If you’re planning to sell your house, either now or sometime in the future, you’ll want to maximise its value. Making improvements can be a good way to ensure you get the best price, but you need to spend your money wisely. In this article, we look at five ways you can add value to your home.

1) Add Space

Top of the list is adding extra space. Whether it’s an extension or a loft or garage conversion, additional square footage will really pay off in terms of added value. Ask a local estate agent what alterations are likely to be popular in your area. Remember that every street has a price ceiling and if you spend too much you might not get it back when you sell.

If you don’t want the hassle of extending to sell, you can add value based on your property’s potential by getting planning permission for an extension before you sell.

2) Second Bathroom

A second bathroom is always a good investment and something that potential buyers often look for, particularly in family homes. Adding an en-suite bathroom to your master bedroom is a good option if you can fit it in. Where space is tight, you could opt for a shower rather than a bath or convert part of your garage for a downstairs bathroom.

3) Kitchen Makeover

The heart of the home is the kitchen and it’s probably the one room that can make or break a sale. A small or tired looking kitchen with old appliances is not going to appeal to potential buyers. Open plan kitchen-diners are the way to go if you have the space and budget. They can really give your house the wow factor.

If a major overhaul is not an option, there are ways to improve your kitchen’s appearance without spending a fortune. Replacing cupboard doors and worktops, installing a new sink and taps, upgrading your flooring and changing the lighting are all good ways to give your kitchen a facelift.

4) Spruce up your interior

Have a look around your house and think how a visitor would view it. Are there things that you’ve got used to living with but that really need attention? Old light fittings, broken door handles, cracked plaster, loose skirtings? Things like this don’t cost a lot to fix but, if left, give the impression of a house that’s not cared for.Re-decorating is a relatively low-cost way of improving your home, especially if you can do it yourself. If you’re planning to sell soon, be conservative in your approach. Prospective purchasers can be put off by loud colours and lurid wallpaper. Aim for something modern but neutral.

Buyers love wood burning stoves because they are a good focal point and make living rooms warm and cosy. You don’t necessarily need to have a chimney, just an outside wall. If you do have a chimney, it’s advisable to get a flue liner installed to avoid the risk of harmful gases escaping into your house. The key is to get advice from a qualified professional installer.

5) New Driveway

With so many households now having two or more cars, parking is a big issue. In many places, on-street parking is at a premium and the days of a guaranteed spot outside your house are long gone. As a result, off-road parking has become a major selling point. If you don’t already have a drive, converting your front garden could be a good move.

It is an offence to drive across the pavement so you will need a dropped kerb. If you don’t have one already, your local the council can install one for a fee. Check what their requirements are for driveways. You may have to use a material that lets water seep away rather than running straight off into the road.