Renovate Your Home Like a Pro with These 10 High-Value Projects

For many homeowners, one of the biggest barriers to moving to a new property is raising enough cash to make it all possible. However, given that your existing home is (probably) your most valuable asset, it makes sense to optimise its value as much as possible before putting it on the market. 

If you’re smart about this, you could raise enough capital to facilitate the move, with a little extra spending money to enjoy. This is well worth doing, even if you’re considering downsizing.

Are you looking for inspiration on how to maximise your home’s kerb appeal and market value? We’re here for you. Read on to learn about our 10 favourite renovation projects and transform your humble abode into a palace. Shall we begin?

Fix Up Your Loft 

Although many homes feature a loft, the majority of homeowners fail to use this space to its fullest potential. Lofts can be so much more than a place to dump your old Christmas decorations and memorabilia. 

In fact, statistics from Ideal Home reveal that a well thought-out loft conversion can boost a typical home’s market value by as much as 20%. And, in many cases, you won’t require planning permission (although we highly recommend that you check beforehand). Just bear in mind, that either way, you will have to satisfy Building Regulations. 

Once your project has the green light, it’s time to decide how you want to repurpose your loft space. Your utilitarian loft space could be transformed into a spare bedroom, music studio, home gym, or a fully-kitted out man cave. One more consideration: if you want to make the most of the light, make sure to add a Velux window. 

Upgrade Your Windows

Next, take a good look at your windows. If they’re beginning to show their age, you should think about having them replaced. Worn, dilapidated windows can detract from any property.

Today’s uPVC windows are available in a slew of clever configurations, including reversible, tilt-and-turn and flush fit. You have an extensive choice when it comes to styles and designs, too – so, whether you’re aiming for a contemporary, traditional or rural aesthetic, you’ll surely find something that fits the bill perfectly. What’s more, new windows provide far better levels of energy efficiency than their older counterparts. So, there’s every reason to consider an upgrade.

Add a Window Box

On a related note, if you want to enhance your home’s kerb appeal even further, why not augment your windows with a few well-placed window boxes? Choose window boxes that complement your home’s exterior decor and colour scheme, then fill them with beautiful flowers. You’ll even be able to enjoy the view from inside the home!

Install a New Kitchen Worktop

If your kitchen area is beginning to resemble a time capsule, the simple act of replacing your worktop can help to bring the room into the 2020s. Simple laminate worktops provide a clean, modern look and the illusion of a high-end finish – without the eye-watering price-tag. 

Alternatively, faux marble and faux wood worktops can make for charming additions to most kitchens and show no signs of going out of style. 

Freshen up Your Colour Scheme

A dingy, outmoded colour scheme can detract from the appeal of even the most attractive home. Luckily, this can be rectified without breaking the bank. Changing up your home’s colour scheme can do wonders for the look (and saleability) of your home. Choosing the right colour scheme can also make your home appear lighter.

If you want to tackle dreary-looking walls, why not repaint them in pale blue, light grey or Sunny Yellow? 

Address Minor Wall Blemishes

Unfortunately, even if well cared for, the walls of any lived-in property can accumulate knocks and blemishes over the years. Perhaps you’ve suffered a few minor DIY mishaps, or hung pictures in the wrong place. Regardless of the cause of your minor wall blemishes, you’ll be pleased to know that they can be corrected relatively easily.

Using a putty knife and surfacing compound, you can quickly mend nail holes and other minor wall blemishes. If you have larger holes in your walls, these can be fixed by placing an adhesive patch over the affected area, then using a trowel to apply drywall compound. Leave it to dry overnight – then, once dry, you can paint over the patch. 

Rejuvenate Your Fireplace

A worn, cracked fireplace can bring down your living room in visitors’ estimation. If your fireplace is no longer looking its best, you don’t necessarily need to replace it. In many cases retiling and/or repainting it may be all that’s needed to wind back the clock. 

Change Up Your Flooring

Creaky, damaged flooring can also leave visitors with a less than favourable impression, so if yours is in a poor state – and is making the wrong sounds, then it may be time to replace it. Hardwood flooring can make a charming addition to most properties, but bear in mind that the installation process can be time-consuming.

Today’s sheet vinyl is better-looking and longer-lasting than ever before and provides a stylish, low-maintenance solution that complements most homes. Loose-lay sheet vinyl is especially easy to install, as no adhesive is required. Once it is cut to size and placed down, you’re all set!

Add Under-stair Storage 

Under-stair storage is a great space-saving feature that makes keeping your home neat and tidy so much easier. If your home includes a staircase, you can utilise the space underneath the stairs to add sideboards, shelves, storage closets and bookcases. What’s more, you can even convert the stairs themselves into storage drawers.

A few well-placed under-stair storage compartments can provide easy storage for books, clothes, shoes, umbrellas, toys – and just about anything else that typically clutters up your home!

Create Your Own Wall of Books

If you have a love of reading, why not showcase your book collection with a striking, custom-made wall of books? If you have a more modest collection, fitting a few shelves to the wall may do the trick. However, if your book collection runs into the hundreds or thousands, you may need to hire an experienced carpenter and commission a custom wall-mounted bookshelf to display them all. 

Your new bookshelf (or wall) will serve as a character feature that is sure to impress visitors and any prospective buyers in the future. 

Thank You for Reading – Ready to Start Renovating? 

We hope you found our latest article useful and now have tonnes of ideas for how to renovate and improve your abode. No matter what you ultimately decide on, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck with your home improvement endeavours.