Wright Building Services: How to add value to your home

The main function of our house, of course, is to be a home, not an investment, but with one eye on making our homes as comfortable as possible, the other eyer emains focused on the fluctuating property market and how to get the best price when we eventually do decide to move.

Here is some advice on the best areas to concentrate on it you want to add value to your home and attract buyers, and also some suggestions regarding a few "embellishments" which could put potential buyers off!

Expert advice

Property expert, Phil Spencer says. "Adding value is about enhancing your property so it is a place to take pleasure from; it's not about simply turning a fast buck when you sell it." It's not about full-scale property developing, it is about making the most of your home while you have it, but making sure you recoup all your investment and make a healthy profit on top- ready for your next home.

What adds value to your home

Investing in your home means it can become the most attractive in the road. It will get the most attention from buyers when you decide to move and will usually sell more quickly and for more money. Some improvement projects will offer a more clear-cut return than others, for example, central heating almost always pays for itslef and is nearly always guaranteed to leave you with a profit when you sell.

Here are a few more suggestions for good sound investments in your property.

These are based on a survey carried out by GE Money of 110 estate agents.

Loft conversion. Converting a loft to make an extra room is said to be the favourite project and can add approximately 12.5 percent to your selling price.

Extension. This is the second most popular project adding approximately an extra 11 percent

Conservatory. Adding one of these can add approximately 6 percent

New kitchen. A new, smart and functional kitchen could cook up an extra 4.6 percent

Central heating. This could add a cosy 3.4 percent to your selling price

New bathroom. This could flush out an extra 2.8 percent

Redecorating. Get the paintbrushes out- this could get you an extra 2.2 percent

New driveway. Slope of with an extra 2.2 percent

Decking or patio. Relax with a cool 2 percent extra

DON'TS!

Consider any high-cost, low value renovations or additions carefully. By all means embellish your home with all the luxuries you can imagine to make it into the home of your dreams, but extravagance is not always good. The following may make your potential buyers think again:

Gadgets and gimmicks. Is it really a good idea to splash out on a pricey cappuccino maker if the boiler doesn't work?

Designer fittings. Nice to have but not essential- look for copies at your local DIY store

Eccentric decor. This will do you no favours when you come to sell.

Knocking down walls to make bigger bedrooms. It's not size that matters here, in the UK housing market, it is the number of bedrooms that really counts not the square footage.