One of the joys of being a homeowner is having the opportunity to make substantial changes to the property in terms of its structure, systems, and interior/exterior design. Some changes require more consideration and investment than others, and some are certainly more effective than others in terms of adding value to the property. Spending a lot of money on home improvements without impacting the property’s value is not wise, so it is worth doing your research before getting started. If you are considering carrying out some renovations, here are 3 of the most popular home improvement tips for 2021.
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1Renovate the bathroom and/or kitchen
Research has shown that renovating a kitchen can add value to a property and that a modern, spacious kitchen is often a big selling point for buyers. Of course, a full kitchen renovation is likely to be costly, but if you do not have the money or time to invest in a complete remodel, a few key changes can be very effective. e.g., new cupboard doors and handles, flooring, countertops, and integrated appliances. Take a look at this article by Good Housekeeping for ways to add value to your home.
Another room in the home, which is often a target for improvement, is the bathroom. Again, flooring, new tiles, and a fresh coat of paint can transform the look of a bathroom. If you have more money to spend, you could invest in a new bathtub, shower, toilet, and basin too. Interior designers often recommend maximizing storage when renovating a kitchen or bathroom to keep the rooms organized, clutter-free and make them easier to clean.
2Install a new heating and hot system
A property’s heating and hot water system may not be the most exciting project, but it is arguably one of the most important. Without an effective and efficient heating and/or hot water system, the property will be cold and uncomfortable to live in, and heating bills are likely to be unnecessarily high. Hot water system installation can range from replacing a boiler or a cylinder to replacing the whole system, including pipework and radiators or underfloor heating. The cost of installing a new hot water system will vary depending on the size of your home, your hot water usage, and the company you choose to complete the work. This is why it is important to compare multiple quotes to ensure you are getting the best price.
In the process of choosing a new heating system, you need to decide on whether you want gas or electric, what size of heater, how many radiators, etc. This can be a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with this type of work. Luckily, there’s this handy-dandy solution at Free Boiler that lays out all the details you need to take when replacing your heating system. Moreover, if you’re one of those unlucky ones who just can’t keep up with rising fuel prices, the Free Boiler Grant helps to reduce your heating costs by installing a new boiler in your home for free or at a reduced cost. Homeowners must own a 7+ year old boiler.
3Upgrade to double-glazed windows
If your property has single glazed windows, you could be losing a lot of your home’s heat or air conditioning and therefore spending unnecessary money on your energy bills. Old, leaking, or damaged windows are also likely to let draughts into the home and lead to black mold and mildew forming inside.
As you would expect, a double-glazed window includes two panes of glass with an insulating gas between them. They are available in a wide range of designs, shapes and with lots of different frame colors. If you have patio doors or a lot of glass in your external front door, you may want to consider upgrading to double glazed doors.
