How to lift your home’s value

Thinking of moving home and keen to maximise its value? Here are 10 tips on adding value to your home from the experts at the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is back at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, October 20-21. First impressions

Tidying the garden and driveway, re-pointing brickwork or stonework, painting doors and windows and other external joinery, replacing an old garage door and repairing cladding and render, are all worthwhile investments.

Keep it fresh

Painting and decorating is an inexpensive way of giving your home a new lease of life but beware – a unique look can seriously affect the appeal and value of your home, so hold the purple striped wallpaper!

Safe and sound

Structural repairs and updating heating and wiring should be top priority. A property that is ready to move in to will attract more interest and a higher price.

Bathroom

Avocado bathrooms really have had their day. Replacing a tired suite for a fresh white one could cost you as little as £500. If the walls look dingy, think about re-tiling. And if your bathroom is tiny, consider creating a shower room by taking space from a larger bedroom.

Refresh the kitchen

Kitchens can be given a fabulous makeover for a modest outlay. Look at adding new doors, handles and worktops. Add an extra loo A downstairs loo adds more value than it costs. Modern compact sanitary ware allows even the smallest space to be used effectively. Consider a conservatory

Quick to build, a conservatory will add space and value. Lofty living A loft conversion can boost your home and provides excellent space for additional bedrooms and an en suite bathroom. New windows

Refurbish or replace shabby windows. Fresh paint and new handles can make a huge difference. Do your homework

Get as much information as possible by buying specialist magazines. Get along to the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, October 20-21. It will be packed with informative features. As well as all the latest products and services, experts will be on hand to provide free support.