There’s nothing quite like the advent of Spring to get us thinking about giving our homes a makeover. With the dark winter days almost behind us, it’s the perfect time to tackle that list of DIY jobs or perhaps even plan larger renovation projects.
Lets Get Started
National Home Improvement Week kicks off in March and it’s hoping to inspire us all to get involved with our own home improvement projects. Launched to coincide with the start of the DIY season, it will share loads of expert tips and advice to help us whip our homes into shape.
So whether you have a big extension planned for this year or you’re just looking for inspiration, it makes sense to invest in home improvements that will give you the best return on your investment.
7 Home Improvement Ideas
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Install a new kitchen
If you’re only going to improve one room in your home, make it the kitchen. Kitchens are the hub of the home, so make yours a place to congregate. Comfy seats create a chill out zone and guests can chat with the cook.
Think about adding WOW factor with large bi-folding doors that open on to the garden or a showpiece sky-pod. Not only do they look impressive, they also help to bring extra light into working areas. -
Knock down the walls
You don’t always need to add an extension to make the most of the space you have. Modern families are more interested in the amount of usable space, rather than the number of rooms so it may be worthwhile knocking two smaller rooms together to make one large, sociable space. Open-plan kitchen diners are very popular now and can significantly add to the value of your home, particularly if they provide direct access to your garden through smart glazed doors.
Don’t forget you’ll need to take structural advice before lifting the sledgehammer though! -
Replace the windows
New windows can transform the look of a house and make a huge difference to how warm, secure and sound-proofed it is. It’s important though to install windows that match the style of your home, whether it’s modern or traditional. Replacing old frames with aluminium windows, for instance, will increase the light and sense of space inside your home whilst instantly updating the exterior. You can add new windows, make the openings larger or replace windows with glazed doors to bring in more light.
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Add a glazed extension
A conservatory or orangery can add significantly more value to a property than it costs and boost an asking price by up to 10% – providing it’s well designed and properly integrated into the layout of the house. Energy efficient glass and adequate heating means the room can be used all year round. Furthermore good ventilation is also necessary to ensure it doesn’t overheat in summer.
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Go for a loft conversion
Adapting the loft is the easiest way to get an extra bedroom, home office or children’s playroom. A loft is worth the investment and can add an average of 12.5% to the value of a property. It’s important that the loft is a useable space, simply adding skylights can transform it. Make sure access to the room is easy and consider installing a dormer roof to provide extra headroom.
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Put in central heating
Efficient central heating makes for a warmer home and will definitely appeal to buyers if you decide to sell. A basic system may cost about £3,000, yet it will add at least £5,000 to the value of your home. It’s worth checking that your doors and windows are thermally efficient to avoid losing the heat you’ve invested in.
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Make your garden into another room
A well-tended garden can add value and beauty to your property. You could install decking or a patio to increase the socialising side of life.
The key to a successful garden is to ensure that it is accessible and visible from the house. Glass doors are an ideal way to make your garden an extension of your home. Another key way are glass balustrades around your decking or installed on a balcony so the view is not obstructed.
