by Stella Kaye

Created on: October 11, 2010

MAKE A RIGHT MOVE

Before embarking on any costly renovation, the first thing anyone considering selling their home should do is get a current market valuation from three different local estate agents.

If you are happy to sell your home ‘As seen’ in order to secure a quick sale then you will not expect to achieve the same amount as one that has been extensively renovated already but bear in mind that many home improvements will not always add value to property in the short term and are thus not advisable if you wish to sell straight away.

It is wise to look on an internet site such as Rightmove to gauge a fair assessment as to what your property could realistically be expected to fetch on the open market in its present condition.  Perhaps the only financial outlay required might be for a few tubs of emulsion and new floor coverings to secure a sale.

It is worthwhile noting that there will be a certain ceiling price for similar properties in the same area and however much money you pour into your property this may not be recouped when you try to sell it however successful your renovation has been.

Any reputable agent will be able to advise you as to whether any funds spent on renovations will be money well spent - or money needlessly lost. Sometimes things are not as clear cut as you would think and you must always allow for a margin of error in any estimates.

Always decide on a budget long before works commence. You do not want to take on too much and run out of cash half way through.

Generally speaking, adding another room in the loft will increase the overall value of a property by about fifteen thousand GB pounds but you will also have to consider that in creating another room are there now enough bathroom facilities? You will have turned a smaller home into a family one and may have to add an en suite to service your extra bedroom.

Many renovations are necessary when there are aspects of safety involved such as electrical and gas work. A brand new heating system is something that will add value to any home as are replacement windows and doors; any prospective buyer will be impressed with these features which are proven to save on future energy costs.

The roof does not have to be brand spanking new but it has to be sound and many sellers forget that however wonderful the interior, a prospective buyer can easily be deterred by a few loose roof tiles.

Go round your home with a check list and make notes as to what should be considered as an

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