Home Improvements to Add Value to Your Property 2020

Britain is a nation of DIY enthusiasts, with property owners spending thousands each year in a bid to add value to their homes. But despite emphasis on home improvements often revolving around big expensive changes, many don’t realise that small cosmetic modifications really do go a long way.

To help Brits identify the small changes they can make to increase their property’s value, the experts at Priceyourjob.co.uk have compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly home improvements, costing £100 and under, that can add thousands to the value of a home.

10 Small Home Improvements To Add Value To Your Property

We have found the 10 best small home improvements that can add value to your home. Below we discuss each improvement, the cost and the value added.

1. Repainting Your Home

If your rooms are looking a little tired, then it’s the perfect time to give your walls a new lick of paint. This simple decorating job can help give your home a new lease of life and help your property appear much brighter and bigger.

Painting the walls, ceiling and skirting boards with fresh white paint will give them a polished finish. If you want to add a splash of colour, you may want to experiment with feature walls and painting door frames.

Average cost of painting all the main rooms (bedrooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom): £71.

Potential value added to a property: £1,424.00.

Image Credit: Money Business Images / Shutterstock

2. Basic Home Security (locks, motion sensors and flood lights)

Security is important in a property, but it is often overlooked. It is imperative that homeowners get the basics right when it comes to security. This means fitting sturdy locks on all main doors (front, back and shed door) and installing motion sensors in all main rooms (living room and kitchen) at the very least. Having a flood light is also very important as it deters opportunistic criminals from targeting/entering your driveway.

Average cost of basic home security: £98.00.

Potential value added to a property: £598.00.

3. Replacing or Fixing Fences (Minimum four new/repaired fence panels/posts)

Fences are very important as they not only establish the boundaries of your property; they provide security too. If a few of your fence panels and posts are broken or rotting, then address the problem as soon as possible. Replace the broken fence panels or posts with new ones or use concrete spurs to secure rotting fence posts back into their correct position.

Average cost of replacing or fixing six fence panels and/or posts: £83.00.

Potential value added to a property: £515.00.

4. Adding a New Front Door

First impressions count for everything. This is especially true for the front door of a property; as it is the first part of the home people interact with. If your door is heavily dented, discoloured or old, then now is the perfect time to get a new one. Consider looking for a door that has curb-appeal, uses high quality materials, and offers a range of extra security options.

Average cost of a new front door: £95.00.

Potential value added to a property: £432.00.

Image Credit: Imran Khan Photography / Shutterstock

5. Adding New Light Fixtures (in all the main rooms)

When buying new light fittings, the type and design are key elements to consider. They can help to establish the style of the room, so be sure to keep in-line with the characteristics of the property to create a stunning feature in each room. To help you save on money, you may also want to use energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED.

Average cost of replacing light fixtures in main rooms (bedrooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom): £74.00.

Potential value added to a property: £403.00.

6. Adding Carpet on Staircase

A staircase is a key design feature of your home interior. With a little creative thinking, you can transform your tired staircase into a stylish focal point. Think about adding a textured neutral carpet, or if you want a more eye-catching staircase, opt for stripes or patterns. Be sure to choose a durable carpet that will withstand daily wear and tear. You may want to invest in a good underlay too, for extra durability and comfort underfoot.

Average cost of adding carpet to a staircase: £93.00.

Potential value added to a property: £390.00.

7. Adding a Kitchen Backsplash

If you want to instantly transform your kitchen space, a backsplash is a good place to start. Not only are they affordable to buy and fit, they also serve as a focal point to upgrade your cooking area. They are available in countless different patterns, designs and materials in order to suit the rest of your kitchen décor.

Their sole purpose is to protect the walls from spills and splashes whilst preparing and cooking food.

Average cost of a kitchen backsplash: £96.00.

Potential value added to a property: £317.00.

8. New Door, Cupboard and Cabinet Handles

If you want to give your cupboards a facelift, replacing the handles is one subtle change that can significantly transform the look of your kitchen. Purchase some new handles online or from a home improvement store to give your cupboards a new lease of life. From bar to cup, stainless steel to ceramic knobs – the choices are endless.

Top tip: It is advisable to buy in bulk if you are looking to save money.

Average cost of replacing all door, cupboard and cabinet handles with new ones: £29.00.

Potential value added to a property: £312.00.

Image Credit: Lazy_Bear / Shutterstock

9. New Bathroom and Kitchen Taps

Taps are certainly an understated feature of the home. If your taps are rusty or old in design, opt for replacements which are not only modern but are simple in functionality. Stainless steel or chrome taps are the ideal recommendations for both kitchen and bathroom to maximise on appeal factor.

Average cost of four new bathroom and kitchen taps: £57.00.

Potential value added to a property: £275.00.

10. Clean Dirty Grouting

Many people know that grouting can get dirty very quickly and, if left untouched, the built-up can be difficult to remove. To successfully remove the dirt, one of the oldest tricks in the book is to apply bicarbonate of soda, water and vinegar, and scrub with an old toothbrush.

However, if this does not work, consider re-grouting, but this can be costly.

Average cost of cleaning your grouting: £34.00.

Potential value added to a property: £268.00.

The Overall Impact Of Small Home Improvements On a Property’s Value

Making all the suggested small home improvements will on average cost £730.00 but could add an astonishing £4,934.00 to the value of a property.

Top Tips For Making Small Improvements That Can Add Thousands To a Property’s Value

Research Online

With the internet providing a wide range of information on just about any topic, a simple search into Google will be your saviour. DIY guides will help you to gain tips, tricks and best practices to carry out your home improvements safely and successfully.

Video Assistance

If you are a visual learner, you may want to watch a video to help walk you through carrying out home improvements. Simply search for the small home improvement you are looking for and various ‘how to’ videos will appear. Since many of them are conducted by reputable professionals, they are more than likely to have the answers to your questions.

Ask for Help

Some home improvement jobs cannot be carried out by homeowners, so be sure to call in a fully qualified professional where necessary. Remember, you should never touch gas pipes or electric wires if you don’t have the relevant qualifications, as this can be extremely dangerous.