Keeping your flat looking its best is important. If you can keep your flat looking fantastic, and add value in the process, then why wouldn’t you? If you are looking at carrying out home improvements, it is always important to stop and take stock before changing anything. When you can stop, you can see what improvements will be beneficial. You can also see which investments and improvements will give you a great return. Remember to check whether you need the freeholder’s permission before doing any work too.
New Upgraded Windows
If you are living in a building that is not listed, you may be able to upgrade your windows. A lot of smaller apartment buildings will allow owner-occupiers to change windows so long as they fit (and in keeping) with the current style used. New upgraded windows that are double or even triple-glazed will afford you more privacy. They will also give you greater sound protection and noise protection too. When you are looking at adding upgraded windows, always choose a reputable firm, especially if your apartment is located higher up in a block or building. A reputable firm will have the licenses in place you need to carry out the required work and erect a scaffold.
Top Tip: Flats and apartments can be dark if you are not careful, so think about this when you are designing and adding new windows.
An Air Conditioning System
It doesn’t matter whether your flat is small or large, it will benefit from an air conditioning system. Being able to regulate the temperature in a flat is essential, especially if you are higher up in a building. A lot of systems have outside (or exterior) units, and this can be restrictive for flat owners. So, if you are looking at installing an air conditioning system,look at one that can be fitted inside. Also, look at one that provides water cooled air conditioning as these are more energy efficient. An air conditioning system that has been correctly installed will allow you to enjoy your home all year round.
Better Insulation
A lot of flats and apartments can be poorly insulated. This can mean that heat is escaping through the walls and through the ceilings. To improve this situation, you can invest in better insulation such as Usher Insulation solutions. Cavity wall insulation can be injected into the brickwork of your flat or insulation boards can be added to the walls and ceilings. Better insulation will improve your energy performance rating, and this can add a substantial amount of value to your property.
Top Tip: You may find that previously insulation has been added to the property. Over time effectiveness can be lost. See where cold spots are within your flat. See if all areas are cold and so require additional insulation.
A New Kitchen
Even if the kitchen in your flat is not the biggest, it does not mean that it cannot be the best around. Kitchens are places where everyone gathers and are more than just a place to eat. A new kitchen that features high-quality gloss units and solid worktops can increase your property value by up to 10% (depending on the area and the finish). A new kitchen can help you make the most out of the space that you have, and it can lift the rest of the home. If a kitchen is dated, it can knock value off a property, and it can make it less desirable.
Increased Living Space
If you have the space for reconfiguration in your flat, then seize the opportunity. Large bedrooms in a flat are not necessary. However, larger living spaces and living rooms are a must. If you have larger bedrooms, then why not focus on taking away space from the bedrooms? Cut into the bedrooms or redivide them to give your living areas more space. Living areas that are large, light, and airy will increase the value of a property. They will make it more attractive and appealing to people of all ages.
Top Tip: As mentioned above, before carrying out any structural works within your flat, make sure you get the owner’s permission. A lot of flats and apartments are leasehold, and for major interior works to be carried out, the leaseholder’s permission must sometimes be granted.
A Modern Bathroom
Even if the bathroom is not the biggest room in the flat, it must still be one of the most indulgent. Bathrooms are a place where you go to retreat, unwind and relax after a tough day. If your bathroom doesn’t have space for a bath, you must make use of the space as well as you can. This means adding top-of-the-range fixtures and fittings, such as cascading waterfall showerheads.
New Fresh Decor and Paint
Poorly decorated flats will lose value. Those flats or apartments that are painted in off-putting colours will devalue even the nicest of flats. Where possible, try and incorporate a more neutral colour scheme. Light and bright colours that reflect the light and make a space feel bigger are positive to use. Neutral colour schemes and freshly decorated walls and ceilings can make spaces feel bigger, and this can, in turn, add value.
Top Tip: A lot of flats and apartments often have high ceilings, especially those in older buildings. Where you can keep ceilings light to maximise the space.
New Flooring
Soundproofing is crucial in all flats and apartments. To better soundproof your place, you may want to look at changing the flooring. Wooden flooring can look very classy, but it can be very noisy too. Carpets can be thick and heavy, but they can sometimes be smelly and off-putting. Old flooring, such as wooden floorboards that have been refreshed, will add value to a flat, whereas other flooring types, such as lino or poorly laid tiling, will detract away from a higher value.
An Upgraded Heating System
You have already considered adding air conditioning to your flat, so why not look at upgrading the heating system you have too? Out-of-date heating systems can put a drain on your finances, and they can devalue your property. Old radiators and boilers that are old are not energy efficient and are therefore costing you a lot in utility bills.
