House prices across the UK have started to fall in response to the recent Brexit vote. Improving your home can help your property to buck this trend. Investing in your property now will also help to give your property value an extra boost once national property prices start to rise again. In general, property prices in Wimbledon and other areas of London have not fallen in the same way that they have in other areas of the country. However, kitchen extensions in Wimbledon and other areas of London can help to increase your house value much more quickly than your neighbour’s house values increase. This is a great way to continue moving up the property ladder. Of course, kitchen extensions in Wimbledon will only significantly increase your house value if you follow certain rules.
Planning
Before the builders do any work on your home, it is important that you have a proper plan set out. Good planning will prevent you from making a costly mistake. In the United Kingdom, some small extensions do not require formal planning permission because they are classified as permitted developments. Many smaller kitchen extensions in Wimbledon are built without having to go through the formal planning application process. However, you are still advised to get proper plans drawn up by a professional who already has experience of working in the area. If you are considering a larger extension on your house that would not fall under the Permitted Development rules, then it is very important that you do follow the formal planning application process. Building a large extension on your house after failing to get planning permission could result in a large fine and being forced to tear the extension down. Even if no one spots this failure whilst you are living at the property, it may be identified by the conveyancing solicitor during the house sale. This may cause your sale to fall through.
A proper plan will help to ensure that your ideas are feasible. Even if you do not need to obtain planning permission for the work that you intend to do, you should still ensure that a qualified surveyor looks over intended building site to make sure that it is suitable. Poorly thought out extensions could be affected by subsidence or other serious structural issues which could send the value of your house right down!
Aesthetics and Functionality
A good kitchen extension will improve the functionality of your existing space. It is important to think carefully about how planned features will interact with each other as part of a functional kitchen area. More space does not necessarily mean a better kitchen, if the space is not used well. If you are building an extension with house value in mind, you will need to consider whether other people will like your designs too. Choosing a funky but divisive style can reduce the appeal of your home, and may reduce the likelihood that the house will sell quickly for the asking price.
Use the Best Building Materials
Using high quality building materials as part of your kitchen extension will help to ensure that it appeals to house buyers. Materials should be chosen for their aesthetic appeal, their strength and their durability. Durable materials will ensure that the extension will continue to look great for decades. If you intend to use high quality materials, you should always work with skilled builders. You should not attempt to do the work for yourself unless you have the skills and the experience necessary. When considering a house with an extension, house buyers are likely to commission a building survey before the sale goes through. If the surveyor spots low quality building materials or poor quality work, the buyer may think twice about offering you the asking price. Cutting corners now is likely to affect your house value in the long run.
Work with Professionals
If you are hoping to make money with an extension, house extension experts are a must! Working with professionals will help to ensure that you are able to make the most of the space that you have available to you. They will help you to come up with extension ideas that really work and which don’t detract in any way from your current building. For kitchen extensions in Wimbledon, you should work with a local company who are used to the area and who understand the local rules and regulations surrounding building works.
