Top value-adding home improvements revealed!

Estate agents have revealed their top value-adding home improvements, as well as their worst alterations in this survey.

Estate Agents' top three value-adding improvements were adding a downstairs extension (70 per cent), followed by putting in a new kitchen (65 per cent) and adding an extra bedroom or study (57 per cent). However, consumers thought these changes were on average 28 per cent less important to adding value to a home than agents.

However, consumers thought these changes were on average 28 per cent less important to adding value to a home than agents.

"Whatever we may think of them, estate agents are the experts when it comes to what helps or harms a sale," said Alliance & Leicester's Richard Al-Dabbagh.

"They conduct valuations of properties on a daily basis so they know that, while you may be proud of your carpentry attempts in the kitchen, they will deter most potential buyers."

Mr Al-Dabbagh added homeowners should be careful that their planned home improvements actually do add value to their homes.

The survey finds consumers also disagreed with agents on alterations that devalue a property.
Agents' top five improvement disasters were obviously home made cupboards or kitchen fittings, non-neutral external decorations, putting polystyrene tiles on a ceiling, removing period features and putting down patterned carpets.

By comparison, consumers thought these alterations were on average 18 per cent less damaging to a property's value than agents, with the biggest disagreement ranked as the removal of period features.

Estate agents' top ten value-adding improvements

1 - Extension to provide extra living space downstairs

2 - New kitchen

3 - Extra bedroom / study

4 - Garage

5 - Conservatory

6 - New bathroom

7 - Adding a new ensuite/shower room / WC

8 - Internal redecoration

9 - New windows / double glazing

10 - Driveway / additional parking space