In the current climate, many homeowners are electing to improve their property in the hope of adding to it’s market value; but sadly, it seems that many are making expensive mistakes.

Homeowners looking to make improvements - specifically with the aim of increasing the value of their property should think about practical, functional improvements which will have broad appeal - rather than putting an ‘individual’ stamp on their homes.

Below are our top five home improvement blunders, which are likely to detract from your home rather than adding value:

1. Outdoor Hot Tubs - whilst this might seem like a nice idea, they’re rarely used. They also take up space in the garden and require maintenance. They’re also expensive, and not likely to add anything to the value of your property.
2. Extravagant Kitchens - whilst a kitchen can really sell a property - rather than choosing something ‘bold’ - go for a clean unfussy design that is likely to appeal to the broadest audience.
3. Crazy Bathrooms - again, if you’re looking to sell your property a clean, unfussy white bathroom suite is what you need. ‘Individual’ touches are not required (you might love the barbie pink floor tiles, but others might not).
4. Eccentric Decor - buyers look for high quality finishes, not gimmicks. Neutral colours often work best - you can always add splashes of colour via furnishings, cushions, rugs, artwork etc. These are easier for buyers to see past if they are not to their taste. 
5. Unsympathetic Renovations - stripping a Georgian cottage of all it’s character to try to create modern open plan living is a definite no-no. Likewise a period fireplace in a new build is probably not the best way to spend your money. Be sympathetic to the style and character of the property you own. 

So what should you do? 

Nationwide Building Society suggests that home owners should focus on functional renovations in order to stand the best chance of boosting the market value of their home:

1. A 10% increase in floor space (i.e. square footage) adds between 5%-7% to the value of a property. However, the additional space needs to be usable - e.g. add a conservatory, home office or similar.
2. Adding an extra bedroom and en suite bathroom via a loft conversion or by extending over the garage can add 11%-20% to a property (for those homes that are expanding from a two bedroom to a three bedroom, or those that are expanding from a three bedroom to a four bedroom).
3. Energy-efficiency measures such as double glazing can also boost a home’s value and make it easier to sell. If you are selling or renting your home, you’ll need to provide prospective buyers / tenants with an energy performance certificate; undoubtedly homes which are more energy efficient are likely to appeal more. 

Other top tips:

1. It’s worth spending money making sure your home has curb appeal - make sure your front garden and driveway are presentable and your front door is well maintained - you don’t want people to be turned off before they’ve even entered your property.
2. If you do have an extension make sure that you get the necessary planning consent. If you don’t have the consent, then a buyer is unlikely to go ahead and purchase your property, as they may be asked to take the extension down.

How you decide to furnish your conservatory will ultimately depend on how you plan to use it, however within this article we will provide you with some ideas of how to make best use of your conservatory, and give some handy hints and tips on how to furnish it.

Conservatories as Dining Rooms

Many people elect to use their conservatories as dining rooms - which can be a lovely way of enjoying your garden even when it’s a little too chilly to actually eat outside. Alternatively in the Summer months you might elect to eat outside, and then move into the conservatory for post dinner drinks as the temperature drops.

If you’re planning to use your conservatory as a dining room there are a vast number of options open to you - many people elect to furnish their conservatories with furniture which can be easily moved outside when it’s warm enough, but looks equally at home inside.

Traditionally people have used rattan, cane and wicker furniture in conservatories, but there’s absolutely no need to be tied to these materials - you can create a lovely modern look with glass and chrome, or a more traditional cosy look with wooden furniture.

Conservatories as Offices

Some people elect to use their conservatory (or part of their conservatory) as a home office. If you’re considering this there are some fantastic solutions out there which enable you to hide your home office away once you’ve finished working. Make sure you’ve plenty of storage for papers, files and so on; and consider using a laptop rather than a desktop computer; as it’s much easier to store. That way you can use your conservatory in your leisure time - rather than using it purely as a working space.

If you are considering working in your conservatory, bear in mind that at certain times of day the bright sunlight may make it difficult to see your computer screen. As such it might be worth investing in some quality blinds. SEHBAC have a fantastic range of blinds so there’s bound to be something to suit you.

Conservatories as Living Rooms & Play Rooms

Many people elect to use their conservatories as additional living rooms and/or play rooms for adults and kids alike! Here the possibilities are endless - a conservatory can be a great place for that pool table you’ve always wanted!

Likewise a conservatory can make a fantastic living room - think comfortable sofas, arm chairs, bean bags - and a glass of wine with friends. Again it’s a lovely way of feeling like you’re outdoors even when the Great British Summer conspires against you!

Conservatories for Hobbies

If you like to paint, or are into arts and crafts a conservatory can be a great place to indulge your pastimes. The light will be fantastic for any kind of artwork, and again you’ve the benefit of feeling like you’re out doors.

Similarly, if you’re a keen gardener you can use your conservatory to grow plants which couldn’t normally be grown here.

Multi-Purpose Conservatories

Want to do a bit of everything? No problem. there are some fantastic furniture solutions out there. Choose a folding table, or choose a table which you can extend with additional leaves - that way, when you’re not entertaining in your conservatory you’re not stuck trying to manoeuvre around a large dining table.

Similarly, clever office furniture can allow you to hide away your workspace so you can use your conservatory for fun too!

Here at SEHBAC we’re committed to ensuring that you get the very best out of your conservatory. Our advice is always to plan ahead - so if you’re thinking about having a conservatory built, think carefully about how you are going to use the space. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options in order to come up with the best solution for you.

Why not call us on 0800 666 444, or book a home visit.