We demand a lot from our homes, they need to accommodate the ever changing number of occupants, through various stages of our lives. When our houses fall short of our needs we start trolling through RightMove however increasingly owners are looking to adapt their homes.
A study published in 2018 by home insurer Hiscox tells us that homeowners are choosing to stay put for longer and invest in their homes, rather than moving on.
The report states that ‘in 2013 just 3% of homeowners took the decision to improve instead of move’, but fast-forward five years and this figure has increased to 15%” This figure jumps even higher to 26% amongst millennial homeowners (those aged 18 – 34).
What adds most value to a house?
There are a number of factors behind this trend, such as stamp duty, limited housing supply and political wranglings beginning with b. Whatever the causes if you are planning on investing in your home and staying put, you will be undoubtedly be asking yourself what adds most value to a house?
There is no set answer for this question as variables such as location, size, cost of materials and labour will vary considerably between properties. This report from Moneywise fills in a few gaps surrounding the benefits of home improvement benefits by location. What we do know is that loft extensions, bathrooms and kitchen extension top the list of renovation properties for homeowners.
Figures from homebuilding.co.uk suggest extending your home with a new kitchen-diner can add +10.8% to the value of a home, with a ‘regular’ kitchen renovation adding around +5.5%. Hiscoxs report that UK local councils have seen a +29% rise in the number of planning permission requests made by homeowners over the last ten years.
What the figures say...
> Requests for loft renovations have seen the greatest increase at 114% from 2008 to 2017, closely followed by living room extensions (113%).
> There has been a steep decline in planning applications for conservatories over the same period (-74%).
The report fails to account for the fact many building projects (particularly conservatories) do not require planning permission in the first place. The report could have provided more accurate information had it looked into applications surrounding building control which would have encompassed other types of building projects.
Home improvement ideas to add value
Opportunity Knocks
Adding value to your home can imply two things; that you are looking to increase it sales value, or the value to you (the owner) in terms of wellbeing or aesthetics.
The first thing you (or a potential buyer) is likely to see is the front door and a strong first impression can have a big impact and transform your home without spending an exuberant amount of money.
A premium uPVC door will also provide the household with added peace of mind against intruders or theft.
Do new windows add value to your home?
Upgrading old windows can hold three principle benefits for homeowners. Saving money on energy bills, increase the value of your home and lowering your carbon footprint. For a lot of our customers in Devon, having uPVC windows is highly recommended due to the sea air and winds associated with living near the coast.
It is important to consider the aesthetics of your property when purchasing new windows. The vast majority of U.K building regulations now require windows to be replaced with double glazing unless the property in a conservation area or is listed.
With the majority of residential buildings not being listed, you (the homeowner) will likely have free reign to select the windows that appeal to you.
The first thing you (or a potential buyer) is likely to see is the front door and a strong first impression can have a big impact and transform your home without spending an exuberant amount of money.
A premium uPVC door will also provide the household with added peace of mind against intruders or theft.
Finding value: Conservatory, extension or orangery?
Whether you are thinking conservatory, extension, or orangery, it is important to incorporate a design that aligns with the rest of your property, whilst being aesthetically pleasing.
The extensions we typically work on employ the skills of an architect, ensuring that the space is considered and connects the inside to the outside through the use of bi-folding, sliding doors or french doors.
Research via Zopa of 1000 home-improvers suggests found that an average U.K extension cost £19,750. The average return on investment for an extension was 71%, meaning the average amount of profit generated by an extension was £14,000.
The figures above are only averages and costs can vary between locations, the spec of materials and cost of labour.
Considerations when redeveloping your home...
Water Board Approval
If your conservatory is to be built within 3 metre of a public sewer (main drains), you will require permission from your regional water board authority. Upon completion your local building control officer (aka building regs) will want to inspect the work to check for correct installation and possible damage to the sewer – so remember do not fill your drainage channels until he / she has inspected the work.
Party wall approval
If your planning building work requires excavation around or near a neighbouring property you must notify your neighbour in writing at least 2 months prior to any building work. This will typically concern projects where you are digging foundations within your garden – especially if you live in a traditional semi-detached or terraced house.
Restrictive Covenants
Restrictive covenant are designed to impose restrictions on the use of land so that the value and ensure enjoyment of adjoining land will be preserved. This does not necessarily mean you cannot build a conservatory, providing the design is sympathetic to the surrounding property. For more information please visit the HomeOwners Alliance website.
Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
Properties within conservation areas or buildings that are listed must comply with set rules that govern the work that can be carried out on a buildings exterior – for listed building this can also apply to the interior. Any alterations, like a new conservatory, must be in-keeping with the style of the property.
Want to learn more?
If you are planning a home renovation or looking to add value to your home please visit our contact form to get a quote.
If you found this interesting you might also want to read....
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Our series of buying guides aims to give you as much information around our industry and products before you get a quote. So let’s begin with the basics planning permission.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Whether you are looking to accommodate an ever growing family or create additional space whilst avoiding full scale building work, a new conversatory can offer the perfect solution.