Top 10 home improvements to add value to your home

Whether you’re updating your home or making improvements to sell, homeowners in the UK are mostly concentrating on a few particular projects. Research from our friends at GoCompare Home Insurance has revealed that decorating, flooring, and a new bathroom are all featured in the top 10 most popular home improvements carried out in the last five years. Are you surprised by what else has made the list?

1. Decorating interiors
2. New flooring
3. New bathroom
4. Garden makeover
5. New kitchen
6. New boiler or central heating
7. New windows
8. New garden building/shed
9. Decorating exterior
10. New insulation

Almost 90% of homeowners have carried out work on their property during the last five years. Which home improvement have you already taken on, or which project is next on your list? If you are considering making improvements to your home to increase its value, it’s worth talking to your local estate agent first to find out if it will actually add value in today’s property market.Before you pick up your paintbrush or start looking at samples, here are some local businesses that could help you improve your home without causing any DIY disasters!  Please note we are not endorsing these businesses, we are just highlighting some local companies.Caerleon & LangstoneFifth on the list of improvements is a new kitchen, a big project to undertake in any home but one that also has many benefits. In addition to it being the heart of the home, a kitchen can also add value and appeal to potential buyers. World of Kitchens is a family-run business in Caerleon established for over 20 years, and has a great reputation in the area.Caldicot & MagorIf you’re living in Caldicot you may already know of Castle Bathroom and Tile Centre, or maybe the family behind the business. Number three on the list of home improvements is a new bathroom and the team at Castle will design and supply your bathroom using the highest quality products and latest energy efficient systems.UskYou can’t visit Usk without noticing the stunning floral displays throughout the town. When it comes to your garden, you should enjoy a visit to Morris’s of Usk where, in addition to top quality plants, you’ll find their famous farm shop offering fresh, local produce.Bassaleg & RogerstoneNew flooring and a new bathroom are second and third on the list, and Jack The Giant Storer in Rogerstone has a showroom filled with floor and bathroom tiles to make your decision a whole lot harder! Colours, patterns, textures - picking out new flooring or a new bathroom isn’t easy, but here you’ll have a lot to choose from.AbergavennyIan Bailey started his family business in a small wooden building over 40 years ago. Now running as a DIY and interiors store, the business stocks everything that you would expect from a traditional hardware store, and much more. Pop into Baileys if you’re thinking of making some changes to your home décor.Risca & AbercarnNumber 8 on the list is new garden building/shed, which you may not associate with the area of Abercarn, though it’s actually the home of Nordic Garden Buildings, supplier of a range of beautiful freestanding garden buildings for your home. Garden rooms, offices, man caves, and studios…whatever you want to call your additional space, they are becoming an increasingly popular home improvement.Maindee & St JuliansMaindee Handyman has been a local independent DIY store in the heart of Maindee since 1957. As well as a bathroom showroom, they also stock a range of building supplies and tools with a free delivery service. They are also happy to offer their advice on your building projects and renovations.CwmbranNew windows aren’t just about making your home look good, they are now available with the latest energy saving technologies, which can in turn save you money on your energy bills. The Window Doctor in Cwmbran has over 25 years’ experience and covers the whole of South Wales. Could your property and pocket benefit from new windows and doors?Are you planning on making any home improvements soon? GoCompare’s list will give you some food for thought, and we hope we have inspired you to shop local with your next project.If you have a property to sell, or require a valuation before making any changes, contact our team today at Hathways.