When you’re planning to put your house on the market, a crucial question you may be asking yourself is whether you should renovate your Birmingham property or not.
This is particularly the case if you want to work your way up the property ladder as you need to know how to maximise the value of your current property.
Here are the top ways in which you can maximise and add value to your property.
Ways to Transform Your Property and Add Value
Got a cellar? Convert it
If you’re looking to boost your Birmingham property’s value, then why not consider transforming an existing cellar into living or storage space.
Converting a cellar can be one of the least complex home improvements to carry out, which is why it's top of our list. Typically, this home improvement qualifies as ‘change of use’ for planning purposes. This means that you don’t need to apply for planning permission. It is only if you need to make structural changes that you’ll need to apply for planning permission.
If you don’t have a cellar, you could also consider digging below ground level and adding that square footage to your home. It is important to hire specialists to carry out this type of home improvement to prevent your project from generating future problems.
Splitting your property into flats
In a bustling city like Birmingham or London, it is a popular option to convert one property into flats; particularly in areas where there is high demand for living space. For landlords, splitting a house into separate flats can maximise your rental income in the short term and profit in the long term.
Before carrying out this major conversion, it’s important to research the type of demand in your area. If three-bedroom houses aren’t shifting, then converting the space into flats might be a good option for you.
Turn your garage into extra living space
Do you have a garage at your property that largely goes unused and is predominately empty or used for junk? If your garage isn’t being used to store a car, then you could convert the living space.
The first step to take is making sure that your garage can and is suitable for conversion and whether or not you need planning permission. Oftentimes, converting a garage is classed as a ‘permitted development’, which means that you don’t need to apply for permission. But this is something that you’ll need to check first, as well as checking that the conversion meets standard building regulations.
Extend your kitchen
An option for terrace or semi-detached houses is that you can extend your kitchen out into a side return. This is the narrow alley that typically runs adjacent to the kitchen in these types of builds. Extending your kitchen to the full width of the house means that you can gain valuable space as well as also improve the layout of your Birmingham home.
The only thing to bear in mind when undertaking a side-return extension is that you could lose windows and the light they bring in. To fix this, it is advisable to add roof lights or windows over the extension to keep the space light and airy.
Add an extra bedroom by converting your loft
Most lofts can be converted, but it is worth checking this with an architect or builder first. To add value to your home, you can convert your loft into an extra bedroom with an ensuite.
During the planning phase, think about the different types of loft conversions available. For example, installing a roof light and what type requires the least amount of structural work but is most cost-effective.
The majority of loft conversions are considered as permitted development, but it is worth checking with your local planning authority first on the rules and regulations in your area.
Increase living space with a conservatory
To bring the outside in and allow you to feel closer to nature, why not add a conservatory. Before building, think about how you could utilise this additional living space and what type of style you’d like to match your lifestyle and home.
Typically, when you add a conservatory it is considered permitted development, provided you meet the regulations. However, if you want to remove doors or a wall and link the conservatory directly to your home, then you’ll need to prove that it is as energy efficient as the rest of your house.
Apply for planning permission
Before purchasing a new property, it is worth checking, especially if you want to add value through extensions or major renovations and improvements, that you’re likely to get planning permission.
Enhance your kerb and/ or garden appeal
Garden space is limited in the big cities in the UK, especially in Birmingham or London, therefore, you’ve got to make sure you’re making the most out of what you have.
You can transform your garden by adding decking or a patio that can be used for entertaining. Alternatively, you can also add a summer house to add to the property value.
If you’re selling your home, first impressions are essential. Give your Birmingham home some kerb appeal by painting the fencing, adding a new door, mowing the lawn and sweeping up any leaves.
Upgrade your bathroom
To increase the value of your Birmingham property, you can upgrade your bathroom. Although it can be an expensive investment, it is worth it. To keep the price down, you can keep the existing layout, instead opting to update the shower enclosure and choose a bathroom suite, rather than purchasing individual pieces. It is also worth keeping a keen eye on seasonal sales.
Transform your lounge or living room with open-plan
The last way in which you can add value to your home is by knocking down the wall that separates your kitchen and living room. This can be done yourself, or by a professional, if it is a load-bearing wall. By removing this wall, you can create an open-plan space that is more desirable for homebuyers.
If removing an internal wall is not an option, then you can consider a rear or side extension instead. Either of these options will give you the open-plan space you want as well as add potential value to your Birmingham home.
Contact Birmingham Aluminium Systems
If you’re interested in adding value to your Birmingham or Solihull home, please get in touch with our expert home improvement team today by calling us on 0121 726 3201, or filling out our online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch.