INTERIORS
Capital Investment
words Julia Neustein, Interior Motives
H
ome improvements used to virtually
guarantee a rise in the value of
your home. Unfortunately, that’s no
longer the case and with falling house prices
we have to be careful not to over capitalise.
When deciding on major works, like a new
kitchen or attic conversion, I recommend you
get a valuation on you property first. While
the surveyor is there, get their professional
opinion as to the potential increase in value
once the work has been completed. This
gives you a maximum budget to work with,
ensuring you don’t spend more than the
improvement is worth. If you’re planning on
living in your property for a long time, this
isn’t so important as you’ll have the pleasure
of benefitting from the improvements, and
hopefully the market will have recovered by
the time you sell.
Even in the current climate, kitchens and
bathrooms still help or hinder the sale
of a property and it’s a myth that they’re
expensive to re-model. Too many potential
buyers are put off the property of their
dreams just because it needs a new kitchen,
which can cost as little as £2,000. Of course,
once you start visiting showrooms it’s easy
to be tempted by the latest glitzy worktops
and this is where danger lies if you haven’t
set a budget. Be practical; fashions change
so steer clear of high gloss and colours
unless you can afford to swap the doors
www.kitstone.co.uk
every few years.
Paul Church
Garden Design & Construction
www.churchlandscapes.co.uk
t: 0131 449 7997
m: 07815 900 268
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i-on_Edinburgh_42_June09.indd 58 20/5/09 13:52:35
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