From modernising your space to restoring vintage gems, we explore some of the best minor improvements to make in your home to add value and enhance your living space.
Sprucing up your home doesn’t have to mean diving into an enormous, wallet-draining renovation project. According to Checkatrade, even some minor tweaks can boost your home’s value by up to 30%. Even if you’re not looking to sell up anytime soon, these small upgrades can make your space feel new and improved, without breaking the bank.
Restore period features
Modernising your home has its benefits but don’t underestimate the power of refreshing vintage features. Character is one thing that money can’t buy so if you’re lucky enough to have period details that have stood the test of time for over a century, restoring them is a sure- fire way to inject some old-school and unique charm back into your space.
Beyond aesthetic reasons, restoring is often much cheaper – and more sustainable – than completely replacing them. Typical features that are worth restoring to really make a statement are fireplaces, cornices, original floorboards, staircases, doors, and beams.
By keeping period features in a modern home, you’re getting the best of both worlds as you have the allure of vintage style combined with 21st century comforts, all while boosting your home’s value.
Install an EV charging point
With the UK government’s plan to ban the sale of non-electric vehicles by 2035, installing an electric vehicle charging point is going to become a necessity for all homes in coming years, so get ahead of the curve and install one now to add up to £5,000 to the value of your house.
Once the charger has been installed, it’ll automatically charge off-peak when energy is cheaper, allowing your car to charge overnight ready for use in the morning. It also costs up to five times less than using a rapid public charging point, saving you money and hassle!
For those who want to charge their vehicle at home, the only alternative to having a charging port installed, is using a standard three pin plug. Although this is possible, they provide much slower charging speeds and are not considered as a safe method to charge your vehicle in the long term.
Improve kerb appeal
First impressions are everything when it comes to homes, so giving your exterior some love is an easy and impactful way to boost your home’s appeal and potentially increase its value.
As the centrepiece to the home’s exterior, the front door is one of the first things that people notice. You don’t need to splurge on a brand-new front door to improve its look, a few minor repairs and a fresh coat of paint will work wonders and transform it into a warm and inviting welcome for guests or potential buyers.
Broken or wind-damaged fences can drag down your home’s entire look, making it feel neglected and derelict. Thankfully, fixing them is usually a straightforward DIY job that won’t break the bank. While you’re at it, consider re-staining your wooden fences to elevate the look even further.
Don’t forget the garden and outdoor spaces! A tidy and well-maintained garden speaks volumes, but you don’t have to go overboard with a huge landscaping project – just keep it simple. Trim existing greenery, add some charming window boxes or potted plants, and get rid of any pesky weeds. Small touches like these can make a big difference in making your home feel inviting and cared for.
Think about lighting
Lighting is an extremely effective way to transform your space, without an extravagant renovation. Whether you want to improve the aesthetics, or enhance a room’s usability, lighting is an undeniably helpful tool that can add up to 2% to your home’s value. For example, if you’ve got a small, cramped space, strategically placed lights can create the illusion of a bigger room and make the space feel open and airy.
LED lights are a fantastic choice. Not only are they reliable and long lasting, they’re also energy efficient, and will save you money in the long run. In addition, they’re also super versatile, making it easy to give any room a fresh, appealing glow.
Bringing in lamps and other light fixtures gives your space a stylish and personal touch as not only are they functional, but they also showcase your own unique taste. Hunting for these treasures at second-hand places such as charity shops and vintage markets is a fun experience when sticking to a budget.
Maximising natural light is a game-changer that’s even cheaper than installing new lighting and fixtures. It’s like bringing the sunshine indoors and instantly makes your home feel more inviting. A few well-placed mirrors and painting the walls a lighter colour will bounce the natural light around, making your space feel more expansive, brighter, and more cheerful.
