Spring time house move

Moving house in the Spring

Now is the usual time of year when first-time buyers are looking to move into their very first house, bungalow or flat, or families look for larger accommodation and properties with additional bedrooms and bathroom perhaps.

In the same way as you might have a vehicle inspection, before purchasing a car, the recommendation would be to have a structural survey inspection and report produced by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer.

At a time when you’re already spending a lot of money, a survey and report can seem like a big expense.

However, it’s far better to be aware of any issues before you buy a property so that you can make an informed decision about how much you’re willing to pay for it and, if necessary, budget for any repair work that might need doing.

You may also be able to use the information, in the survey report, to negotiate with the vendor.

For example, if your survey report finds that you will need to undertake repairs costing £10,000 you could ask for a £10,000 reduction in price, or alternatively ask the seller to make the necessary repairs before you exchange contracts.

 

 


Improving? First do the makeover maths

Telegraph Friday 2nd February 2018
Bricks and Mortar –
“Improve don’t move” continues to be the mantra of many British homeowners, particularly in the south-east, where high house prices mean that a loft conversion could be more cost-effective than a move.
A good article explaining how to add value to your existing property.

Good information included for floor plan layout, Loft conversions,  Extensions and Garage conversions and the associated costs and the value added.


Bi-fold door installation

Category : Conversions

Bi-fold doors to the rear elevation

The installation of bi-fold doors, across the rear elevation of the Lounge/Dining area, is a popular alteration to an existing detached house.

The benefits include better access and the beauty of seeing the garden and bringing the garden space easily into use as an addition to the house.

The proposal is to add 4ooomm wide bi-fold doors to the rear of this house.


Conversion of redundant Farm buildings

Conversion of Farm Buildings

Simple Design Services Ltd. have provided structural reports for a number of proposals, under permitted development rights, for conversions of agricultural buildings into residential use including in AONB (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).


Crack Monitoring Devices

If you have some cracking in your property it would be a good idea to have it looked at by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer before it becomes worse. The cracking can be diagnosed and repaired and the wall reinstated before it becomes costly.
Simple Design Services Ltd. would be able to make an assessment of the cause of the cracking, install crack monitoring devices to record any subsequent movement and provide you with a remedial repair proposal.


Structural survey

Structural Survey

A Homebuyers survey can mention structural issues.

Prior to agreeing a purchase price, the recommendation would be to have a structural survey and report to identify any problems with the structure of the home.

A structural survey should be undertaken by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer and a report produced.

The structural condition of the property should be determined and any remedial repairs proposed and the home repaired. The cost can be considered and agreed between the home owner and the purchaser.

If you notice any recent cracking, please call a professional Civil or Structural Engineer to provide you with a report.

Don’t let it become a serious problem!

 


House owners opt to improve instead of move

Owners opt to improve rather than move house

An article from The Times Saturday 18th February
Homeowners are staying put and spending the money on upgrading their existing home instead of paying stamp duty moving.
Most homeowners want to add space by adding a rear or a side extension or a loft conversion.
Often the living areas can be increased by extending the Kitchen or the Living room into the garden.
Open plan Kitchen/Diners are popular.
Now that Planning rules have been significantly relaxed and the building industry has become more professional.
Now would be the time to build an extension.


Improving? Make sure you do the maths

The Times Friday 28th October 2016 had an interesting article ….

Not all renovations add value to your home ..

The article mentions that of course there are lifestyle gains to be made from loft conversions, side and rear extensions etc., but the trick is to spend the right amount on the project to also make it viable and increase the property value.

How much should you spend on renovations, compared to the property value?…

Well, the suggestion is that the maximum spend to retain value when sold would be 5% for a loft conversion or single storey rear extension and 9% for a side extension.

At present you may make use of permitted development, which means that you don’t have to go through the full planning process, which might end next year.

If you would like some professional advice, please contact Simple Design Services Ltd.


The best way to add value to your home

Loft Conversions

The Times Bricks and Mortar article, September 2016, suggests that a Loft Conversion can add up to 10% to the value of a property. Of course, the additional space is useful.

Rather than move, with the upheaval and costs, the better option would be to convert the loft.

 


Structural Survey and Report

Your house or bungalow is generally an appreciating asset increasing in value. Money spent on maintaining, refurbishing, altering or extending can be an investment and increase the resale value of the property.

House prices are predicted to rise by 6% on average according to The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Investing carefully in your property could provide substantial gains as well, of course, provide much needed additional space .


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  01489 572953

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