When it comes to enhancing the value of your home, the significance of various features cannot be underestimated. A conservatory, once a popular addition to many homes, has faced a shift in perception over recent years. According to Chris Hodgkinson, the Managing Director of the House Buyer Bureau, a conservatory that’s poorly designed and lacks proper temperature control can potentially devalue a home by as much as £15,000.
In a property market where every pound counts, homeowners are ever more mindful of the impact of various elements on their property’s value. Traditionally, a conservatory was considered an attractive selling point. It supplied an extra space, a quick link to the garden, and an abundance of natural light. However, as design preferences have evolved and energy efficiency has become a priority, certain types of conservatories have fallen out of favour.
One key factor that can considerably influence a conservatory’s impact on property value is its temperature regulation. A conservatory that becomes unbearably hot in summer and uncomfortably cold in winter not only loses its appeal as a usable space in the home but can also negatively affect the overall perception of the property. This is where Chris Hodgkinson’s assertion comes into play. A conservatory that’s “effectively useless” due to extreme temperature fluctuations becomes a liability rather than an asset.
The £15,000 devaluation cited by Chris Hodgkinson may seem steep, but it reflects the potential loss of value that can accumulate from a poorly designed or outdated conservatory. Homebuyers, especially on the younger side, are increasingly looking for energy-efficient, multi-functional spaces that seamlessly blend with the rest of the property and are looking for well-insulated extensions instead. A conservatory that disrupts the comfort and usability of the home is unlikely to inspire confidence in potential buyers and could be seen as an expense should they choose to renovate or remove it.
So, what can homeowners do to prevent these potential losses and even enhance their property’s value?
Conservatory Improvements
The answer lies in making improvements to your existing conservatory. Modernising a conservatory to align with contemporary design and energy efficiency standards can be a worthwhile investment.
Here are a few steps that homeowners can consider:
Temperature Control: Installing proper insulation, such as high-quality aluminium panels with a low U Value, energy-efficient glazing, and even considering underfloor heating can help regulate the temperature inside the conservatory, making it a usable space year-round. Improving the roof of the conservatory and adding well insulated aluminium panels can be a big step to help regulate the temperature of your conservatory for all year-round comfort.
Quality Design: Employing a design that harmonises with the existing architecture of the home can enhance the overall appeal of the property. A well-integrated conservatory will be viewed as an asset rather than an eyesore. If replacing your conservatory roof, aim to match the colour of the panels to your existing framework or compliment your home with a different colour for a more modern look!
Functional Space: Transforming the conservatory into a functional living area, such as a home office, dining space, or an extension of the living room, can increase the perceived value of the property. Adding soft furnishings and keeping the conservatory well looked after can help improve the image of your home.
Landscaping: Pairing the conservatory with well-maintained landscaping can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, boosting the property’s overall attractiveness. If you have a garden, adding plants and keeping it weed free can approve the look of your house. If you have a small garden, or a patio, adding potted plants outside and inside your conservatory can bring the nature indoors.
Adding plants can improve the look of your conservatory and bring nature indoors
The days of assuming that any conservatory automatically adds value to a property are long gone. As Chris Hodgkinson’s insights suggest, a conservatory’s impact on property value hinges on its usability, design, and energy efficiency. Rather than allowing a poorly designed conservatory to devalue your home by up to £15,000, proactive homeowners have the opportunity to make strategic improvements that not only prevent losses but potentially increase the property’s value.
In a competitive property market, these considerations can make a significant difference in achieving a successful sale and maximising returns.