Your home is your biggest asset. As a homeowner, you always want to increase the value of your investment in a tangible way. Preferably, you can do it in a manner that makes your house more enjoyable to live in as well. If you are looking to increase the value of your home in a lasting way, you can invest in visible upgrades to the property that draw attention and create appealing living spaces.
One way to do that is by working with a professional masonry contractor. Whether you are interested in making your home more appealing to put on the market or looking to improve the overall appearance and value. Malling Masonry has collaborated with Hander Private Clients to produce this article with some of our stonework projects that are sure to boost your home’s appeal.
This article was produced in association Hander Private Clients – Specialists for investment property acquisitions and black book off-market properties for property companies, receivers and administrators. Their highly experienced team specialises in providing a tailored service to meet short and long term investment objectives of their clients.
1Increase your properties kerb appeal with a fresh-looking natural stone structure, by local Kent stonemasons. If you are looking to make significant property improvements, you have likely heard the term ‘kerb appeal’ at least mentioned, if not discussed a lot. Kerb appeal refers to what potential buyers see the second they pull up to your kerb. What draws the eye immediately? What makes someone take a second glance? What looks like a potential pitfall or problem? This the first impression someone has of your home and, quite often, the most important one. One of the easiest ways to add value to your property is by adding – or updating – stone structures. Kerb appeal can be something as simple as a short stone garden wall that brings attention to and landscaping features on your front lawn.
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“First impressions count, and this is a crucial element if you are trying to sell your home. Most buyers will decide if they do or do not like a property before they even get out of the car and it can be hard to shake off negative first impressions created by a poor or unattractive exterior.”
2Add value to your property with a fresh-looking natural stone structure, by local Kent stonemasons. Since we’re on the subject of kerb appeal, let’s consider the overall exterior of your house. Often, it is one of the biggest selling points of any home. Damaging siding can decrease your home’s value by as much as 10% on its own. While there are many options to choose from, stone is one of your best choices, especially when you consider how durable and cost-effective it can be. It’s time to consider ditching the pebble dash in favour of a look that’s timeless and stylish. Adding decorative brickwork or stone walls to your home’s exterior is a common and effective way to boost the overall look – and value – or your property. Kent Ragstone is gaining popularity among buyers, making it increasingly desirable, and will not depreciate over time.
“Incorporating a couple of interesting features into your home like a fireplace or surround, a new staircase or a grand entrance is a great idea for those wondering how to add value to a house — a bit of wow factor will set it apart from others for sale in the area will add a significant premium to your sale price.”
3Create luxurious entertainment spaces with a fresh-looking natural stone structure, by local Kent stonemasons. Outdoor living is more popular than ever, especially as outdoor entertaining spaces become more widely sought after in homes. Creating a space that is both functional and attractive not only gives you a place to enjoy nature but also increases your home’s value. Outdoor patios are perfect for entertaining guests, holding family meals when the weather permits and spending lazy afternoons reading a book or listening to music. A large stone firepit might be just the thing for those breezy autumn evenings. Stone garden paths can add charm to your front or back lawn while small retaining walls around small garden beds make an impact on anyone who stops by. While these features may not be visible from the kerb, it doesn’t mean they aren’t key to adding value, especially when it comes to adding ambiance to your outdoor spaces.
“One of the best ways to add value to house? Improve the existing layout — before you consider extending. Maximum value will be added by improving the main living spaces and the way in which they work together.”
4Update exposed chimneys & brickwork to make it more appealing. Often overlooked, chimneys are a central feature of many home exteriors. Visible wear or disrepair on your chimney will depreciate the value of your home quickly and can lead to potential issues within the home as well. In the hands of a skilled stonemason, chimney maintenance can be a cinch. Repointing your chimney can also save you money, as even a slight draft can cost you money in your utility bills! This is also true for indoor stone features. Don’t forget about the fireplace! Any assessor or auditor will undoubtedly include in their report. You want to make sure yours is “up to snuff” as it were. Updated fireplaces have been growing in popularity over the last decade, making it one of the most sought-after features for potential buyers. It’s the centerpiece in your living room. Why not make it a feature worth gathering around?
“Presentation, presentation, presentation’ – is the key, as you cannot change the location of a property you already own but want to sell. Ensure that your property is presented in its best possible light and get the help of an unbiased property professional before you go to the open market. This will ensure you obtain the best possible price for your property.”
5Paved driveway versus concrete, by local Kent stonemasons. Parking is an important factor when considering a new home. Potential buyers will be looking for convenience and safety. However, the appearance of your driveway is almost as important because it should be a welcoming feature for your home. While asphalt and concrete are perfectly serviceable options, you should consider an upgrade that makes your home stand out from the rest of those on your road. To do that, consider upgrading to a paved natural stone driveway. They are highly customisable, allowing you to choose different stones and pattern configurations. They are more durable than their concrete counterparts, lasting decades even with the wear of vehicles and requiring less maintenance and repair costs in the long run. Additionally, paved driveways can significantly increase your properties desirability for potential buyers if you decide to sell.
“The design and materiality of your driveway impacts your property’s overall appearance and value.”
