Property renovation: What home improvements add value to a home?
Architects, loft conversions, tradesmen, prospective buyers, DIY There’s a lot to consider when renovating a property irrespective of whether it’s for personalpleasure or to turn a profit.
V | N Journal
Architecture & Design
15th January 2026
Whether you’re a homeowner with creative vision and grand plans, or a first-time property developer wondering how and what to do to maximise your return on investment. There’s a lot to consider before you commit your time, energy and finances to undertaking home improvements.
Should you play it safe and go with a neutral colour palette or should you go loud and bold to showcase some personality? Should you do structural work to alter the flow, space and improve the internal square footage? So many questions and considerations. In this guide we’ll help point you in the right direction before you pick up that power drill (or pay someone to do it for you!)
Analyse the outcome you’re hoping to achieve
The most important point of undertaking home improvements is understanding just why you want to go ahead with it. Understanding your why will then help you answer the second most important question, do you follow your heart or the crowd?
If we’re talking about creating your forever home, you should follow your heart. Trends change over time and no one can predict what the property market will do over the years or decades that you are there. Don’t worry about overspending when renovating your dreamhome, focus on what will make you happy living in it. If you’re in it for the long haul, being surrounded by spaces that you genuinely love should take priority.
On the flip side, if you’re renovating to sell, you’ll need to understand your local market and what buyers in your local area are looking for. Whether it’s a neutral colour palette, high end appliances or focusing on creating a home with more living space or more bedrooms. Understanding what your target audience like and will pay top money for is how you’ll be able to get the best price possible.
We’ve got a strong track record in advising developers and homeowners alike. If you’re planning on renovating your current home to sell, book a Marketing Consultation & Appraisal with us at VICIS NOVA. We can help you understand your local market and target audience, give you our recommendation on the renovations to undertake (considering your budget) and discuss a bespoke marketing strategy to help you maximise your sale price.
Research and planning
Now that you understand what you’re looking to get out of your renovation and why you’re going ahead, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to execute it. A good renovation always begins with research.
Before you immediately start thinking of what heated towel rail you want in your bathroom or he marble countertop you want for your kitchen island, you should to consider:
-The size of your home, scope of your renovation and budget you’re working with
-What contractors, tradesmen, architects will be working with you on this project
-The layout of each room you will be renovating and its flow
This stage is arguably as crucial as the first. We all have grand ideas for what we want in our home and how we’d like it to look but depending on the space available and the budget at your disposal, your initial ideas might not be feasible in reality. This isn’t a negative thing, this realignment is a key part of the renovation process and can actually help you achieve a better end result.
A good team working on your project is worth its weight in gold. Selecting the best builders, architects, etc. for your budget –can actually save you both time and money down the line. poor workmanship and time management can result in hidden costs such as:
– Additional short term living costs if the project overruns
– Poor workmanship may mean works need to be redone, so you’re paying twice
It’s always advisable to consult an architect, interior designer or tradesman if you aren’t sure what will work or what will work well. They deal with renovation ideas and execution regularly and can sometimes re-align expectations or reign in grand ideas. For example, you may really want an island in your kitchen but the space available means you’d either be able to fit a tiny island can seem pointless, impractical and ruin the aesthetic or an island that is too big for the space can result in a space which feels much smaller than it is. The choice is ultimately yours but it’s always good to get advice beforehand just so you know what you you’re getting yourself in for, rather than making a decision and regretting it, so you then need to spend money to rectify the mistake.
When we’re valuing homes, the best extensions and remodels utilise the space on offer effectively, just because there’s more space it does not necessarily mean it is more desirable.
Top tips when planning a renovation
• Delays can often be unavoidable, always budget your renovation to take slightly longer than the expected timeline provided
• Contingency fund!!! Unexpected costs can arise if there are underlying problems which weren’t visible on the initial consultation. Budgeting an additional 10% on top of your renovation budget is usually advisable.
• Don’t be afraid to bring in the calvary. Interior designers, architects, builders, estate agents, etc. Property professionals deal with this type of thing day in, day out. Getting advice from them can aid in decision making and also help your vision come to life.
• Have fun and enjoy the process. Whilst there’s a huge financial and emotional commitment involved, keep the end goal in mind to help you get through any stress. Remember, there’s no rainbows without a bit of rain!
Final Touches, Specification and what ‘Adds Value’
This is the fun part, where you finally get to see your vision coming to life… You’ve weathered the storm of planning, building work, delays – now you’re getting to choose how you want it all to look.
Your goal for your renovation will be what leads the design. For those who are looking to break the ceiling price and set a record price for their street, going for high-end appliances, expensive marble in the bathroom & maximising the space available with a large kitchen extension and loft conversion may be the route to take. Whereas, for the average home renovator, this may not be necessary for their goal and may be going overboard.
So, what home improvements actually add value to a home?
Structural alterations and improvements are the costliest but will also add the most value to a home as they improve its overall size. Generally speaking, when comparing properties in the same location, the bigger a property is, the more it’s worth in comparison to similar properties which are a smaller size. Second to structural alterations, kitchens and bathrooms. These are the big-ticket renovations – aside from size – these are the standouts that will catch buyers’ attention over everything else. This is also the most subjective part of a renovation as everyone has different tastes & preferences, so there’s no ‘right’ style to go for. Thirdly, and often overlooked, is the façade of your home. First impressions leave a lasting impression, so cleaning and repointing the brickwork or rebuilding that fallen down wall in the front garden is definitely worth it and will help you achieve a better price.
Overview
Renovating a home can be extremely stressful but is also incredibly rewarding. By taking your time and understanding what your goals are, then doing your research and most importantly keeping the end goal in mind you can minimise the stress throughout the process.
Understanding your target audience when renovating a property to sell is priority number one. Unfortunately, there’s not a one shoe fits all approach, the target audience and their preferences will differ from postcode to postcode. So doing your research is essential. To add value to your home, you need to spend money to make money and the costlier renovations will often give you more of a return on your investment. For any renovation advice or inspiration, feel free to reach out to us topick our brain.
Whether you're after some space, a change of scenery or somewhere a bit smaller to be closer to those you love, we've got you covered.