Adding a conservatory to your home can pay for itself and add value
In the current economic climate adding value to your home is increasingly the highest priority when undertaking home improvements, but do you really need to compromise on enjoyment? Adding a conservatory may not only increase the value of your home but it may just be the best decision you ever made.
There are many things you could do to try to improve the value of your home but there are many misconceptions. Swimming pools, garden makeovers, internal décor and bad loft conversions are all expensive modifications that actually detract from the value of your home; but conservatories do not lie in this category. According to a survey from Spicerhaart, an independent network of estate agents, 46% of agents voted a conservatory as the most worthwhile addition to a home.
Before you do anything you should start by getting the basics right and ensure that your house is as energy efficient as possible. You should seriously consider investing in a gas-condensing boiler, which will make your house warmer, cheaper to run and more appealing to prospective buyers.
As house prices increase many properties are now being valued on a “per square foot” basis rather than by numbers of rooms. This could become the norm in the future and a well made conservatory will increase the size of your home and therefore the price. Of course you shouldn’t just add space to your house for the sake of it and any extension must be well designed and fit in with the rest of the house.
You should also consider what you can use the extra space for, whether it is an extension to the kitchen or living room, or a new room in itself. Lean to conservatories are ideal for situations where extra space is required without taking away too much of the garden. They can provide a welcoming and open feel to your home by improving the rooms you already have or creating a completely new space. At times like dinner parties and for somewhere for the kids to breakout to, this space can prove invaluable.
As with any building project you do have to be careful. Some home improvements can be disastrous, depending on the area. Ensure the conservatory is in keeping with the rest of the property and that you apply for the correct planning permission. The best way to make sure a new build complies is to contact your local council and ask for the guidelines for your area.
Whatever you plan to do you should shop around for different conservatory prices. Cheapest does not always equal best and the biggest and most vocal companies may not be the best. Be sure to ask around for references and check for reviews online before you commit. Some companies do price match guarantees so you may even be able to get the best price from the company that’s right for you.
Once you’ve made your decision, as well as adding value to your home a well thought out conservatory will extend your enjoyment of the outdoors year round.