April/May 2009
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Improve or Move
1
As homeowners prepare to spend another £6,400 on DIY this year — how can we be sure we’re actually increasing our property’s value?
1 FPDSavills
With a major high street chain urging us all to ‘improve, don’t move’, and Spring seeing us flock to the DIY stores and garden centres to feather our nests, it’s clear that thoughts of home improvement and adding value to our property are still important to us... in spite of the current economic climate. In reality, we rarely see a full return on our DIY outlay – in either money, time or effort – each of which quickly mount up. There are some returns to be made from a fresh lick of paint, a new carpet or a simple de-clutter. However, if we’re serious about increasing our property’s value there is one key rule: add square footage.
Adding square footage and increasing the size of your home is the best way to add the most value.
Extensions, loft conversions and conservatories are the most effective ways to increase the size of a property – and its value. In reality, such projects can end up costing more, taking longer and being far more stressful than expected. For some, a major improvement is tackling a new bathroom or kitchen at most. So, when looking to create more space, rather than embarking on making all the changes we might like, sometimes the most straightforward – and cost effective – option is to move home after all. Take Professional advice Every home has a ceiling value based on its location and a Prospect valuer will be able to advise on your property’s current value... and its potential value with the improvements made. The figures will help you decide whether renovations are right for you – or whether you’d be better off moving.
An altogether different Prospect.
April/May 2009
Propertyexpress
Prospect’s top tips for Here to o adding value to your home advise 1.
Loft Conversion Extend without foundations! Clear out the junk and create a master bedroom with en-suite, a study or a playroom.
2. Extend
Gain that open-plan kitchen/diner or family room of your dreams.
3. New Kitchen
Whether you revamp or refit, a great kitchen can sell a house in a heartbeat.
4. New Bathroom
Splash out on making your bathroom shine like a spa!
5. De-clutter
Find yourself with more extra space by simply de-cluttering for the price of a skip.
6. Painting & decorating
A lick of paint can work wonders – making a space feel light, airy and inviting.
7.
Carpets & flooring Keep carpets neutral and hardwearing and if possible, the same colour throughout.
8. Landscape your garden
Create a ‘room outside’ for a wow factor and alfresco entertaining... is there possibly space for a garden office?
9. Sharpen up the exterior
Kerb appeal counts! The external finish is a good reflection of the interior and can set the tone before visitors step inside.
You’ll then be able to make a more informed decision about investing more into your current home... or whether your investment would be best spent in moving home.
We’re not just here for you when you’re buying and selling a home — take advantage of our experience! As property experts we’re here to give you advice on a broad range of property matters and would be delighted to help you move – or improve – whichever is right for you and your property.
The first step is a current valuation of your property — call today! Reading
(0118) 955 9700
Bracknell
(01344) 869 169
Crowthorne (01344) 778 868 Warfield
10. Services
There’s no point having fancy fixtures if the basics aren’t up to scratch: plumbing, heating, electrics should be updated and as efficient as can be.
At Prospect, we’d be delighted to listen to your plans and ideas about your property, advise on areas that could increase your home’s value – or indeed make it more attractive to purchasers.
(01344) 300 700
Wokingham (0118) 979 7770
prospect.co.uk
globrix.
Winnersh
(0118) 979 6661
Sandhurst
(01276) 609 070
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