Home Additions That Really Add Value To Your Home

[Michelle Alden]

Many homeowners are opting to renovate their home to accommodate their changing requirements or to fix it up before they sell with the hope that it will add to the market price of the property. While home improvement projects can really add to the appeal and practicality of a home, some will add more value onto the bottom line than others.

Adrian Goslett says that homeowners should always remember that having the fanciest house on the block is not necessarily going to mean it will sell for the highest price on the block. In fact, Goslett warns, a house that is priced higher than its neighbouring homes could be perceived as overpriced even if it does have more value.

•Kitchen

Because many buyers see the kitchen as the heart of the home, even a few basic improvements to this room can really pay off. Consider including energy efficient appliances, stainless steel, new countertops, a new sink, a coat of paint and new flooring. Cupboards can also be sanded, stained, painted or replaced if necessary. Where possible a classic design and neutral paint tones are best as these will appeal to a broader range of people. A well renovated kitchen can recoup between 70% and 80% of remodelling cost when the home is sold.

•Basic Improvements
The basics are always more important than fancy new fittings and fixtures. A beautiful new kitchen and bathroom will add no value if the roof is leaking or rising damp is a problem, for example. It is the basic improvements that will provide the greatest return on a home's value. Homeowners who are considering selling in the next year or so need to start any home improvements by tackling any problems with the home's structure or systems such as the plumbing before installing a Jacuzzi, for example.

Please feel free to share anymore home additions that really add value.

[New Homes Expert]

As I said on another post, you should only improve or add to a property if you are going to get the benefit from it. Adding value should be a secondary consideration.

[eleven1]

thank you Michelle for the good advice, i'm sure it will benefit many home sellers .especially in the current market conditions when the smallest detail can make a huge difference. these addition may not add value but defenitly they will help in securing a sale.

[qetta]

We were told by the estate agents not to make any improvements, apart from basic maintenance, as people like to do their own thing.

[Jeannie D]

I think Qetta is right. In my experience, bathroom and kitchen designs are very subjective and people like to stamp their own ideas on a new home in order to make the property their own, so as long as the property is clean, well maintained and neutrally decorated, there is nothing to put a potential buyer off.