When you want to move house but just can’t face the stress, upheaval and cost, there is another option that’s becoming increasingly popular, and that’s simply staying put – but investing in a home improvement project instead.
The advantage of this approach is that not only can you create a new home in the old space, but also can potentially increase the value of the property.
Currently the most sought-after way of improving and updating a home is by adding a dream kitchen, complete with island working space and sleek marble or granite countertops. Large, open-plan designs are becoming increasingly popular, removing walls to create a smooth flow of space between living, dining and cooking areas and adding rooflights or bi-fold doors to the garden for extra light and airiness.
Converting a basement or attic can also add valuable extra living space, and is a good option for multi-generational families where adult children or grandparents share the home.
One of the easiest ways of adding square footage has always been a quick and easy conservatory – but the latest ones are a world away from those old glass ‘bolt-on’ structures that could only be used for a few of months of the year. A good modern conservatory has the potential to be a fully functional extra room that can be used all year round as an office, dining room, gym or living space.
Similarly, a little-used garage can be put to much more productive use by being converted to extra living space – and with the advantage of minimal build costs.
If it’s a tiny garden that makes you want to move house, there’s even a ‘stay put’ solution for that: creating a roof deck or balcony where you can relax and grow your potted plants from way up high.