Press Releases
ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME WITH JACKSON
8th April 2008
With recent headlines dominated by the ‘credit crunch’ and the effect it is having on the UK housing market, more and more people are struggling to afford mortgages and move house.
There is also concern from many people that their existing home could fall in value, so says Jackson, now could be the perfect time to improve your home.
Jackson recommends that not moving, but improving your home could be one solution in the current climate. By making a few home improvements, you can add significant value to your home and increase your property’s potential.
Jackson Marketing Manager, Colin Bartleet said. “The current economic climate has made people nervous about buying and selling property, so more and more people are adapting their houses to suit their needs and looking for ways to increase their property’s value.”
“Its important to remember, says Colin, that all homes have a ceiling price, so its vital to make sure that the cost of your home improvement is not so expensive that you won’t make a profit - or even lose money on your investment. By investing in your home now, it could put you in a better position when the housing market becomes more stable.”
With this in mind, Jackson has come up with some top tips for home improvements that could help you to add value to your home.
Conservatories
With the UK’s changeable climate, it is no surprise that adding a conservatory tops the list when it comes to major home improvements. The chance to sit indoors in a space flooded with natural light creates an enormous sense of well being, and conservatories are also popular for entertaining after dark when the glow of candles or subtle lighting can create a magical atmosphere.
Adding a conservatory can raise your home’s value by 4% to 5% according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and is a relatively cost-effective way of increasing your space. It is important to ensure that the product you use has been manufactured from top quality materials and meets all the required British Standards. That is why calling in at your local Jackson Building Centres is sure to pay off.
Loft Conversation
This is the most cost-effective way to gain extra living space and creating an extra bedroom with an en-suite is a popular option. It is very important to take professional advice before you start, to ensure that the conversion meets building and fire regulations.
Whether you plan to turn the loft space into an extra bedroom or a bathroom or both, Jackson stock everything needed for the project from loft ladders, staircases and flooring to heating equipment and roof windows.
Extensions
Adding an extension is an excellent way of adding value to your home. A single-storey extension can start around £30,000 while two storeys can cost from £40,000. According to The Nationwide Building Society a ground floor extension can increase your property’s value by around 5%, while adding a bedroom to a three-bedroom property will add 12%.
As with loft conversions, it’s important that any extension work complies with Building Regulations and to check with the local planning office for permission.
Kitchen
A new kitchen will make your property more appealing to buyers and according to RICS, can add as much as 4% to its value. Because you will only buy a new kitchen once or twice in a lifetime, it’s important to choose whether you want a free standing or fitted kitchen and to plan the layout and style of your kitchen carefully.
Jackson Building Centres have a huge range variety of items to suit all tastes and budgets and experienced staff at each of the branches are always on hand to advise on products and give guidance about practical issues. A free design service is also available and some branches also offer installation.
Extra Bathroom
A new en-suite or a new second bathroom can add up to 5% to your house’s value and simply renewing your bathroom suite can also make your home more saleable.
Fitted bathrooms are particularly popular at present but Jackson can also furnish shower rooms or en suites with the very latest in bathroom furniture and accessories, in an extensive range of colours, shapes and finishes.
So if you are looking for inspiration and expert advice for your home improvements, why not visit your local Jackson Building Centres, where you’ll find a whole range of building products, including, bricks, cement, sand, tiles, timber, plaster and plumbing materials, as well as a huge range of stylish, kitchen, bathrooms, windows, doors and conservatories.