NEED TO KNOW: Renovations that won't add value

WANT TO BOOST YOUR HOME'S SALEABILITY? WE REVEAL THE COSTLY PROJECTS THAT DON'T HELP (AND THE ONES THAT DO)

- SARAH HANDLEY

Finding ways to add value to your home might be a primary focus if you're looking to sell up in the near future. But even if you aren't planning on moving, it's always worth considering the financial return on investment that you can expect. Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go. Compare, says, 'Renovating your home is always an exciting project, but it's important that you don't get carried away and consider the practical elements as well, particularly the impact on your property's value. You could end up in negative equity if the changes devalue your home, which will seriously limit your options if you want to sell up. On the other hand, improving your home's value could really help you to climb the property ladder.'

1 FITTING A NEW BATHROOM

You might think that adding a new bathroom would be a good investment, but the reality is that fitting new sanitaryware is likely to cost more than the value it may add. And if your toilet, shower and basin are already in fine working condition, buyers won't be bothered about where they're placed or how fancy they look.

'Often it's not worth the cost of a new suite and installation when you can do the same with a lick of paint and a deep clean,' says Elaine Penhaul, director of Lemon & Lime Interiors. 'Something as simple as painting the ceiling could in effect open up or reduce the size of a space, depending on the desired effect.'

2 KNOCKING TWO ROOMS INTO ONE