How to Add Value to Your Home (Part 1)

Whether you're planning to sell your house or you want to refresh your home, adding value to your property is a smart investment.

At OVS, we see firsthand how thoughtful design and strategic upgrades can transform a space. In our handy 2-part guide, we share our top tips for adding long-term market value to your property.

Improve Curb Appeal

First impressions count - don’t neglect the importance of the exterior. The outside of your home is the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for what's inside. A few simple updates can create a polished look that signals care and quality as well as good taste:

• Gutter maintenance, repointing and window seal repairs should all be on your checklist.

  
  

• Refresh your facade with a new coat of paint or high-quality cladding. We love to design unique exterior finishes - take a look at our Herringbone House project to see how we used reclaimed bricks and timber to create a functional and unique aesthetic exterior.

  
  

• Consider a new front door for an instant, cost-effective upgrade.

  
  

• Invest in modern landscaping. Simple greenery, clear pathways, and lighting go a long way to creating an inviting exterior.

Reconfigure the Floor Plan

Reconfiguring your floor plan can unlock light and space in your home. A well-planned open space feels larger and more versatile.

• To transform small, boxed-in rooms, consider opening up non-structural walls to create open-plan areas.

  
  

• Knocking through walls can dramatically increase light and flow when combined with clever zoning using materials or furniture for a functional layout.

  
  

• Consult an architect to ensure structural integrity and maximise design impact.

  
  

• For a smaller-scale update, try rearranging your furniture. Moving furniture away from walls can make a space feel more intimate. If your space feels cramped and cluttered, consider replacing small-scale furniture and decorative items with a smaller number of functional pieces to create an uncluttered, more spacious feel.

Upgrade the Kitchen and Bathrooms

It goes without saying that well-designed kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.  Updating these spaces offers one of the highest returns on investment. According to property experts, upgrading your kitchen can potentially add up to 10% to the value of your home, while a new bathroom can add up to 5%.

The kitchen and bathroom are the hardest working rooms in a home. It is important that they are both visually appealing and highly functional.

• Timeless fixtures and quality finishes enhance a feeling of luxury.

  
  

• Think functionality: clever storage, energy-efficient appliances, and thoughtful layouts.

  
  

• Check out our blog for some key advice when designing your dream bathroom as well as common kitchen design mistakes to avoid.

  
  

• If your budget and space allow, consider adding a second bathroom - this is a major value boost.

  
  

• If you are looking to make smaller adjustments, consider replacing work surfaces or cabinets for an instant refresh.

Period Features

A home with character is highly sought after, and buyers love period features. If your home features period features or has the potential to have these features restored or replaced, consider engaging an architect with experience in heritage design.

• This is one of our key services: conservation design. At OVS, we are well-versed in working with sites that require preservation and modernisation; from Grade II listed family homes to green belt guest houses and historic barn extensions.

  
  

• Key potential restoration features include fireplaces, cornices, intricate mouldings, flooring and staircases.

  
  

• Take a look at our recent journal entries for our architect’s guide to restoring and extending a Victorian home as well as inspiration for blending heritage with modernity in your home.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering updating your home, we recommend undertaking research to assess your return on investment. Consult with an architect to see what can be achieved and what permissions might be required to achieve your goals.

Adding value to your home involves creating a space that works better for you and attracts future buyers. With the right design approach, even small changes can make a big difference.

If you're thinking of making some upgrades, our architecture studio is here to help you plan, design, and bring your vision to life. Get in touch today to see how OVS can unlock your home’s full potential.