Adding value to your home

You have just bought your dream home - but how long are you going to live there? What ever the length of time, start early to improve the look of it. One of the lessons of the downturn in property prices is that your house needs to stand out from the crowd. And you do not know what lies round the corner in the future. So could your home look better as you arrive at it? The drive, the garden - its lawn and flowers. What about planting some small trees but beware poplars and leylands for their roots and friction with the neighbours with that high dark hedge blocking out their sunlight. Could you improve the look of the garage, if there is one, or squeeze one in if there isn’t? Inside your home the usual first instinct is to replace the kitchen and possibly bathroom. Will that add value to the property or is it a cost justified purely by pleasure? Decorating the walls can be a chore but take time to consider what you feel most comfortable with. Paint a board with different colours or cut strips of wallpaper draping curtain material close by. Do not be afraid to consult your local estate agent - they will be pleased to help and advise for free. You may sell in the future.