Doors & Windows

Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a number of ways you can add value to your property that will prove to be a worthwhile investment, lasting for years to come. As many of us are now spending more time indoors and working from home, it is important to consider upgrades to your home that can improve your quality of living and prospects of selling, so the home improvement experts at Stormclad have compiled their top suggestions for adding value to your home quickly. Managing director of Stormclad, John

Evans, said: “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of

1. A new front door

A front door is one of the first things that guests – and potential buyers if you’re selling your home – will notice in a property, so making a good first impression is key. Whether you are looking to make a quick sale in the current market or just want to add value to properties for the future, a new front door will improve the focal point of any home and help with the success of a sale.

From the materials used, to the colour, glass and energy efficiency – there are many things to consider when choosing a new front door. The best way to begin is by ascertaining a realistic budget, so you can narrow down the most suitable options available to you. Aside from kerb appeal, a new front door will also help heat retention in your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills, as well as providing added security with the latest locking systems.

2. Replace existing patio and back doors

A new patio or back door can breathe new life into the interior and exterior of any property, adding unique character to all architectural home styles - from contemporary builds to period pieces - often maximising natural light in any property. With an array of patio door styles available including French doors, bifolding doors and sliding doors, a back door upgrade can be a great way to bring the outdoors in, further securing access points and depending on the door option, improving the view out to a rear garden or courtyard – something you may find yourself yearning for as you spend more time at home.

their own homes during lockdown, the start of 2021 is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements. “For homeowners thinking about selling their property this year to relocate – while it is now too late to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday before 31st March, it’s still worth ensuring your home is the best it can be to maximise your living enjoyment, and should the time come to put your property on the market, you know it will be ready for the future. “As home improvement experts with over 20 years’ experience, we have listed five ways you can add value to your home - from installing a conservatory, to upgrading windows and doors – giving your home a facelift will not only add value, but also guarantee quality fixtures that will last well into the future.”

Here is the list of five ways to add value to your home:

4. Refurbish your existing conservatory

3. Replace windows

Conservatories that may be suffering with damp or a leaking roof, or struggling with temperature control, may be in need of refurbishment. Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space. Consider transforming an underutilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. This can provide you with a tranquil place to escape to for some much-needed down time during lockdown, and will also demonstrate how the space can be used to potential buyers, if you’re looking to place your home on the market.

5. A brand-new conservatory

Replacing windows is one of the single biggest improvements you can make to your home, with the largest impact. Not only will new windows improve the performance of your home in terms of energy efficiency, by retaining heat and regulating the temperature during the summer months, but it will also provide added security and aesthetic appeal to your property. Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future and add sell-on value, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. Older windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in, and continue to look smart over time.

A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home which can serve as a versatile space that could function as a dining room, living area, playroom or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than a traditional extension, as it will bring you closer to your garden or outdoor space, connecting you with nature, greenery and blue skies. It is a great option if you are looking to enjoy a peaceful setting, away from the rest of the house.

For more information or to speak to the Stormclad team, visit the company website here.

BLACK BARN: FORMER COTSWOLDS GRAIN STORE CAPTURED BY HANDOVER

Photography studio, Handover, share their captures of Black Barn – the 6,500 sq ft development situated north of the Cotswolds, completed in 2020 by multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design and delivery studio Rigby & Rigby.

Developed as a holistic scheme which is utilitarian in design, a key consideration was referencing Black Barn’s former use as an agricultural grain store.

The residence comprises accommodation in the main house with a Dutch Barn running in parallel, framing an inner courtyard space. By carefully respecting the buildings original form, the property was punctuated symmetrically with large-format windows to provide lots of natural light and ventilation.

“Black Barn was a unique opportunity for us to work on such a large scale residential photography project.” Explains Daniel Tuck, co-founder of Handover. “Whilst capturing the traditional architectural elevations was key, we often work to capture the more abstract perspectives when documenting such a visually striking property. Having seen the concept develop from drawing to completion, we gained an in-depth understanding of how Rigby & Rigby wanted to showcase this home and how their talented design team fully deserve their esteemed worldwide reputation.”

A central staircase and fireplace run along the length of Black Barn, reflecting the scale and depth within the double-height void. This provides circulation onto the mezzanine seating area from where a glass walkway provides access to private bedrooms with en-suites. At the southernmost part of the upper storey, a library is located with far-reaching views across the countryside.

Externally the architecture was simplified by enhancing the detailing around the cladding with a contrast of materials used from black liner multi-width timber and sheet aluminium, both materials being honest to the building’s former aesthetic.

The Nordic style interior design scheme was developed from its minimalist background to create the multi-functional and open plan living area for family living, entertaining, dining, breakfast whilst relaxation is found in the media room with pool table and bar overlooking the courtyard. The interior is comfortable with design classics from Flexform and Poltrona Frau and the new Rimedesio range for coffee tables. A custom ‘Skyfall’ rug designed by Rigby & Rigby in collaboration with Colbourns surrounds the fireplace and informal seating area.

One specific outstanding feature of Black Barn is the Dutch Barn which creates an inner shelter adjacent to the Japanese inspired courtyard space to the main house. The Dutch Barn features an annexe with a mezzanine bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/living facilities.

Also, Black Barn comes with a fully equipped gym, workshop garage - to house a classic bike and car, a covered BBQ area for the summer months and an adjacent kitchen garden for vegetables and herbs with an orchard to the rear nestled into a wild meadow.

22 3 WAYS

TO MAKE MONEY OFF YOUR HOME

Looking to generate some additional income in 2021? In this article, Peter Watton from OddsMonkey shares his tips for making money at home.

It’s always nice to have some extra money coming in. But, with Money reporting that 78% of people in the UK are starting off 2021 with personal debt, more and more of us are looking for new ways to generate additional income.

If you have credit cards, personal or payday loans, car loans, or overdrafts to pay off, or if you’d just like to have a little extra disposable income, you might be interested to know that the house you live in could be the key to doing just that.

Below, I’ll take you through just some of the ways you can make money off your home. RENT OUT YOUR DRIVEWAY OR PARKING SPACE

Renting out parking space is a great option if you live in the city centre, next to a notable transport link such as a train station, or even a hospital or football stadium. You could stand to make between £50 and £200 per month on average, with even more profit to be made in London boroughs where parking space is at a premium.

Rules vary by council, but It’s important to note that you can only sell or rent out space on property you own, and not lease out your resident’s permit for on-street parking. You’ll also have to pay income tax, check your insurance and mortgage policies to see if they allow it, and — depending on where you live — acquire planning permission.

Alternatively, you could consider renting out your car through a third party, especially if yours isn’t getting a lot of use at the moment. If the worst should happen, you’re usually covered by the company’s insurance and not

Renting out parking space is a great optioYou could stand to make between £50 and £200 pcm

RUN A SHOP Take advantage of unused space in your home by running an online shop. This can be as simple as searching in the sales to find discounted products, then selling them on through a digital marketplace. Alternatively, if you’re good with your hands, you could use the extra room to set up a craft area in your home and sell what you make. As an online seller you can make up to £1000 taxfree on sites like eBay, Etsy, and Depop, but anything over that and you’ll need to register as self-employed with HRMC and pay the appropriate sales tax.

your own, so it’s very easy to set up and do. However, you still have to let your insurance company know what’s going on and the additional mileage may affect your premium.

RENT OUT A SPARE ROOM If you have the space then renting out a furnished spare room, loft, or annexe can be a great way to accrue additional income, either short or long term. Do your research so you know exactly what’s involved in being a landlord, and make sure you interview tenants first and ask them to sign a contract to avoid any complications.

Thanks to the government’s Rent a Room Scheme, you can rent out as much of your home as you like and earn up to £7,500 per year taxfree. You’ll have to let your mortgage and insurance lenders know that’s what you intend to do, but in most cases it won’t affect your policies much. If you currently live alone, taking in a lodger will affect the single person discount on your council tax so you’ll have to factor in the loss of this 25% reduction. But you can rent out long term and even run a bed and breakfast under this scheme.

Take advantage of unused space in your home by running an online shop.

There are so many ways to make money online aside from selling, too. From blogging and influencing to matched betting, our free

guides to online side hustles

can help you find the right option for you.

The tips in this guide can help you find ways to make money off your home. Give them a try and you’re sure to generate some extra income.