For the majority of people, purchasing a house represents the greatest single investment we’ll make in our lives so it’s perhaps little wonder we tend to stay in the same home for several years. Indeed, in the US, it’s estimated most people stay put at the same address for approximately 13 years – quite an impressive feat when you consider just how much life can change in that time.
The growth of the home improvement industry
Perhaps linked to the above, in recent years, the home improvement industry has been burgeoning. From simple touch-up jobs like adding a new lick of paint right up to more extensive works like loft conversions or adding an extension, there’s no limit to the ways you can improve your home – however, it’s important to remember some jobs are more likely to add value than others.
Whether you’re looking to change your home purely for aesthetic reasons or want to make bigger changes to improve your living conditions, below are some home improvement projects you could take on that will bring the extra benefit of adding value to your home when you eventually decide to move on.
Slash heating bills by adding loft insulation
It’s no secret that heat rises and if your home lacks insulation in the loft space, it will be leaking heat needlessly causing waste and increasing your utility bills. Adding insulation to your roof space is a relatively simple task that will improve your home’s heat-keeping capabilities while also cutting energy costs. Indeed, you’ll most likely find the cost of adding insulation will be quickly recouped by the savings made in your energy bills.
Replace old, inefficient windows
Replacing older windows won’t just improve your home’s insulation, it will also improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the exterior of your home and add value. The first impression a potential buyer gets of your home is incredibly important and can often determine the final selling fee you’ll be able to command. Updating windows is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your home’s appearance while also reducing heating bills.
Add an extension
If you’ve got extra garden space that you’re not putting to good use, you should consider the possibilities for increasing your interior space with an extension. Skilled companies like dSpace Studio architects will be able to hand-hold you every step of the way from initial consultation through to the design phase and helping with gaining planning permission.
Extensions can bring all manner of different benefits, from adding extra rooms to increasing the functionality of existing spaces (e.g. kitchen redesigns that can provide extra room).
Install smart technology
Just as with all most other aspects of life, technology is slowly making inroads into our homes and there’s now a vast range of smart devices you could install that will improve your environment while also driving greater efficiency and automating tasks.
Smart devices can cover anything from remotely-controlled cookers to automated heating systems, smart video doorbell systems, and even gadgets that can open and close curtains – all controlled from a centralized hub that can be monitored over cellphone apps.