Move or Improve
This article was written and distributed by the Federation of Master Builders, the building industry's largest trade organisation, representing over 13,000 small and medium-sized companies throughout the UK. If you'd like to know more about the FMB, or would like to find a reputable builder, try the Find a Builder web site at: http://www.findabuilder.co.uk.Forget improving - we're moving!
If you've outgrown your home and no manner of ingenious space-saving schemes can persuade you to stay, then it's time to start sprucing up the house and getting ready to sell. Whether you are staying or going - it's important to maintain your home to ensure it's damp-free, well-maintained and wind and water tight. "It's crucial to look after the outside of your house, " says Roy Ilott of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. "If you look after the outside, particularly the roof and the gutters, then you will avoid some costly damage to the interior." "For example, if you don't sort out blocked gutters, then they will overflow, the paint will peel off the fascia boards, the brickwork will become stained and the damp will cause mould to grow inside." Richard Diment, director general of the FMB said: "If the outside of the house looks neglected and in need of repair, would-be buyers will assume the same of the inside, which will put them off and people won't even ring the bell. Replace broken slates, fix any damp problems, external rendering, window paintwork and drainpipes." "Inside the house, it's important to make every room look as bright and big as possible," according to Roy Ilott, of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, who adds:" It's best not to be too whacky or personalised if you're preparing your house for sale. Painting your ceiling your favourite shade of purple could definitely put would-be buyers off." He adds that you need to be careful how you spend your money in preparing the house for sale. A new coat of paint throughout the inside of the house, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, will give your home a fresh feel, however replacing tired and worn out carpets may well cost more than you will recoup from the sale. Finally and crucially, Roy advises homeowners to de-clutter their home before selling.
Copyright 2007 Federation of Master Builders. You can find more useful articles like this at: http://www.buildingarticles.co.uk.
Don’t move – improve
The pros and cons of where to add extra living space Loft conversions are a great way to gain extra living space without altering the external appearance of your home, says James Squirrell managing director of James Allen Construction. “Costing £15K - £35K, they can add about 15% to the value of your home. Most homes built before 1975 are suitable for a loft conversion, which adds another room or two in the attic space. The work takes about 12 weeks and the builders access the roof from the outside, which means there shouldn’t be too much disruption until they break through to build the new stairs.” Adding a ground floor extension can create good practical space such as a bigger kitchen or dining room. Costing between £30K-£50K, one-storey extensions are more common, but a two-storey extension can create another bedroom or bathroom without going into the loft. Again, the builders work from the outside until the existing wall is knocked through. A conservatory is an inexpensive way of adding extra living space at around £10K-£15K, but make sure you have heating and blinds to make it usable all year round. A downstairs bathroom can be a useful addition to the home, costs around £1.5K - £3K, depending what work needs to be done and will add value too. Kitchens/bathroom makeovers. We all know that good kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale, but don’t over spend or you won’t recoup your money. Often a lick of paint or some new tiles can improve an old-fashioned kitchen or bathroom. Basements An increasing number of people are converting basements and cellars currently, particularly in central urban locations where land values are extremely high. However this process is significantly more expensive than upwards or sideways extensions. Seek advice from estate agents, architects or surveyors before embarking on a basement conversion, as it may be that the work costs more than it adds in value to your property. Garages Most garages are too small for modern cars and end up being used as storage rooms anyway. As the basic structure already exists, there is no need for expensive external walls and foundations. Disruption to your home life should be minimal and this can take from a couple of weeks to a couple of months for more substantial conversions. Costs start at around £7K for a brick or stone garage, but can add thousands to the value of your home.
Copyright 2006 Federation of Master Builders. You can find more useful articles like this at: http://www.buildingarticles.co.uk.
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