When it comes to improving your home, most homeowners want to make changes that not only enhance day-to-day comfort and functionality but also offer a strong return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to future-proof your property, choosing the right upgrades can significantly boost your home’s value.
In areas such as Shrewsbury, where a mix of characterful period homes and modern properties creates a dynamic and competitive market, buyers have high expectations. If your property is going to stand out, it pays to consider how improvements could appeal to future buyers, as well as improve your own living experience.
Here are four smart home improvements that can increase your property’s appeal and potentially add significant value.
- Replace Your Roof
Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home from the elements and maintaining energy efficiency, yet it’s one of the most overlooked features until something goes wrong. In reality, an ageing or damaged roof can be a major red flag for potential buyers. If the roof looks tired, has moss build-up, or shows signs of wear such as missing tiles or sagging, it can suggest wider maintenance issues and discourage offers.
Replacing your roof might seem like a costly project, but it can significantly boost your home’s market value. According to property experts, a new roof can increase resale value by thousands, particularly in historic towns like Shrewsbury, where kerb appeal is a key selling point.
Here are some of the benefits of replacing your roof:
- Weatherproofing your home: A new roof helps prevent water ingress, which can lead to damp, mould, and structural issues.
- Energy efficiency: Modern roofing materials can help retain heat, reduce energy bills, and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Long-term peace of mind: A new roof is one less thing for buyers to worry about; it shows the property has been well cared for.
- Enhanced aesthetics: A fresh roof can dramatically improve the appearance of your property, especially when matched to the character of the home, ideal for both contemporary and period properties found in and around Shrewsbury.
Whether your home is located in the town centre, in a surrounding village like Bayston Hill, or further out in the Shropshire countryside, a professional roofing contractor can help you choose the right materials to complement your home’s style.
- Upgrade Your Floors
Flooring is one of the first things people notice when they walk into a home, and it sets the tone for the entire interior. Old, worn, or outdated floors can instantly make a home feel neglected, even if the rest of the space is well presented. On the other hand, fresh, stylish flooring can transform a room and boost the perceived value of your property.
Consider upgrading to high-quality wood or vinyl flooring in key living areas. Not only are these options more durable and easier to clean than carpet, but they also provide a timeless look that appeals to a wide range of buyers. If your budget allows, underfloor heating is another desirable feature that can really elevate your home in buyers’ eyes.
In bedrooms, fresh carpets in neutral tones can make the space feel warm and inviting. Avoid bold patterns or colours, which can limit a buyer’s vision of the space and make rooms feel smaller.
If you’re unsure where to begin, focus on the areas of the home that get the most traffic, such as hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. Updating these spaces will have the greatest impact both in terms of appearance and potential return.
- Update Your Kitchen and Bathroom
Ask any estate agent and they’ll tell you: kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. These are two of the most scrutinised rooms during viewings, and they’re also among the most expensive to renovate, which means buyers are particularly drawn to homes where these updates have already been done.
You don’t need a full remodel to make a big impact. Even modest updates can go a long way. For example:
- Replacing dated cupboard doors or handles with more modern designs
- Adding new splashbacks or countertops
- Repainting walls or cabinets in a light, neutral shade
- Installing modern, water-efficient taps and fixtures
- Laying new vinyl flooring for a fresh, clean finish
Similarly, in the bathroom, a new shower screen, updated lighting, and a modern vanity can create a sleek, contemporary space without the need for a total overhaul.
In older homes around Shrewsbury, particularly Victorian or Edwardian terraces, it’s worth paying attention to how these rooms blend traditional charm with modern functionality. Buyers are often looking for period features combined with up-to-date amenities, so a bathroom with heritage-style fixtures and modern plumbing, for example, could be a big draw.
- Declutter and Maximise Space
It may sound simple, but one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make is to declutter your home and find ways to maximise your space. Buyers need to visualise how they would live in the property, and that’s much harder to do if every surface is crowded or if rooms feel cramped.
Start by removing any non-essential furniture or personal items. Consider renting a storage unit, if necessary, or use the opportunity to donate or sell things you no longer need.
You can also enhance the sense of space in your home with a few clever tricks:
- Use mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel bigger
- Paint walls in light, neutral colours to create an airy atmosphere
- Replace heavy curtains with lighter fabrics or blinds to let in more natural light
- Lay consistent flooring throughout downstairs rooms to create a seamless flow
If you have awkward corners or underused spaces, such as under the stairs or in alcoves, consider adding built-in storage. This adds function without taking up floor space and appeals to buyers who value practical design.
Even without increasing your square footage, making your home feel more spacious and better organised can dramatically increase its appeal and value.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning to put your property on the market soon or simply want to enhance its future resale value, these home improvements can make a big difference. From practical upgrades like a new roof or energy-efficient floors, to visual improvements such as refreshed kitchens and clutter-free living spaces, the right changes can help your Shrewsbury home stand out for all the right reasons.
If you’re not sure where to start or would like a professional opinion, speaking to a local expert can help guide your decisions and ensure your investment delivers results.
For the first step in making improvements to your Shrewsbury home, simply call Cooper & Williams at 01743 850711 or email admin@coopwill.co.uk today.
