Everybody thinks that by adding any sort of space to your home - it will add value. Well sorry to disappoint, but that’s not always the case.
Done well, loft conversions can yield vast amounts of space and add value to boot. Done badly, they can cost serious money and add negligible if any value.
Here are some things to bear in mind:
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We’re considering a new build project at the moment. Exciting times.....!
However, a debate with our architect arose about whether to incorporate underfloor heating. The crux of the matter is that it’s more expensive to install, but more efficient in terms of heat distribution and costs.
Umm, personally I’m all for it and the long term heat cost savings are fairly compelling in the current climate. However, who do you go to for advice installation. Well one company we found (but haven’t tried) are Nu-Heat. They claim to be the largest supplier of warm water underfloor heating systems to the domestic market. Interestingly they have also recently added heat pump technology, including ground source, air source and exhaust air to their offering.
Two things to consider here:
1. Underfloor heating is likely to save on heating costs, but costs more to install.
2. It’s likely to make your home more desirable when it comes to sale time.
Keeping abreast of planning permissions in your area can be a great way of determining what you might be able to achieve with your own property. This has taken on an increasing importance as people delay moving in turbulent market conditions.
The web site Planning Alerts.com allows you to scrutinise planning applications and consents in your area. Check out what your neighbours are getting consents for and then apply for something similar. For instance, if they’ve just got consent for a 500 sq ft flat roof extension - then you know that you will be in with a good chance of achieving a similar consent. This can be absolutely vital, considering it can take several expensive amendments and applications to get a consent - why not just piggyback someone else’s work.....
A lightweight chimney is not something I have heard of before. However the concept sounds interesting.
According to Isokern, their lightweight chimney system can be constructed by one operator and are comprised of pumice which is not very heavy and offers natural insulation from hot flue gases falling below the dew point which prevents heat escaping to the exterior.
If anybody knows anymore about this product I would be interested to hear.
Probably one of the biggest added value options you can consider, is to improve a dated kitchen.
I know that it’s the first thing my wife looks for in a new home and it certainly can be a deal breaker when you come to sell.
Some quick to implement, ideas for breathing new life into a tired kitchen:
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