Top tips to add value to your home

Your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make. If you’re thinking of selling or just looking to add value to your home, we’ve compiled a Iist of tried and tested top tips that’ll benefit you now and in the future. We’ll also discuss whether it’s better to sort out all of your home’s structural problems before you begin any cosmetic work.

Improve structural issues first

Before you embark on any DIY projects to add value to your home, it’s best to make sure your property is safe and sound first. We’d suggest you check from your ceiling to your floors and everything in between. If you can be certain your home is structurally safe, then you won’t have any nasty surprises when you’re laying a new floor, painting or knocking through walls. And of course, completing these jobs will increase the value of your home, too.

Checklist of ways to increase the value of your home

We’ve compiled a list of must-do tasks before you take on any improvements that’ll value to your home:

Roof: ensure it doesn’t leak, have cracked or missing roof tiles, or wobbly chimney stacks
Walls: Does your property have damp? Are there large cracks in the walls? Sort these out before you get out your paintbrushes
Wood and windows: is the wood in your window or door frames in good condition? Do you want to replace any windows for double-glazing?
Floor: are your floors free from moisture, level and not at risk from collapse? Does your property suffer from subsidence?

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Update your energy efficiency

While these major jobs may prove to be expensive, they’ll repay you in the long run as they’ll certainly add value to your home. And even if you’re improving but not moving, you’ll notice your bills shouldn’t go up too much and your home will be warmer and more efficient to run.

Updating your central heating: you may have an older property that doesn’t have central heating upstairs. Think about installing radiators or upgrading your heating system, perhaps adding some underfloor heating underneath your flooring if possible. We've got a guide to the best underfloor heating flooring to help you out.
New windows: this isn’t a quick-fix or a cheap option, but you may find you want to replace your single-glazed windows with double-glazing. You’ll need to check whether it’s possible – for instance, people who live in conservation areas aren’t allowed replacement uPVC windows
Draughts and insulation: With energy bills going up, you won’t want to waste money heating the air just to have it escape from your home. Check all window frames to ensure they’re sealed and airtight, and use old-fashioned draught excluders along the bottom of door frames to keep out the cold. If you have a conservatory, attic or loft, it’s best to ensure it’s adequately insulated so your home doesn’t lose warm air through the roof
Rewiring or replumbing: older properties may require a complete overhaul of their electrics or pipework. Once again, it’s best to check when the house was last rewired or replumbed before you start any major work. Use this opportunity to add more sockets, extractor fans, towel rails, and new lighting, or to install a new boiler or power shower. This is also the moment to consider updating any safety features and or installing a security system.

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Top tips to increase your property’s value

Consider its kerb appeal What do visitors to your home see? Make a good first impression by maintaining the exterior woodwork, brickwork and paint. Don’t forget to wash your windows, tidy up any garden space and perhaps add colourful pot plants or shrubs, and replace an old door mat if you live in an apartment. Check your front door is polished and pristine too!
Give your bathroom a makeover A stained, chipped bathroom, with mouldy sealants or dripping taps, gives the wrong impression. Refresh your bathroom suite with new furniture, flooring and fittings to give your home that hotel-style luxury feel
Kitchen refresh You may not need to rip out all the units and start again. Consider replacing door knobs, surfaces, and flooring, and give the walls a wash and a lick of paint

Replace flooring to add value to your home

The easiest and most satisfying way to add value to your home is to give it a brand-new floor. Here are some of the best examples.

Carpets

Carpet is the ultimate choice to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. It’s soft underfoot and easy to keep clean, and it reduces noise too. You can make any room buyer-ready and elegant by using a neutral shade. You can choose from a large collection of styles for living rooms and bedrooms.

Smooth flooring

Hardwood floors are also popular because they’re so easy to maintain. There is a wealth of choices in stylish laminate flooring, while luxury vinyl tiles are warmer and often a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring. Many laminates and types of luxury vinyl work well with underfloor heating too.

If you’re thinking about renovating a busy room like a kitchen, then consider vinyl flooring as a practical and affordable option. It comes in many effects, like stone, ceramic, hardwood or patterned. It’s a great choice as it’s non-slip, bouncy and comfy underfoot. You can order free flooring samples before you decide, including water-resistant kitchen laminates that fit in around your existing units and style.

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Make the most of the space you have

If you can, consider a loft conversion, an extension, or a garden office. But if that’s too much for your budget, or you simply don’t have the room, then improving the space you do have can significantly add value to your home.

Do you have room under the stairs to create a home office? Or could you find a corner to create a mini utility area, stacking your tumble dryer on top of your washing machine?
In your bedroom, why not fix some shelves inside your wardrobe for shoes or jumpers? Could you store seasonal clothes on the backs of doors or in baskets under your bed?
If you’re willing to knock through walls, you may be rewarded with bigger rooms and increase your enjoyment of your property as well as add value to it by living in a brighter, more airy home. Always remember to check which walls are load-bearing before you make any drastic changes.

More clever storage areas to add value to your property

Above-head height shelving in corridors or halls
Either side of a chimney breast or bed
Space in the eaves, attic or basement
Underneath the bath or sink
Add hooks or pegs to the other side of doors or inside wardrobes

Spruce up your outside space

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden or yard, then make sure it works hard for you. Consider replacing fences, adding trellises or trees to create more privacy, and keep the space as tidy as you can through regular weeding and cleaning. Add somewhere to sit and eat, some shade if you need it and you’ve created an outside room that’ll enhance your life and increase value to your home.

Inspired to give your home a makeover?

If you’d like to give your house or flat a fresh new look, but need some help, we’ve expert floorologists in every store who will be delighted to help you find the carpet or floor of your dreams. You can book a free appointment or use our handy store locator on the website to find your nearest Tapi. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.

Post author

Claire Murphy Copywriter Former lifestyle journalist, keen amateur upcycler, full of value for money ideas

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Published: 04-01-2023