Best low-contact home improvements to add value to your home

Best low-contact home improvements to add value to your home

The stamp duty holiday has resulted in many homeowners looking to increase the value of their home, with the intention of selling. The pandemic has however presented some challenges on the home improvement front, but there are still some low-contact renovations that can significantly add value to a property.

The stamp duty holiday has been extended to the 30^th September 2021, so there’s still time to make those improvements if you are hoping to increase value ahead of selling. The good news is, there are various different routes you can go down, which are easy for tradespeople to install while spending minimum time inside the property itself. It is however important to note that the Government guidelines for your region should be adhered to, upon making any home improvements.

Installing new windows or doors

Improving the exterior aesthetic is an amazing low-contact way to add value to your property, such as investing in a new good-quality front door, or installing bi-folding doors to the back of your property, which are incredibly popular right now and are great way to create a seamless flow between your garden and interior, while increasing natural light.

Installing good-quality windows and glazing can also significantly increase the value of your home. Furthermore, as the work is completed externally for the most part, the installation of new windows and doors can be completed with little to no contact with the fitter.

Another great benefit of upgrading your windows and doors is that newer models are typically more energy-efficient. In the last 20 years, advanced technological innovation has seen energy-efficient glazing significantly develop, from specialist glass types to improved double and triple glazed windows and doors, which can save over 50% in fuel bills. While upgrading your older doors for newer, more energy-efficient alternatives can really reduce your energy consumption and bills.

Homes can lose almost a quarter of their heat through inefficient windows and external doors, so installing high thermal performance doors can be a great way to reduce heat loss and keep the warmth in your home.

Conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms/summer houses

In the current climate, we know space is more essential than ever so any ways you are able to maximise this will result in an increase in value. Building a conservatory, orangery or garden room/summer house are other relatively low-contact ways to improve your home, while adding value to the property.

If anything, the past year has taught us the importance of having ample space, while also ensuring our home environments are healthy and productive. As many of us have transitioned to working remotely for the most part, it has become increasingly important to (wherever possible) separate our working and living spaces.

As we move into spring and further towards summer, conservatories in particular are becoming more popular. While traditionally many have installed a conservatory as a means to create a relaxing space in the home, more recently they have become favourable home office environments. There are countless benefits conservatories offer but one of the biggest is being a great source of natural light, as well as a more cost-effective avenue than a full-extension, so it’s easy to see why so many homeowners are exploring these as an opportunity to add value.

If you are planning a conservatory, there are various factors to consider including:

• Size: it’s important to ensure you’re going to have a big enough space to actually enjoy it and to map out the planned dimensions to establish the size you’d like to go with
• Sunlight: the level of direct sunlight you’d like to have on your conservatory, depending on the time of day, is an important consideration and will determine your location as well as your interior design
• Materials: PVC-U is the most popular frame material, but there are various different options/effects available – depending on the look you’re hoping to go for, while double glazing is a must to ensure your conservatory is comfortable all year round
• Roofing: there are two main choices available, glass or polycarbonate, with benefits to both depending on what you’re looking for
• Ventilation is key to ensure you’re letting fresh air in and avoiding condensation
• Sound control: reducing outside sound can help create a more relaxing space and is something that should be a key factor upon selecting your materials

We do however have a guide to help with this, while our local GGF members can help provide advice on choosing the right conservatory for you.

For further advice on safely improving your home, check out our safe guide for homeowners here.