and flooring are relatively cheap and as long as you hire a reliable contractor to fit them you will soon acquire an attractive restyled bathroom that adds value in both monetary and aesthetic terms.

Go along to some big DIY outlets such as Homebase in the UK or Home Depot in the USA and get some ideas for your kitchen and bathroom revamp. They will assist you with your planning and do a computer generated diagram of how you can utilise the available space to its best advantage.

Be sure to ask for professional advice before undertaking any remodelling project which involves the removal of walls or chimney breasts.... it's amazing how many DIY projects have ended in disaster! Additional space is invaluable but you must never compromise the fabric of the building in order to achieve it. Loft conversions and basement reclamations should be left to the experts. Gas and electrical work should only be done by fully qualified tradesmen. It's wise to check their credentials before parting with any cash and never pay for a job upfront. Always get three quotations too.

Anything that saves on heating bills will be a genuine asset in the home improvement stakes, so double glazing and an efficient heating system is a must. In the long run, installation of these will save more than just a few pennies and will ensure that your home is protected from all weathers. The installation of a modern condensing boiler will ensure that you are not wasting money on an old gas guzzling boiler that will not heat your home efficiently. Solar heating is also something that will pay for itself over the years and may be worthwhile considering. You can even sell some of your surplus energy to the local electric company.

Cavity wall insulation and loft insulation will always be another sensible home improvement measure that will ensure you and you family can reap some benefits and will add value to your home too.

A fireplace is the focal point of any living area and can make all the difference between a warm, friendly atmosphere and one that is cold and uninviting. A modern fireplace suite that is easy to maintain can transform an ordinary room whatever its size.

Whatever the internal proportions of your home it is possible to create a clutter-free environment to give the illusion of space. A home with adequate storage will always appeal. Built-in furniture fitted in awkward corners can often open up space that would otherwise not be utilised.

Subdued lighting, attractive fittings and neutral décor will all add to the feeling of a bright and airy living space and this can be achieved with very little expenditure. A dark gloomy hallway with no natural light could spoil an otherwise immaculately presented home and make it appear uninviting as soon as you set foot in the door. A feature wall with a fresh coat of paint in bright, cheerful colours, will work wonders and welcome your visitors whether they are guests or prospective purchasers.

There is a wealth of magazines nowadays from which to gather home improvement ideas and highlight ways to show off your home to its best advantage, whether you are intending to sell or just wanting to add value and gain further enjoyment from the property.

It's amazing how many properties are renovated with little regard to the roof. The roof structure and associated flashing, guttering etc are all there to protect the house and if any of them fail it could mean serious consequences for the fabric of the building and even the contents. Get a competent roofer to check your roof periodically especially after high winds and periods of prolonged and heavy rainfall. Gutters also need to be free of debris in order to do their job efficiently. If your home is near to trees that shed their leaves frequently, you will have to do this more often. Dodgy roofs can put off buyers immediately and detract from value even if the interior of your home is immaculate.

And finally, don't forget the exterior and the garden. Outside lighting and a few paving stones will easily create a delightful patio area. Neat, tidy gardens and well-kept boundaries can also show that your house is well cared for and add to its value without any drain on your finances.Sometimes a bit of TLC and ongoing maintenance is all you need to deal with an overgrown garden and give the frontage of your house some 'kerb appeal.' Compare your property to others in the road and see what you can do to bring it up to standard. A neatly manicured lawn and a drive free of moss can work wonders after the winter. You can treat your iron railings to a lease of new life by giving them a coat of Hammerite which will protect against rust for five years. A little tin goes a long way and will enhance the look of any front elevation that has ironwork. Why not add a touch of class by adding contrasting tips to your railings if you buy a smaller tin of the product in gold? Likewise, you can spruce up any exterior woodwork by using some Sadolin wood varnish to protect it and add to the overall effect you want to create.