House & Garden

Home Improvements That Pay Off

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When you splash your cash on home improvements, you no doubt want to feel confident that you’re making a savvy investment. With this in mind, here are some property enhancements that you can be sure will pay off.

Better insulation

If you install better insulation in your property, you can rest assured you’re making a wise decision. By cutting your energy bills, these alterations will more than pay for themselves over the long term and they could also boost the value of your home if and when you come to sell it. A good place to start is your loft. As energy efficiency solution specialists the Snug Network point out, because heat rises, a quarter of the warmth generated in homes can be lost through the roof. By laying a blanket of insulating material in your loft or attic, you can create a barrier that stops much of this warmth escaping.

It’s also worth making sure your walls are well insulated. If you have cavity walls, adding special fibre, wool or beads to this space can reduce heat loss. Solutions are available for solid walls too, and it’s worth getting an expert opinion to see if your property could benefit from these additions.

Solar panels

You may also reap significant rewards if you install solar panels on your roof. These systems have become more efficient and affordable over recent years, and they’re now a great option for many homeowners. By converting the sun’s energy into power for your property, they can reduce your reliance on mains electricity and bring your bills down. These systems usually pay for themselves within six to eight years and they can go on to make you major savings in the future.

Revamped kitchens and bathrooms

If you’re keen to enhance the look and feel of your property, it’s worth focussing on the areas that prospective buyers will prioritise, such as kitchens and bathrooms. For example, if your current kitchen is a little on the small side, you might be able to dramatically increase the value of your home by transforming it into an open plan kitchen-diner. Fitting kitchens and bathrooms with new and attractive furnishings can also drive the value of your property up.

Extensions

Increasing the square footage on offer in your abode could be a shrewd investment too. If you have an attic, converting this into an extra bedroom or two may make financial sense. Meanwhile, adding a conservatory to your property could significantly raise its value. Just make sure that any extensions are in keeping with the general style of your home.

Before you embark on any home improvement, it’s a good idea to sit down and do your sums to see if you’ll get a good return on your investment.

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