A guide to bedroom extensions
In terms of adding value to your property by building an extension, there’s one room that trumps all others in terms of return on investment– an extra bedroom. This is handy, as it means the returns you gain from an expensive loft conversion or extension can go right back into your pocket. And If you’re fortunate enough to find bedroom space through renovation rather than extension, then that right there is a developer’s dream!
How much value can a bedroom extension add?
Depending on where you live in the UK, some professionals estimate that you can add up to 21% extra value to your property by adding an extra bedroom. However, whilst bedrooms are a powerful way of generating added value, they’re not fool-proof. Your house price can still be affected by…
Where you build your new room
It goes without saying that us Brits like things to be a certain way. Meaning, we like our bedrooms upstairs. Because of this, loft conversions tend to add more value than something like a garage conversion, or rear extension, if used to create a new bedroom. Bedrooms upstairs can add up to 20% onto your home, while ground floor additions only around 11%.
How many bedrooms you already have?
Homes that benefit the most from an extra bed are two-bedroom properties. That’s because three beds have the biggest market for buyers. On the flip side, converting your home into a four bedroom might be less valuable. People are having fewer children, you’ll find fewer people needing that extra bedroom.
How big the rest of your home is?
Generally, the more bedrooms on offer, the more people will be living in that property. Therefore, the more people you have under the roof, the more space you’ll need to accommodate them. You’re unlikely to attract buyers for a four-bedroom house if the kitchen is still small, there’s only one bathroom, and you’re lacking a garden.
Getting the most out of your new bedroom space
If you want to give your bedroom the real WOW factor, you might look at these recent trends to help inspire your design. While interior fittings can depreciate in value, these timeless trends will keep your home’s value climbing.
The Ceiling
As you’ll be spending most of your time lying down in this room, it makes sense to think about your ceiling. Say goodbye to a boring flat ceiling, and impress buyers with exposed trusses or a vaulted ceiling – always a classy touch! Add some electric rooflights and you’re never fail to impress!
A Sitting Area
Bedrooms don’t have to just be for sleeping. More and more people are adding sitting areas, to make this room a personal haven for when the rest of the house gets too stressful.
A Fireplace
The fireplace is a classic and can be highly sought after as the perfect focal point for the room. If you don’t already have one, talk to your architectural designer on how this feature might be created. A good designer will know how to balance out this impressive feature, and stop it dominating the space.
Views
If you’ve been blessed with beautiful local scenery or a stunning skyline, don’t let those views go to waste. Make your master bedroom something special with floor to ceiling windows, bi-fold doors, or even a balcony. Not only does this give yourself and buyers an outdoor space to enjoy, it fills the room with natural light. Just make sure you’ve got thick curtains to keep that light out in the morning – no one wants a lie in disturbed!
En-suites and Dressing Rooms
If the space and budget allow, try incorporating an en-suite bathroom to your new bedroom space. Drainage may be an issue here, so always try and locate the new en-suite near existing drain runs and plumbing to help keep those build costs down.
If you’re blessed with space, also adding a sleek dressing room would really wow any future buyer!