Tips - 12 Top Jobs to add Value to your home

Top home improvements

Make a tidy profit by renovating your house

Estate agency firms rank the 12 jobs which add the most value to your home.

• Building an extension/loft conversions (equal ranking)
• Adding a bedroom
• Creating off-street parking
• Fitting a new kitchen
• New bathroom
• Building a conservatory
• Installing new central heating
• Replacing doors and windows/fitting double glazing
• Improving the flooring/improving the roofing (equal ranking)
• General decorating and painting

Getting started

Before a job begins, you must have an idea of the cost. For each project, we have given prices (including VAT and skip hire) from the Building Cost Information Service but they are a guide only and subject to change.

If you need an architect, they must be registered with the Architects Registration Board and it may be wise to find one who is also a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

A surveyor or structural engineer can help submit plans and oversee work. Choose a member of a registered body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Planning and regulations
Once you’ve got the plans right, you must submit them to the local authority for planning permission. This covers appearance, use and access to extensions and new buildings. The work will also need building regulations approval. This relates to structural alterations, construction standards and safety.

Collect forms from your local authority and ask about fees. You will also be charged for visits by the building inspector.
Ask your local authority about obtaining a building warrant in Scotland. If you carry out work without planning approval, the authority can order it to be demolished.
Keep all inspection certificates to prove work was approved – you’ll need them when you sell.
In England and Wales, for most electrical jobs you must use a certified ‘competent person’ – an electrician registered with a Part P scheme.
In Scotland, you must use a certified electrician if the job is covered by a building warrant.
In Northern Ireland, there are no government schemes for electrical installation but there are registers of competent installers
For gas or hot water systems, we recommend using a Corgi-registered fitter.

Getting someone in
When hiring, ask for recommendations from friends or family and make sure the trades you choose are affiliated to a registered body such as the Federation of Master Builders. Also check whether your trades are with TrustMark, which lays down government-backed standards for the building trade.

The Construction Licensing Executive runs a similar scheme in Scotland. Even if professionals are members of a registered body, always get three written quotes and references to check previous work.

coming soon > Expert Tips

source: Which

Tips Uncategorized