MOVE improve
FROM SIMPLE CHANGES TO NEW ROOMS FROM SCRATCH, THESE PROJECTS WILL MAKE YOUR HOME A HAPPIER, MORE FUNCTIONAL SPACE
UNDER COVER
Extra space at home can bring huge value both financially and practically. Why not build downwards? A basement conversion can add up to 30% to your house price, as long as the build cost per square foot converts to less than the property value in your area measured by the same metric. Converting an existing basement space will be much easier and cheaper than digging out a new one, so they are a good choice if you already have a cellar. To keep a conversion below ground level from feeling dingy, build out in the area around your floor space, too. This will allow natural light to pour in, whether through a constructed wall with a doorway that leads to the garden, or through flat, skylight-style windows that sit on the level above.
UP AND AWAY
By utilising the areas of your roof that are otherwise redundant, loft conversions give extra space without taking it away from anywhere else. They allow you to create your own layout across the width and depth of your property, but roof height is key – while some odd dimensions are inevitable in a loft, ask a professional tradesman for a clear idea of what your property can achieve. With an average cost of up to £40,000, be realistic about how you’ll use a loft conversion and don’t be afraid to re-think how you’ll live in each room downstairs as a result of the build upwards. The sloping ceilings and skyward-facing windows in a loft make less sense in rooms for socialising and entertaining, for example, but they can be a real asset in spaces dedicated to relaxing, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
IN THE OPEN
Extending outwards or sideways is an ideal way to create extra space on the ground floor. In this part of a property, communal areas work better than bedrooms, so have a think about what your home is missing when planning your extension. If you have a three-bedroom house with only one reception room, for example, then another living area is likely to add more to both your house price and your lifestyle. Similarly, creating an open-plan kitchen/diner that is flooded with natural light will make a much more practical and enjoyable hub for cooking, entertaining and relaxing than a small kitchen that could otherwise be opened up. Most extensions also provide an entrance and exit to your home, ideal in larger properties and for giving additional access to the garden from your living space.
SQUARE UP
To change your bathroom without completely overhauling it, consider retiling the space. New tiles will give a fresh look to your existing fixtures and fittings, giving you an updated bathroom without the hassle of ripping out and installing new sanitary ware. Retiling is a relatively simple job, and most tradesmen will take only a couple of days to complete the work, depending on the dimensions of the room and how many tiles are used. Choose a design that adds a sense of character to your space – try Bert & May for a beautiful selection of encaustic, glazed and reclaimed tiles in a mix of patterns and colours.
COUNTER OFFER
Renovating the kitchen is one of the best ways to get more out of your home. If you find yourself regularly looking for extra room in the freezer or a precious inch of cupboard space, it’s time for an update. As well as making cooking more enjoyable and day-to-day life easier, kitchen improvements can, in some parts of the country, add more than triple the initial spend to your house price*. For a kitchen that works best for your needs, consult with a brand that will liaise closely on the plans, layout and installation. Specialists such as Pluck (one of its kitchens, shown here, features an built-in pantry) and British Standard Cupboards will create a kitchen with all the storage, surfaces and fixtures you need.
NEW HUES
A fresh lick of paint needn’t be confined to just the walls. Furniture and flooring can be given a new look if you use specialist mixes and finishes – satinwood, gloss and chalk work particularly well on wood. In the kitchen, use on cabinetry to update your space without changing its bones. Start by taking doors and drawers off their main units, and then remove hinges, knobs and handles. Use sugar soap to clean off dirt and grease, then lightly sand each surface, and apply a primer before you paint, using at least two coats. Can’t decide on a colour? Affix a tester-pot-painted piece of paper to your surface with masking tape and live with it for a week or two before taking the plunge.