The Front of Your Home Operation
“Looking to work your way up the property ladder as effortlessly as possible? LMB Group are here to provide you with the boost you need!”
Sometimes, we so often focus on ‘what’ we need space for, that we fail to realise ‘why’ we need space and ‘how’ we can get it. Of course, whilst we all need a home office study to work from home, some gym space to work out, or a home nursery to get the ‘kids out from underneath our feet’ – we often miss the biggest reason of them all (to add value to our properties). After all, wouldn’t it be amazing to not only get the space we crave to improve our lifestyle, but to also guarantee ourselves more money in the long run? In a post covid era- with more time on our hands than ever, and more disposable income due to ‘that’ holiday we keep pushing back and back- It is a no brainer, right?
Timing is everything in the property game, and with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry (and having been recently awarded as a Chartered Builder in 2021) LMB Group are proud to not only be a thought leader in not only construction, but in lifestyle and properties too. So, without further or do- check out our 8 top ways to add value to your property. Please note- all values quoted are statistical assessments and not guaranteed.
1. Convert your garage to living space
Potential Value Added: 15%
“De clutter your garage & form a space you can Manage”
Is your garage currently being neglected? If it is not homing a car, tools, or anything of significance, it could make sense to convert this ‘place’ into some homely space. Your first step should be to check that your garage is suitable for conversion and whether you need planning permission. In many cases, the work involved in converting a garage will be classed as permitted development, so you will not need planning permission, but always check with your local planning authority.
A garage conversion is always subject to building regulations to ensure its structurally sound. You can use your local council’s building control service or an approved independent inspector, who will make several visits during the conversion to check that key areas (such as drainage, electrics, walls, and the roof) comply with regulations.
2. Extend The Kitchen.
Potential Value Added: 15%
A side return is a narrow alley that runs adjacent to the kitchen in a typical terraced or semi-detached house. Extending the kitchen into the side return and to the full width of the rest of the house means you gain valuable space and can also improve the layout. A single-storey side-return extension will usually be classed as a permitted development, provided you meet certain limits and conditions.
For example, it must be no more than 4m high and no wider than half the width of the original house. You will still have to comply with building regulations, and work will be inspected at key stages of the build, either by the local authority building department or by an approved independent inspector.
Once your extension is finished, and presuming it is deemed to comply with the regulations, you will be given a completion certificate. If you are thinking about a side-return extension, remember that you could lose windows and the light they would bring in. Roof lights over the extension will fix this, or you could install a partially or fully glazed roof to keep the space light and airy.
3. Loft Conversion to Add A Bedroom
Potential Value Added: 15%
“Stop hitting the snooze button on your house plans and wake up to the amazing value of an extra bedroom”.
An extra bedroom can add up to 15 per cent to the value of your home, especially if it is a loft conversion with an en suite bathroom. Once you start your planning, you will need to get to grips with the different types of conversion. Options range from a roof light conversion (which needs the least amount of structural work) and so is the most cost-effective, to a more expensive mansard conversion.
Mansard conversions generally need planning permission, but most loft conversions are considered a permitted development. Check with your local planning authority as there are some complex rules.
4. Cosy Up with A Pot of Tea in Your Brand-New Conservatory
Potential Value Added: up to 10%
“Open your doors to spring and give your home a dome with a brand-new Conservatory space”.
Looking to release a wash of earthly and airy tones to your living space? Combine Spring with a conservatory- and cut to the chase… bringing the outdoors into your home, a fully glazed conservatory will merge the woodland to your interior and help you feel closer to nature. To get started, think how you want to use the space and whether a modern or traditional style will be best for your home and lifestyle. The biggest part of your conservatory will be the glass, so explore your options carefully. While double glazing is the minimum standard permitted by building regulations, there is a whole host of glazing options available, including solar control glass and self-cleaning glass. Again, think about which will suit your lifestyle and your home. There are also options to consider when it comes to the frame. The material you choose will directly affect the performance of the conservatory – uPVC, timber and aluminium frames all have different qualities, so do your research and ask experts for advice.
5.Garden Space
Potential Value Added: up to 10%
“10%? I beg your pardon… With Summer approaching, I better spruce up my garden”.
Garden space is limited in London, so if you’ve got it, make sure you’re making the most of it, especially when you’re planning to sell. A deck or patio can transform a garden into an entertaining space, and when designed as an additional room, a summer house can also add to the property value. First impressions are essential, so if you’re selling, give your home some kerb appeal by with a lick of paint, a new door and shining ironmongery. Tidy up the garden by mowing the lawn and sweeping up leaves.
6. Get a new Bathroom.
Potential Value Added: 3-5%
“Extra value you won’t want to miss, add just a splash of add a rejuvenating décor for your ultimate bathroom bliss”.
A new bathroom will certainly increase the value of your property – but it can be an expensive investment. Fortunately, it’s possible to make updates on a budget. To keep the price down, keep your existing layout. Moving sanitaryware might mean relocating soil pipes and water inlets, which will add to your costs.
Updating your shower enclosure? Framed enclosures tend to be cheaper than frameless models. Choose an exposed shower rather than a concealed model: these cost more to install because the pipes will need to be chased into the wall. Similarly, wall-hung sanitaryware is generally pricier than floor-mounted versions. This is because the cisterns and brackets will need to be concealed within the walls. Save even more money by choosing a bathroom suite rather than purchasing individual pieces. And finally, keep an eye out for seasonal sales.
7. Make the living area open plan.
Potential Value Added: 3 to 5%
“Open Plan- Open Mind. In addition to our physical health, the house we live in plays a huge part in the way we interact and behave”.
Fed up with staring at that completely unnecessary wall? Knock it down and feel ten feet tall! With an open plan living arrangement, you can transform your home and save on the cost of an extension by knocking down the wall that separates your kitchen and living room, creating not only extra space in your home physically- but mental space emotionally! Yes, really- Studies have shown that there has been a huge trend for open plan living in recent years, but sometimes ‘broken plan’ – where the overall space is open but there are a few sub-divisions – can work better. This can be a DIY job or one for which you will need to call in the professionals: it all depends on whether the wall is load bearing. If it is, taking it down without professional help could prove disastrous. If knocking down an internal wall is not an option, you could consider a rear or side extension. Although this can be costly and time-consuming, it will give you exactly the space you want as well as adding potential value to your home.
8. Step into Spring with A Walk in Wardrobe
Potential Value Added: 15%
“Swap how you store for a room you truly adore”.
One of the biggest signs you’ve ‘made it’ in life – a walk in wardrobe has for centuries been every person’s dream. Turning your vision to fruition, it is time to bail on that single rail and join the race to expand your living space. At LMB Group, our stunning walk-in wardrobes are designed to maximise every inch of space and include a wide range of flexible storage solutions that cater to an abundance of needs.
Our curated gallery of designs features beautiful finishes, attractive accent pieces, practical lighting installations, and extensive closet organisation ideas. Find inspiration to maximise the potential of small hidden away bedroom closets and large dedicated dressing rooms alike, with ideas to fit all kinds of aesthetics, colour schemes, & budgets.
An aspirational addition to your home, (especially for one that is spacious) creating a well organised closet system will make you feel on top of the world this Summer, opening its doors to time perfectly to the ‘re opening of the nation’.
