During lockdown many Scots got hooked on improving their home and the trend continues into 2023 with homeowners choosing to improve their home rather than move.
Michael Holmes, self-build, and renovation guru and one of the experts from The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by self-build specialists Fleming Homes, which is back at the SEC Glasgow from 20-21 May.
Michael shares seven inflation beating tips on improving your home while adding value.
Bathroom
- Replacing a coloured or tired bathroom suite for a plain white one could cost as little as £600 and will completely transform this important room.
- Dingy walls? Think about re-tiling.
- Cramped bathroom? Dump the bath and create a shower room.
Update your kitchen
- Give your kitchen an amazing make makeover for a modest outlay.
- Add new door and drawer fronts, change the handles and worktops or spray paint your existing cupboard doors to give them a fresh new look.
The smallest room
- Many homes have scope somewhere for a downstairs loo and this will invariably add more value than it costs. A loo needs only 1.3m2 and today's compact sanitary ware allows even the smallest space – such as under the stairs - to be used effectively.
Be clever with your conservatory
- A conservatory often requires no planning permission or building regulations approval and can be quick to build. The alternative of a sun room extension, with one or two glazed walls and a solid insulated roof will need building regulations approval but can be used year round. Both options will add space and value.
Create space with a loft conversion
- Typically, a loft conversion is the home improvement that offers the best value for money. It provides new space which can be used for additional en-suite bedrooms, a home office, playroom or gym.
Draught-proof your home
- Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy – and money – in any type of home. It’s also an easy DIY job.
- Spent some time researching any grants available to help with cost. Here’s a good place to start https://www.mygov.scot/energy-saving-grants
Get Expert Advice
- Get along to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show for free expert advice, the go-to exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, which is back at the SEC Glasgow from May 20-21.
- Whether you’re mid-way through a project or don’t know where to start, this is one for the diary. You’ll find the latest products, services, and innovations from 140+ exhibitors. Energy efficiency will be a major focus with new features designed to help you improve the your home. There will be free seminars and masterclasses with topics including sustainable heating, financial and planning permission issues, eco living and architectural design while the Advice Centre provides free 15 minute consultations with an architect, planner, builder or an expert from the Homebuilding & Renovating magazine team, including Michael Holmes.
All readers can claim a pair of free tickets to the Glasgow Homebuilding & Renovating Show - visit www. glasgow.homebuildingshow.co.uk/pr31
*Saving based on one day door price. Children under 16 go free. Offer expires Friday, May 19, 2023 at 3pm. F
