News

26/09/2008 10:54:50

Seek advice before carrying out home improvement, expert advises

Homeowners looking to increase the value of their properties should seek advice before carrying out any work, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) advises.

Chief executive Peter Bolton King says people assume they can do anything and add value to their property, but warns they can be putting on the wrong extension.

He explains: "The reason, I think, why extensions come out so much better, is that they can be used more formally as a room; another reception room, extension to the kitchen, or an office.

"That's more difficult for a glass conservatory, which tends to be more for just sitting in."

According to a recent survey of NAEA members, 92 per cent agreed that adding an extension can potentially increase the value of a property.

The least effective methods of adding value were said to be upgrading the exterior (four per cent) and adding a conservatory (four per cent).