Three of the ‘best’ home improvements to add the ‘most value’ onto your property

According to property and construction expert Natalie Mitchell at HomeHow.co.uk , there are certain renovations which may cost a lot initially but will provide a really good return on investment. 1. Loft conversion The expert explained: ‘Adding a loft conversion to your home is great as this can provide a completely new room to your home.  ‘The most common uses for a loft conversion are for an extra bedroom, an office, or a playroom. While this may sound like a very big and stressful job, it is usually actually much less hassle than you may think.  ‘In most cases, you won’t need to move out while a loft conversion is taking place. ‘In order to start a loft conversion, you’ll need to measure your loft to make sure you have enough headspace to create a room.  Three of the ‘best’ home improvements to add the ‘most value’ onto your property (Image: Getty) ‘It is recommended that you have a minimum height of 2.2 to 2.4m for a cut roof. If you want a trussed roof, you will need around 2.4 to 2.6m of headroom for a roof made from factory-made trusses. ‘You will also need to consider access to your new loft room. If you install a staircase, you will lose some space from the floor below.’ According to the expert, a loft conversion could add around 20 percent of value to a home. Converting a loft is one of the ‘best’ ways to increase a home’s value as they can be so versatile. 2. Converting a basement If you want to create some extra living space in your home, or another bedroom and have a basement, this could be a great option. Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea Make sure to consider how this space will be used as this will determine the way it is built, according to the expert. Natalie added: ‘You will then need to take time to find the right contractors to work with.  ‘There are some specialist basement companies that will have the skills needed to take care of the entire process for you.  ‘In other cases, you may prefer to use an architect. Either way, it’s best to ask around and find recommendations for good-quality contractors. A basement conversion can usually add around 10 percent to 20 percent of value to your home.’ Most and least affordable areas (Image: EXPRESS) Reforming the downstairs of a home by removing some internal walls can help to create a fresh living area. Make sure to gain all the correct advice and permission, especially when removing a load-bearing wall.  The expert noted: ‘Load-bearing walls support the weight of other aspects of the home, such as the wall above or the roof.  ‘This means that when you take out a load-bearing wall, it could significantly affect the structural integrity of your home.  ‘In worst cases, the building could collapse if it’s not supported correctly during a load-bearing wall removal. This means that a specialist will need to remove this type of wall, and building regulations will need to be adhered to.’ Creating an open-plan living space can add up to 15 percent to your home’s value.