Sprucing up your property can be a great way to make your space more your own, and inject some personality into it. After all, it’s important to love where you live. Equally, some renovations will enhance the value of your home should you decide to sell.
However, according to one industry insider from a comparison website, some interior design choices might not stand the test of time. And if you’re improving with an eye on selling, if you’re not careful you could affect how many viewings you get and either not enhance the asking price or actively devalue it.
As widely reported across the media, the improvements that won’t boost property price (according to the industry expert) include creating open-plan living spaces, choosing an all-white colour scheme, adding a walk-in wardrobe and opting for expensive wallpaper.
So it’s important to focus on those which can hike up potential asking price. Here are a few ideas.
Timber Sash Windows
These open vertically when you slide two glazed panels, or ‘sashes’, up and down within a frame. There’s a smooth sliding action via a pulley.
There are numerous reasons to go for real timber sash windows, including:
- Their high thermal efficiency
- Their potential to increase the value of your property and the asking price it can command, since wooden sash windows are considered a premium feature
- They add character to a home and enhance its visual appeal with their timeless traditional appearance, which can be tailored to suit the architecture of your property
- Looked after properly, they can last for decades
A Garden Tree Bench
If you haven’t previously considered having a tree bench in your garden, now could be the time to assess the benefits. Put simply, a seat like this is wrapped around a tree trunk, and people also call these models wraparound or tree loop benches.
The tree canopy provides natural shade and some protection from the elements. These benches are also highly comfortable and just look more interesting than regular benches. They make an attractive centrepiece to your outdoor space. In summary, these creative seating solutions allow you to get more from your garden.
What’s more, they’re space-efficient since they can seat several people at once. Plus you can go for a number of different sizes, from quarter to full wraparound.
Tree benches are available in different materials. But choose Grade A heartwood teak and you’ll have a durable model which looks wonderful yet which is incredibly low-maintenance. Teak’s high natural oil content means no rotting, warping, cracking or insect damage. Your bench will stay looking its glorious best in all weathers.
Finally, whatever design you choose will complement its natural surroundings.
Garden Rooms
If you’re not familiar with them, garden rooms are structures which are separate from a main property. They provide a stylish, versatile space all year round. You can use them as anything from a home office or gym to an art studio, workspace or just somewhere to read, relax and enjoy some quality ‘me’ time. When relaxing in your new space, custom blinds help you control how much sunlight comes in, providing cool comfort in summer and free heat in the winter!
You avoid the hassle of a full home extension and, in most cases, since garden rooms are classed as outbuildings, you won’t need planning permission – but you will enhance your property’s value. Installation is quicker than you may have realised, plus garden rooms are well insulated and keeping them warm is affordable.
Indeed, a project like this is extremely cost-effective overall. Visit a garden building showroom and see for yourself how one of these structures could transform your home.
