How to add value to your home.

We moved to our 1930's semi when our second child was born as we needed the extra space. After moving in, we were keen to extend the property and the question was whether to do a single-storey ground floor extension or extend into the loft. We decided that we would start with the loft as we felt that that would add more value. Research conducted by Building Society www.nationwide.co.uk found that a loft extension adds up to 11% to the value of your property.  A few years later we would extend again, this time to create a modern kitchen/diner. According to www.realhomes.com “A single-storey kitchen extension can increase your home's market value anywhere from 5 to 10 per cent.”

How can I get more space at home?

Earlier this year, I started working from home, like most of the country when the first lockdown was announced.  At first, I was excited. I was able to re-address the work/life balance and do the school run for the first time in years. There are other positives of working from home, such as how not commuting has lessened our impact on the environment and improved our work-life balance. The challenge comes when the kids return home from school and the peace and quiet is interrupted. That was when we first discussed getting a garden room. Garden rooms are brilliant as an office as they give you space without taking over a bedroom and you have an excellent view over your garden whilst working.

Is a garden room a good investment?

The most important thing when you work from home is to be able to draw a line between work and home. A garden office gives you the perfect, professional environment, to concentrate on work, with all the benefits of home on your doorstep and what’s better than looking out onto your garden and being able to lock up work for the evening? Plus, as your family grows, but your house doesn't, it can be multi-use. I would always use the garden room as a place for our teenager and his friends to hang out (when they’re allowed), as a party room or maybe as a 'man cave' or home exercise studio. It is a cost-effective and time-efficient way to add space to your home without the cost or the disruption of up-sizing or extending.

Does a garden room add value?

Good quality garden rooms, well-insulated, warm, clad in beautiful cedar designed to last for 30+ years, start from £21,000 and are cheaper than an extension. Chiswick estate agent, Chris Chalmers from Whitman and Co said, “A good garden room can add serious value to a home. With many more people working from home or choosing to ditch the gym for home exercise, we've seen demand steadily increase. In west London, where properties can sell for north of £1,000 per square foot, the addition of a garden room can add upwards of £100,000. When you consider a cost of around 20-25k this is at least 4x return on investment!”. Outside of West London, adding a garden building to your property is thought to add up to 5% of the value. So, there you have it, not only does it create a perfect retreat for you, but it also adds value to your home. If you would like to know more about My Retreat Garden Rooms, please get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your perfect Retreat.              

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