When you buy a new house to live in, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that it is your home. But you'll probably also want to think about what impact anything you do to it will have on its potential value.

 

And before you invest your hard-earned cash, you'll also want to be clear about how long you're likely to stay in the house before you try to sell it – is it your home for life, or will you be likely to be trying to move to something bigger in the next couple of years?

 

Here are a few things that could add some real value to your property, and make it an even more pleasant place to live:

 

A Loft Conversion

Not everyone will be able to afford one, but it’s possibly the easiest way to add a new room, such as a new bedroom or bathroom. In addition to giving you more living space, it will mean more square footage, and a possibly greater value if and when you go to sell. Some experts say that a good loft conversion could add quite a lot more to the value of a house than it costs to do it.

 

The Front Door

They say first impressions last, and the same can be true of houses. A smart looking front door can make a big difference to how people view your home. It could be one of the most cost-effective ways to add value to your property. And walking up to a good-looking entrance can also make you feel even better about your new place. It could even be a case of just refurbishing the existing door; maybe a lick of nice paint and a new doorknob, letterbox and house number.

 

Improve The Kitchen

Some experts say that if there's only one room that you're going to invest in, make it the kitchen. For one, modern day living focuses a lot on the kitchen and a nice cooking-dining area could fit well with your life-style. It is also something of a showpiece room for a house. A well-thought out kitchen that provides good space for not just cooking, but also things like watching TV and relaxing, could be just what potential buyers want. But make sure the price bracket of the kitchen matches the price bracket of the house, or you may not get back what you invest.

 

Think About Knocking Down Some Walls

Definitely don't do this without thinking it through very carefully, and getting some proper, expert advice, as some walls are load-bearing. But there is a view that modern day living edges towards bigger living spaces and that buyers are more interested in the amount of usable space, rather than necessarily the number of rooms.

 

Add A Conservatory

This is potentially a considerable investment, but probably not as much as adding an extension; and it could have a not dissimilar effect in terms of adding usable living space. But experts advise that you should think carefully about how you integrate it well with your home so that it feels a core part of the house, rather than a bolt-on.

There are plenty of other things you could do to add value to your home in addition to or instead of above. It’s all about your own individual circumstances and what your plans are. The most important thing is to think carefully about how you spend your money, and where possible take advice from people who know what they are talking about.

 

BelfastLive.co.uk - 22/05/17