home improvements and valued added

theGrinch

does anyone know where I can find a definitive list of the "home improvements" that both and add and distract the value of a property and the percentage amounts they add or knock off?

Im referring to the likes of ground floor extension, loft conversion, double glazing, restoration of original windows, kerb appeal, storage space even window boxes, new furniture etc. as well as things like noisy or untidy neighbours, good schools, transport links.

oz0707

I've heard windows add in value what they cost. So your quits. Might make it more sell-able if going from single glazing to double.

poppysarah

Depends on the property too much to be specific.

Adding space usually adds more money BUT in a falling market you might well be wasting the money and time and effort.

lincroft1710

I would doubt if such a thing exists!

Different people want different things and value pluses and minuses differently. For example, having no school age children, good schools are of no interest to me. The value of extensions and loft conversions will depend on the size and quality. Poor quality double glazing may need replacing, so would be worth no more than original timber/metal single glazed.

missile

IMHO, new kitchen and bathroom are two things which add most value. Deep clean and redecorating may not add value but will improve saleability.

Gwhiz

Have you tried google or http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ ?

theGrinch

Gwhiz wrote: »

Have you tried google or http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ ?

yeah I had a google and this was one. there are many different lists with half a dozen or so items, just wondered for a general long list.

Catatonia

As people have said, it will vary so much it's hard to provide a definitive list. For example, for me a conservatory detracts value as I hate them. But this would not be true for many others.

Also, it's no good saying that x adds value as it depends on the quality. I would rather buy a house with a 70s bathroom that one with a really cheap, nasty white suite and tiles with plastic flooring.

brit1234

There was a report a couple years ago that the cost of home improvements is more than the value added in a falling market.

It could be a costly experiment for something you won't get the benefit from.

amcluesent

The Mail and the like usually do these lists. Didn't one of Ms Beeny's books cover this?

But it's going to depend on the house and likely buyers. What would 'over develop' one house might be regarded as essential on a 5-bed 'executive' type.

The 'big mistakes' include installing a new carpet or wooden flooring which the home-owner may like but will not increase the value of their home.

Cheap laminated flooring is a terrible idea because a cut-price refurbishment is worse than not doing anything at all. Another major mistake is to think that converting a garage into a gym will help sell the property for a higher price.

Garages are extremely popular among home-buyers who want a safe place to park their car, as well as the chance to cut their motor insurance.

On average, RICS said that converting one type of room into another 'does not seem to add value.' Another home improvement which is unlikely to boost the asking price is restoring chimneys and open fireplaces.

Installing 'mock Tudor features' into a modern property or making contemporary changes to a period home are also common mistakes. Jeremy Leaf, a chartered surveyor and RICS spokesman, said: 'What appeals to some people may not appeal to others. 'Costly disappointments can be avoided with a little prior planning and research.'

He warned people to take into account that most homes have a 'ceiling price', that is a maximum price that you can expect to achieve.

A poor property in a good location is a better bet than trying to make a fortune by improving a good property in a poor location.

The best bet to improve your home and add value is to add a conservatory, do a loft conversion, create off-road parking or add central heating.

All four projects should add about five per cent to the value of your home, equal to £9,000 to a typical £180,000 semi-detached home.

The next best bet, which should add four per cent equal to £7,200, is to put in a new kitchen or fit double glazing.

olly300

brit1234 wrote: »

There was a report a couple years ago that the cost of home improvements is more than the value added in a falling market.

It could be a costly experiment for something you won't get the benefit from.

Even in a booming market depending on where you live and the type of property you live in putting things in isn't definitely going to get you any more money.

For example I have friends who live in large houses in wealthy locations. When houses are sold in their neighbourhoods the first people to move to the house are the builders. The family moves in after the building work has been completed. So in their cases putting in a new kitchen or bathroom is a complete waste of effort, time and money as it gets ripped out.

Another example is if the maximum value for properties on that road is the stamp duty band, then putting on an extension/doing a loft conversion isn't going to make it go beyond the stamp duty band particularly if there are purpose built larger houses a street or two away.