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We can't face moving, we'll just have to improve

If you are happy in your house, but just lack the space you need or don't like the layout, then think carefully about the areas of the house you want to extend and improve.

"Some improvements may increase the value of your home while others may well improve its eventual saleability, but will not add to the money you recoup from the sale," warns Ian Davis of the FMB.

It’s essential the work is done by a reputable FMB builder with the correct planning permission and building regulations approvals – otherwise you could be in trouble when the time comes to move.

Ian suggests seeking advice from a chartered building surveyor who can advise you on the technical and practical aspects of home improvement or from a local estate agent, who may advise you on whether the work will be worth the investment.

"You need to make sure that the work you are doing doesn't put you outside the value of the road. If you have a three bedroom house, there is little point in turning it into a 5 bedroom, 3 reception room home - you won't get return on your money," says Roy Ilott of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Roy says it's also important to keep the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in proportion with your living space, so don't add extra bedrooms without balancing these with extra living space. Also, be careful you don't create an enormous family house, but then lose the family garden in the process.

"Once you are comfortable with your ideas, make a list of your priorities, get a scheme drawn up and then get planning permission. Once you have approval, then you can select a builder, prepare detailed paperwork and get on with the job - the key then is not to change your mind!," says Roy Ilott.

A full list of approved FMB builders in your area is available on the FMB website at www.findabuilder.co.uk.

Top ways of adding extra living space

Loft conversions are a great way to gain extra living space without altering the external appearance of your home, says James Squirrell managing director of James Allen Construction. "Costing £15K - £35K, they can add about 15% to the value of your home. Most homes built before 1975 are suitable for a loft conversion, which adds another room or two in the attic space. The work takes about 12 weeks and the builders access the roof from the outside, which means there shouldn't be too much disruption until they break through to build the new stairs."

Adding a ground floor extension can create good practical space such as a bigger kitchen or dining room. Costing between £30K-£50K, one-storey extensions are more common, but a two-storey extension can create another bedroom or bathroom without going into the loft. Again, the builders work from the outside until the existing wall is knocked through.

A conservatory is an inexpensive way of adding extra living space at around £10K-£15K, but make sure you have heating and blinds to make it usable all year round.

A downstairs bathroom can be a useful addition to the home and costing around £1.5K - £3K, will add value too.

We all know that good kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale, but don't over spend or you won't recoup your money. Often a lick of paint or some new tiles can improve an old-fashioned kitchen or bathroom.

Don't forget the outside of the house. By adding a garage or off-street parking, you can add thousands to your home.

However, be careful if you are considering adding a porch, replacing or adding windows or knocking two rooms into one. All these may improve your quality of life and your home's appeal, but may not add to the value of you house.

Happy decision-making!

Courtesy of FMB