Home improvement is an essential aspect of homeownership that involves renovating, upgrading, and enhancing the appearance, functionality, and safety of a house or property.
What improvements do you plan on getting done this year?
What reasons should you improve your home?
If you are considering selling your house or simply want to make it a better place for living, Home Improvement should be your number one priority.
Enhancing the value of your home with the correct improvements can help to recoup some of your investment when you sell it. However, not all renovations are created equal.
Protect Your Asset
Your home should be your top priority and should never be neglected. Not only does it provide a shelter for your family, but also serves as the basis of all savings and investments you make. Neglecting this asset could mean missing out on dividends from it while having to shell out large sums in repairs.
Home improvements not only bring financial rewards to you, but they are also beneficial to the community.
They improve neighbourhood standards and increase property values; creating jobs locally and boosting local businesses alike.
Most importantly, however, are they designed with comfort in mind so you and your family can enjoy them fully in the years ahead. So why wait? Start planning now for home improvement and protect what matters most in life!
At the time of writing this, the UK housing market is reporting prices dropping in several areas. As far as I am concerned that is a good thing, houses are over valued but as supply is till short, they won’t lose too much value
However in order to KEEP value in your home, any estate agent will tell you that a house in good condition, looking good, freshly painted, and with no defects, will sell faster and for the right price.
Keep Bills Down
Energy costs have been on the rise, but there are still ways to keep your bill under control.
Depending on your home improvement budget, some upgrades could make a major impact on your expenses.
Before spending any money, do your due diligence by researching available deals for new appliances, home improvements and more – either online or at local home improvement stores for ideas.
Making informed choices will not only boost your savings significantly but also boost your home’s value at the same time!
There are even exterior wall coatings which lower heating bills and you can get a quote from us to have this installed on your home, by calling us on 0800 970 4928
Pride of Ownership
Owning a home is an incredible achievement and should be celebrated.
While it may seem like a lot of effort, there are numerous benefits and advantages associated with homeownership – like preferential tax treatment and increased equity through mortgage reductions.
But most importantly, however, is the pride that comes from feeling proud in your home – something difficult to quantify or measure.
Homeowners can demonstrate their pride of ownership by keeping their homes clean and well maintained.
Whether this is done regularly or by hiring professionals to do it for them, it will create a sense of heightened curb appeal and keep the property looking stunning – which in turn increases interest from buyers, leading to faster sales times and higher prices – which is ultimately what homeowners strive for!
Maintaining one’s property doesn’t need to be expensive; just some extra elbow grease goes a long way!
Here are some of the reasons why home improvement is important:
- Increased property value: Home improvements such as remodelling, landscaping, and repairs can increase your home’s value in the real estate market. This is beneficial when you want to sell or rent out your home in the future.
- Improved functionality: Home improvements can help increase the functionality of your living space, making it more comfortable and convenient for you and your family. This can involve adding more storage space, installing new appliances, or even redesigning the layout of your home.
- Enhanced safety: Home improvements can also help improve the safety of your home by fixing potential hazards or adding safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or security systems.
- Energy efficiency: Upgrading your home with energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and windows can help reduce energy consumption and save on utility bills.
- Personal satisfaction: Perhaps most importantly, home improvement can provide personal satisfaction and a sense of pride in your home as you transform it into a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle and design preferences.
What home improvements are proven to increase the value of a house?
There are many different types of home improvements that can increase the value of a house. Some of the most effective ones include:
- Kitchen renovations: Upgrading the kitchen is one of the most popular ways to add value to a home. This can involve installing new appliances, replacing countertops and cabinetry, or even adding an island or breakfast bar. To save money, why not just update the drawer and cupboard doors?
- Bathroom updates: Renovating a bathroom can also be a great way to improve the value of a home. This can be as simple as replacing fixtures and updating the décor, or as extensive as a full bathroom renovation.
- Energy-efficient upgrades: Homes with energy-efficient features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers. Upgrades like adding solar panels, installing double-paned windows or replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems can make your home more attractive.
- Adding living space: Expanding your home by adding more living space, like a sunroom, finished basement or home office, can also increase its value.
- Kerb appeal improvements: The first impression your home makes is important. Simple improvements like painting the exterior or adding landscaping can improve kerb appeal and increase the value of the home.
It’s important to note that the return on investment for home improvements can vary depending on the location, market conditions, and type of home.
What home improvements can potentially cause your house to LOSE value?
While home improvements generally add value to a home, there are a few that could potentially cause a home to lose value. Here are some home improvements that could have a negative impact on a home’s value:
- Overly personalised upgrades: While upgrades that reflect your personal taste might suit your needs and preferences, they might not appeal to potential buyers. A home that is too personalized can limit its appeal and may place downward pressure on its value.
- Poor quality upgrades: Low-quality materials or poor workmanship can have a negative impact on a home’s value. Making budget decisions that affect the quality and durability of the upgrade could affect future buyers.
- Over-upgrading compared to the standard of the neighbourhood: Upgrading your home for your lifestyle is great, but it is equally important to ensure that it fits within the context of the neighbourhood. Over-upgrading your home beyond the standard for your neighbourhood can limit the pool of potential buyers.
- Removing bedrooms: Removing a bedroom or converting it into another type of space that doesn’t necessarily add value to the home(like a home gym) may not be a sound decision. This can limit the home’s appeal to potential buyers especially if the home is in a family-oriented neighbourhood with high demand for the number of bedrooms.
It is important to weigh the pros and cons of any home improvement project before undertaking it, and to take into consideration the preferences of potential buyers should you decide to sell your home in the future.
What DIY home improvements can I do myself without calling a tradesperson or contractor?
There are many DIY home improvements that you can do yourself without hiring a contractor. Here are some projects you can tackle:
- Update the paint: Painting walls, furniture, or even just accents like doors and skirting boards can give a room a fresh look.
- Install new hardware: Replacing outdated doorknobs, handles and drawer pulls with new, modern fixtures can instantly make your home feel updated.
- Add storage solutions: DIY shelving, added storage organizers or under-bed storage systems can help maximize your space and make your home more organized.
- Upgrade your lighting: Update your light fixtures or install dimmer switches to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Install a smart thermostat: A Smart thermostat is a small project that can have a big impact on your home energy usage & monthly electricity bills.
- Update your curtains, blinds, or shades: Adding window treatments can add dimension, texture, and an attractive look to any space.
- Refresh the floors: Refinishing hardwood floors, laying carpet tiles, or even just adding a new area rug is a cost-effective way to transform your space.
- Create a garden: Planting a new garden, refreshing an existing one, or creating a mini herb garden in your kitchen adds natural beauty, lowers stress and can add value to your home.
Keep in mind that DIY projects should be taken on with caution and should only be attempted if you have the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience.
It’s essential to research and learn proper techniques and safety measures before starting any home improvement project.
What are the typical accidents that happen when someone tries to do home improvement without the skill or experience required?
There are several typical accidents that can occur when someone attempts to do home improvement projects without proper knowledge, experience, or safety precautions. Some of these accidents include:
- Falls: Falling from ladders, roofs, or elevated surfaces is one of the most common accidents during home improvement projects. It can result in serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head injuries. If you have a problem with your roof DO NOT attempt it yourself, get a roofing company in to help.
- Electrical accidents: Working with electricity without proper knowledge and precautions can lead to electrical shocks or burns. This can happen when attempting to install or repair electrical wiring, outlets, or fixtures without the necessary expertise.
- Cuts and lacerations: Using sharp tools, such as saws, drills, or knives, without proper training or safety measures can result in cuts or lacerations. This can occur while cutting materials, handling tools improperly, or not using protective gear.
- Strains and sprains: Lifting heavy objects, moving furniture, or performing repetitive tasks without using proper lifting techniques or overexerting oneself can result in strains, sprains, or muscle injuries.
- Burns: Home improvement projects that involve working with hot materials, such as welding, soldering, or using hot glue guns, can result in burns if proper safety precautions are not followed.
- Inhalation of toxic substances: Projects involving painting, refinishing, or using chemicals like solvents, adhesives, or pesticides without proper ventilation or protective gear can result in inhalation of toxic fumes or substances, leading to respiratory issues or other health problems.
- Accidents with power tools: Using power tools, such as drills, saws, or nail guns, without proper training, experience, or safety precautions can result in serious injuries, including cuts, fractures, or amputations.
- Structural collapses: Attempting to modify or remove load-bearing walls, roofs, or other structural components of a home without proper knowledge and expertise can lead to collapses or other structural failures, resulting in severe injuries or property damage.
- Accidents with plumbing or gas systems: Attempting to repair or install plumbing or gas systems without proper knowledge or experience can result in leaks, floods, gas leaks, or explosions, posing serious risks to health and safety. Always get a qualified professional to deal with anything gas related. Your safety depends in it.
It’s crucial to prioritize safety and follow proper procedures when undertaking home improvement projects.
If you are not experienced or confident in your abilities, it’s best to consult with a professional or seek expert help to avoid accidents and ensure a successful outcome.
What are the most useful tools to have around the home for doing DIY and home improvement?
If you are dead set on doing a DIY job yourself, make sure not only do you know what you are doing, but for the right outcome, make sure you already have to hand the correct tools for the job.
- Screwdriver Set: A set of screwdrivers with different sizes and types (such as flathead and Phillips) is essential for most DIY projects that involve assembling, disassembling, or tightening screws.
- Hammer: A hammer is a versatile tool used for driving nails, removing nails, and general pounding tasks.
- Tape Measure: Accurate measurements are crucial for many home improvement projects, such as furniture assembly, installing shelves, or hanging artwork. A good quality tape measure is a must-have tool for precise measurements.
- Power Drill: A power drill is a versatile tool that can be used for drilling holes, driving screws, and mixing paint or adhesives. Look for a drill with variable speed settings and multiple drill bits for different tasks.
- Spirit Level: A level is used to ensure that items, such as shelves or picture frames, are hung straight. A bubble or laser level can help you achieve accurate levelling.
- Utility Knife: A utility knife, also known as a box cutter or razor knife, is handy for cutting materials such as cardboard, drywall, carpet, and plastic. Often known as a Stanley knife, although that is a brand name.
- Pliers: Pliers are useful for gripping, bending, and cutting wires, as well as for holding objects in place while you work on them.
- Adjustable Spanner: An adjustable spanner is useful for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a wide jaw opening.
- Safety Gear: Safety should always be a priority when doing DIY projects. Basic safety gear includes safety glasses, work gloves, and a dust mask. Depending on the project, additional safety equipment such as earplugs, a respirator, or knee pads may also be necessary.
- Paint Brushes and Rollers: If you plan to do any painting or staining, having a variety of paint brushes and rollers in different sizes will be helpful for achieving a smooth and professional finish.
Remember, the specific tools you need will depend on the projects you plan to tackle, so always assess your needs before starting a DIY or home improvement project and acquire the appropriate tools accordingly.
It’s also important to follow proper safety guidelines and instructions for tool usage to avoid accidents or injuries. Don’t get “cocky” or over confident, if you don’t know what you are doing, get a man in who does know.
What home improvements should I definitely not attempt to do myself?
There are some home improvement projects that should not be attempted by someone with limited knowledge and experience. These include:
- Structural changes: Projects such as removing load-bearing walls, rerouting plumbing or electrical lines, or installing large windows should be handled with care by a qualified contractor.
- Roofing repairs or replacements: Roofing work can be extremely dangerous and should only be done by professionals with specialized training and experience.
- HVAC installations or repairs: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems involve complex components that need to be handled by experienced technicians.
- Electrical repairs: Electrical work is hazardous and requires professional training and specific tools to ensure safe and reliable results.
- Plumbing repairs: Plumbing work can also be complicated, and improper repairs can cause long-term damage and costlier repairs.
- Window installations: Homeowners need to have appropriate knowledge and tools to install windows properly; otherwise, the windows may not offer the protection or energy efficiency they are designed to provide.
- Gas appliance installations or repairs: Gas appliances should be installed and serviced by professionals to ensure the safety of your family and your property, do NOT attempt it yourself.
If you are unsure about your ability to handle a project safely, it’s always best to seek the assistance of a professional contractor, such as ourselves.
Remember, prioritising safety is crucial when it comes to home improvement projects and simply watching a “how to” video on Youtube does NOT give you the skills and experience needed for many home repairs and improvements projects.
Failure to adhere to that advice could end up with a hospital stay.
In summary……
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We deal with house painting, exterior wall coatings, damp proofing and rendering and can be reached on 0800 970 4928
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