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As the housing market continues to struggle through the so-called ‘recovery’ of the recession, and the endless cycle of taking advantage of the latest remortgage deals to release new equity from rising property values seems to have stuttered, more and more homeowners are opting to add value to their existing property instead of moving home. This way, homeowners can add value to their home and reap the financial benefits as and when the property market improves. Larger home improvements such as extensions and conversions, if done properly and efficiently, can make the home a much more enjoyable space.

1 Revive the Kitchen space: The kitchen is probably the most used room in the house and the one room that brings a family together more than any other, no wonder Phil Spencer (From Channel 4′s Location, Location, Location) believes the kitchen is ‘the heart of the home’. What might surprise you is the fact that the kitchen is the first room new owners will refurbish when the home is purchased, as it shows off more personal taste and style than any other room. As it’s more difficult and expensive to change than any other room in the house, getting the kitchen right is important for any new owner, so if you’re buying property for a quick flip, it would be worthless to have a new kitchen installed.:1 Revive the Kitchen space: A kitchen is perhaps the most used room in any household; cooking is a key aspect in the home and therefore the kitchen is considered to be a place where the average busy family comes together. Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4′s Location Location Location, highlights how the kitchen is in fact “the heart of the home” and for this reason is a room that represents personal flare and character. Phil highlights that the kitchen is in fact the first room that a prospective property buyer looks to change to show off their own individuality, so it is advised that you make your kitchen somewhat of a blank canvas if you are looking to make a quick sale. Therefore, don’t spend thousands of pounds on a quirky or ‘fashionable’ new kitchen, just in the hope to add value to your home, as you will be unlikely to receive a return on your expenditure.

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 re-fit, 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 Modernize the flooring: One of the main contributors to a home appearing dull, dark and lifeless is its carpets, especially in communal living areas. All too soon can they become worn, damaged and stained in areas which are regularly used. By replacing the carpet in the entrance hall, porch or stairs for example, a house can instantly look more inviting to people seeing your home for the first time. Now, I understand that replacing carpet can be an expensive job, so how about some alternatives. Buying a nice rug which fits in with the style of your home can add extra comfort to a room, whilst also disguising a slightly warn carpet underneath.

As has been already mentioned, laminate wooden flooring is a cheap option that makes a room seem larger than it is, with the added bonus of being easier than a carpet to keep clean. Used in the right way and in the right circumstances, it can look modern and bring a room together, despite its reputation for making a house or room feel and look sterile. Any such negative views can be neutralised by adding a rug to proceedings or if you don’t want to settle for half measures, add under floor heating to the set up to make a room real classy. Adding under floor heating is actually the more economical option in the long term; all new builds have it included as a standard feature. So having it installed can make the house very attractive for anyone looking for a new build or a house with all the mod-cons.

3 Renovate a garage: This is perhaps a misleading title; as most property’s that have room for a garage do in fact have one as standard. However, what is the point of having a garage that is unused? You’d be surprised at how many homes use their garage simply to store odds and sods that they no longer need (that’s what the loft is for!). So how about converting it into an additional room, perhaps an office or workplace? Say, for those who like a bit of DIY or for those who have jobs that require large workspace areas, such as artists and photographers. However, if your garage is actually causing the opposite problem and is too limited for your vehicle storage needs then consider extending it. There is a huge demand at the moment for houses with double garages due to an increased demand of owning a car. An extension could not only add value to your home, but it could attract some serious interest from prospective buyers.

4 Build a conservatory: Adding a conservatory can really add character and flare to a property. Conservatory’s 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’s more is that they are not as expensive as they used to be as they are rather commonplace in today’s 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 Environmentally friendly Upgrades: The main focus in property development at the moment, is making homes more eco-friendly in order to promote greener living. Therefore, most new build projects are automatically built with solar panel energy installed, cavity wall and loft insulation and double glazed windows. Such changes are not only environmentally friendly, but they can significantly cut a property’s utility bills. By upgrading your property to a greener one, you ensure that your property remains current, whilst also saving yourself that extra bit of cash.

So there you have it, 5 different ways to add value to your home and, effectively, save money living as you wait for the housing market to improve. Now, there are too many different ways to add value to your home, so don’t take this as a definitive list. The point of these particular 5 is to highlight that small changes can be just as effective as larger ones. The most important thing to remember when making any change though, is to ensure you don’t put too much of a personal stamp on your property, especially if you are hoping for a quick and effortless sale. Seamless extensions will improve the external aesthetics of the building whilst neutral colours and simple styles will attract the buyer looking for a blank canvas of potential. It is important to note here though to always remember to check for planning permission when planning any big home improvements.

The five improvements we have mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg on what can be done to improve your property. Going from an extensive rebuilding or refurbishment project to simply buying a few rugs for a few rooms, no stone should be left unturned when it comes to adding value on your property.