posted 20 March 2003 08:53 AM         

People who want to boost the value of their homes should consider what improvements add real value before embarking on a major DIY project...

According to the Woolwich the following improvements are the one's most likely to impress buyers and add to the value of your home:
The Improvement Value Factor

Central Heating

The Woolwich expert says:
Radiators and boilers are warm favourites. The best boilers to install are the energy efficient, gas condensing type which use 20 to 40 per cent less energy. Central heating is virtually essential these days - you may get a chilly reaction from house hunters if your home doesn't have it when you want to sell 10/10

Kitchen
The Woolwich expert says:
Pick the best kitchen you can afford, while keeping your outlay in proportion to your home's value - installing something out of Homes and Gardens in a standard semi or terrace is a waste of money. 8/10

Bathroom
Improvements to your bathroom are still a popular choice.
Novel features such as corner baths, sunken basins and whirlpools are still popular. If you have a large family, think about installing a second bathroom, provided the money and space are available. 7/10

Insulation
If your home is not insulated, up to 75% of the heat you buy could seep out without warming the place at all.
Half of all homes have less than the recommended six inches of loft lagging, three quarters are inadequately draught-proofed and cavity walls installed in only one out of five dwellings.
We should make buying a home with good insulation a priority, because roof lagging soon pays for itself in lower fuel bills.
Consider buying a jacket for a hot and cold water tank, lagging exposed pipes, fitting draught excluders to letterboxes and keyholes and installing a secondary glazing system. 7/10

Extension
Your home's value depends more on the neighbourhood than your efforts at DIY, so building an extension resembling a stately home may not add significant value to your home.
They can provide much needed space for a growing family, but make sure your extension doesn't clash with your home's scale or appearance. If it's an ambitious project, consider using a qualified surveyor to manage it for you. 6/10

Decorating
This is one of the easier DIY jobs to undertake and its results offer more satisfaction. If you're decorating before putting a house on the market, go for simple approaches and neutral colours 6/10

New Windows
Double glazing provides extra insulation, which helps cut fuel bills. An added bonus is that the frames don't rust, rot or need painting.
Make sure that the new windows you install suit your property.
Always have at least one window on the first floor which opens wide enough for you to escape in the event of fire. 5/10

Conservatory
You don't need building regulations approval if your conservatory will occupy less than 30 square metres, but planning permission may be needed, so always check. Also ensure it doesn't impose too much on your garden space. 5/10

In the Garden
Buyers go for neat, well maintained gardens, which they can change easily when they move in, rather than those which are over-elaborate or landscaped. If your garden is particularly picturesque, try to wait until it's in full bloom before putting your home on the market.
When buying a property, remember you could have a problem with moisture if the garden drains toward the house or its level rises above that of the damp proof course. Security does matter, and flood lighting can be an effective deterrent. It often looks good - but make sure it won't annoy the neighbours. 4/10

Loft Conversion
It needs careful planning or you could be paying a high price for a job which creates an odd-looking room that's hot in summer, cold in winter and which is often at the top of a steep and narrow staircase.
If the job's done badly, it will decrease your selling price - and some conversions can look ugly. Even if it goes well, don't expect to get anything like the cost of it back when you sell - these alterations are not popular selling points. 4/10

Key points to consider before booking a builder are:

Similar sage words are offered by Abbey National, who have produced the following checklist for prospective home improvers.

Central heating can be expensive to install but future potential purchasers may be put off if you don't have it, so you should recoup your money.

Secondary glazing on the inside of existing windows may be preferable to double glazing for a period home with original features. Although you are likely to get back only a third of your money on double glazing, savings will be made on heating and electricity bills.

Make sure any improvements are appropriate to the character of the property. Try to avoid replacing old features - such as stained glass, picture rails and original skirting boards with modern ones.

An extra bathroom should keep its value, as long as it is not built at the expense of a bedroom. If the property is fairly large and has upwards of five bedrooms with one bathroom - converting a bedroom into a bathroom may have certain appeal and homeowners may possibly break even on their investment.

A new kitchen is a popular improvement but homeowners are unlikely to get back more than their original investment.

Stripping wooden floors may look attractive, but ensure the boards are of good quality. This won't add greatly to the value of the home.

Knocking through walls may provide additional space but will also provide fewer rooms - any reduction in rooms could devalue the property.

A swimming pool may be the height of luxury, but potential buyers may be concerned about security risks for small children and expensive running costs. A pool may recoup as little as 10 per cent of the initial cost.

Garages are sought after features and will almost certainly recoup an investment.

Consider if your improvement requires planning permission or building regulation approval.

Make sure you have re-visited your home and contents insurance and amend level of cover as appropriate.
© Hallmark Projects 2001

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