May 18, 2023
RIBA Future Trends April 2023

Increasing workloads expected despite growing planning application delays: RIBA Future Trends April 2023

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the latest Future Trends survey results, a monthly report of the business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.  Architects’ outlook for future work remains positive. In April 2023, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index stayed at +8, the same as in March, and the

Read More »
Horizon Construction, based in Colchester, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award

HORIZON CONSTRUCTION WINS 4th Consecutive RoSPA Award

Horizon Construction, based in Colchester, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. Horizon Construction won a Silver Award in the construction industry sector category, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring all personnel in its construction operations get home

Read More »

Hazardous ground gases guidance for housebuilders published

The NHBC Foundation’s latest report, Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders, is available to download now. Compiled by experts in the field this comprehensive report offers guidance and insight for housebuilders covering everything from what constitutes a hazardous ground gas, initial investigations and assessment of ground gas

Read More »
When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward first and second time ‘move up’ buyers, for its four bedroomed show homes – The Crombie and The Campbell. The Crombie house type is aimed at a second move up family with two older children (a teenage child and a child at university). They love the outdoors, have a dog and the father is a keen golfer. The Campbell is aimed at a first move up family with much younger children - toddler twins and another young child. Said Abbie Lockett, design sales manager for Designer Contracts: “The brief was both challenging but very exciting and gave us an opportunity to incorporate some local touches and develop a sustainability story. We did some real out-of-the-box thinking to come up with two very different stories for house types with a similar footprint.” For The Crombie, a four-bed home with separate study, the chosen colour scheme was ochre, tan and creams with darker woods and gold finishes. The lounge has a neutral base with pops of rich colour in the soft furnishings. The design team also worked alongside an artist to create abstracts of Edinburgh which are showcased above the cream sofa. The second bedroom was themed towards a young girl who plays football for the local team and so features a wraparound football net headboard on the four-poster bed. The oldest child is studying engineering at Edinburgh university which inspired the team to incorporate a nod to structural form and the environment within the design which includes a wallpaper mural of the Forth Bridge, a popular local attraction. Said Abbie: “We worked with our suppliers to source sustainable, recyclable fabrics and used these for the cushions on the bed. Barratt Homes installed a small monitor screen to the desk wall which streams a video showing their Zed House. This is the first Zero Carbon Home built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the future home’s standard.”

Designer Contracts’ showhome proves a runway success

When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward

Read More »
Amethyst Homes receives planning approval for additional homes

Amethyst Homes receives planning approval for additional homes

Amethyst Homes has been granted planning permission for an additional 48 new houses in South East Northumberland, following the success of the developer’s Sleekburn View development. The Pastures, located in close proximity to Sleekburn View, will offer a mix of seven different house styles including two, three and four bedroomed

Read More »
Approval received by bioscience facility in Nottingham

Approval received by bioscience facility in Nottingham

Plans have been approved for a new bioscience facility in Nottingham. The facility will create more than 245,000 sq ft of laboratory, office and meeting space designed by CPMG Architects. Forming the latest phase of work to the northern edge of The Island Quarter in the heart of Nottingham city

Read More »
6 Essential Upgrades to Boost Your Property's Value

6 Essential Upgrades to Boost Your Property’s Value

At your property, only you have the power to unleash its hidden potential and increase its value. Through strategic upgrades, your humble abode could quickly become one of the coveted homes on the market. In this article we’ll take a closer look at six essential upgrades which can do exactly

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

May 18, 2023

RIBA Future Trends April 2023

Increasing workloads expected despite growing planning application delays: RIBA Future Trends April 2023

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the latest Future Trends survey results, a monthly report of the business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.  Architects’ outlook for future work remains positive. In April 2023, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index stayed at +8, the same as in March, and the third successive positive month. The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive and improving, at +3.   The commercial sector expects more work for the first time in a year, though the housing sector is less optimistic. Medium and large practices still see a bright future, while the regional picture is mixed. However, current workloads remain down on a year ago, and those in smaller practices are more likely to be underemployed. Slower processing of planning applications is worsening project delays compared to two years ago.  Workload expectations remain stable  The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index stays at +8, the same as in March.  Over the next three months, 28% of practices expect workloads to increase, 21% expect them to decrease, and 51% expect them to stay the same.   Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain firmly optimistic about future workloads, with a combined figure of +29. Small practices (1-10 staff) remain positive but fell 3 points to +4.  The regional picture remains mixed, with most regions feeling positive about future work. There is some growing optimism – the North of England (+28) rose by 10 points and Wales & the West (+17) rose by 3 points. London’s (+3) outlook dipped but remains positive. The Midlands & East Anglia (-5) remains negative, and the South of England (-2) fell by 10 points.  Three out of four monitored work sectors show an improved outlook. The commercial (+3) sector had a positive outlook for the first time since May 2022, indicating growth is anticipated. Whilst remaining negative, the public (-6) and community (-3) sectors improved, with the latter rising by 5 points. The housing (-2) sector fell by 3 points.   Staffing levels expected to hold steady  The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive, rising by 2 points to +3.   Planning application delays increasingly holding up projects  Our results show that the speed with which planning applications are being processed is deteriorating compared to two years ago, causing project delays.  What action is RIBA taking?   In addition to monitoring and reporting on the impact of planning delays, our Policy and Public Affairs team has responded to a number of government consultations relating to the planning system this year, making recommendations that reflect the concerns of our members.  We have repeatedly called for the Government to invest in building up the capacity of local authority planning departments, particularly with qualified design expertise. As part of this, we have also called for planning departments to be allocated additional financial resources to recruit and retain planning professionals.  In January 2023, former Housing Minister (current Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer MP spoke at an event held in conjunction with the Office for Place at RIBA HQ in London. Our engagement with government continues.  Commenting on RIBA’s survey findings, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Chief Executive Victoria Hills said:   “It is widely recognised that Local Planning Authorities, along with the wider public sector, are facing significant resourcing challenges. We have continuously warned that chronic under resourcing is burdening our Local Planning Authorities, leaving them struggling to meet public expectations and support the delivery of much needed homes and infrastructure, for example.   This survey’s alarming results illustrate the consequences of neglecting our planning departments. The ongoing housing crisis demands our immediate attention. Without a sufficiently resourced planning system, the homes that individuals, families, and communities desperately need will remain out of reach.”  Commenting on the RIBA Future Trends April 2023 report, RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:    “Architects remain cautiously optimistic about future work. London is positive, regional work remains strong in the West and North, the commercial sector is improving, staffing levels are steady, and larger practices are increasingly optimistic.   However, while architects are looking beyond immediate difficulties to see growth ahead, ongoing challenges include PII costs, fee pressure, and the continuing adverse effects of our current EU trading arrangements. Inflation and interest rate increases are hindering practices. Inflation is increasing project costs while decreasing the value of fees. Higher interest rates are increasing the long-term capital costs of projects, deterring potential clients.   The speed with which planning applications are being processed is deteriorating compared to two years ago, delaying projects, holding back architects and the creation of the buildings we need.  Nevertheless, some practices report increasing workloads, brisk enquiry levels and improving activity from developers.   We will continue to report our findings to the Government and work with other built environment bodies to monitor trends.” 

Read More »
Laing O’Rourke’s decision was admirable – reducing embodied carbon is key for the construction industry

Laing O’Rourke’s decision was admirable – reducing embodied carbon is key for the construction industry

Steve Bennett, Managing Director, Dura Products The construction industry has taken a major step forward with Laing O’Rourke, the UK’s largest privately-owned construction company, announcing that it will only use low carbon concrete for all new projects. The change takes place with immediate effect, resulting in a significant reduction in the company’s scope 3 carbon emissions – that is the embodied carbon in purchased materials – equalling a carbon reduction of 28% compared to its concrete usage last year, a saving of 14.4 million kgCO2e. It’s certainly encouraging to see such a major player in our industry fully embrace a change that couldn’t be timelier. The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) recently reported that the climate performance of the sector and the 2050 decarbonisation pathway is widening[1]. However, with the built environment generating 39% of annual global CO2 emissions, of course the industry needs to play a bigger role in mitigating them. Clearly, relying on designing and building developments that boast lower operational carbon – the energy needed to heat, cool and power them, which currently accounts for 28% of the estimated 40% of CO2 emissions emitted by the industry[2] – isn’t the full answer. Embodied carbon contributes 11% of the industry’s CO2 emissions – a smaller percentage than operational, but one just as vital to tackle if we, as an industry, are to achieve our sustainability goals. That’s because once it is locked into a completed building, it can never be recaptured. Architects and developers use Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) that help to measure the embodied and operational environmental impacts of a project – from procurement, construction, operation and end-of-life – all to internationally accepted standards. They also allow project planners and designers to compare alternative materials and understand and evaluate which products and parts of the building have the most and least impact.  Importantly, LCAs offer major stakeholders a legitimate way to substantiate their environmental claims using credible data. Dura Products has long been a trailblazer when it comes to green construction – in addition to being predominantly created out of recycled plastic content, the products also require little energy use during transportation and installation thanks to their lightweight composition. They also provide the option to recycle again, as each unit can be reused, recycled or remade. Their environmental credentials were further underlined in September 2021, when we updated our first PAS2050 study and released our LCAs. Our flagship product, Durakerb, achieved a carbon footprint of 5.95kg of CO2 per 914mm unit. However, I stress that LCAs cannot account for the environmental savings gained from using building materials fabricated from waste products that would have otherwise gone into landfill: Durakerb is manufactured from 88% recycled material – from margarine tubs and used packaging, to post agricultural polymers and recycled car parts. The material composition of a solution itself is something too often overlooked, yet sustainable materials for infrastructure, such as drainage and kerb systems, could unlock the key for contractors looking to reduce the quantity of embodied carbon for clients – and future-proofing projects to ensure they comply with the increasing number of environmental prerequisites. I very much hope that with a construction company of Laing O’Rourke’s size making such a significant environmentally-positive move, this could be a catalyst for the whole industry to embrace more sustainable building products, and to take the extra steps and changes needed to embrace a more sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals  [1] 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction | UNEP – UN Environment Programme [2] Embodied Carbon – World Green Building Council (worldgbc.org)

Read More »
Horizon Construction, based in Colchester, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award

HORIZON CONSTRUCTION WINS 4th Consecutive RoSPA Award

Horizon Construction, based in Colchester, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence. Horizon Construction won a Silver Award in the construction industry sector category, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring all personnel in its construction operations get home safely at the end of every working day. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK. Now into its 67th year, the Awards have almost 2,000 entries every year, covering nearly 50 countries and a reach of over seven million employees. The programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. While most awards are non-competitive – recognising individual organisations’ achievements – competitive awards are presented in 20 industry sectors and for specialist areas of health and safety management. Phil Holding, Horizon Construction’s Managing Director, said: “The achievement and recognition by RoSPA of our Health and Safety practices are crucial in ensuring we are up-to-date and implementing the latest methods in safeguarding our employees and people working on our construction sites. We continuously invest in health and safety and benefit from our in-house HSQE department to develop our culture. “The health, safety and well-being of our people are at the forefront of everything we do. This also demonstrates to our clients, along with the use of other industry-recognised frameworks such as ISO, that we have everyone’s best interests in mind and aspire to be a leader in our field for high-quality construction practices. “This achievement does not occur without an unwavering commitment from our team, so I would like to pay particular thanks to our team for their hard work. We are all very proud of the recognition by RoSPA and being part of a highly esteemed awards community.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded. “We are thrilled that Horizon Construction has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry. For more information about Horizon Construction visit https://hcgroup.uk and for RoSPA visit https://rospa.com.

Read More »

Leading construction real estate consultancy reaches 60th year milestone with new MD Appointment

NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has announced the appointment of new managing director, Ben Harwood.  Having joined Naismiths in 2017, Ben facilitated the buyout of the business and has since led the restructuring and advisory team. As managing director, Ben is now leading the business as it enters its sixth decade, armed with his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions as a chartered accountant.   Ben said: “The consultancy continues to grow from strength to strength and I see our bright future being intrinsically tied to our sixty years of experience, with the company celebrating this 60-year milestone in 2023. My ambition is to drive the company forward, focusing on evolving our data-led approach, while maintaining our reputation as trusted advisors across project monitoring, building consultancy and restructuring and advisory.  “Data really is king when forecasting future projects, so as part of our continued growth, Naismiths is working on delivering greater access to our leading property development information. By fully understanding the key metrics and risk factors, we can use our data to assist property developers, lenders, and other stakeholders to appraise and monitor projects more effectively.”  Marcus Higgins, national head of project monitoring at Naismiths said: “Naismiths is marking a significant 60-year milestone this year and with this includes the appointment of Ben as managing director. Ben’s energy, focus and ideas are having a positive impact on the direction of the business, with both the senior and wider teams benefiting from his leadership. We look forward to the next chapter of Naismiths and taking the business to new levels of success.”  For more information visit www.naismiths.com and follow www.linkedin.com/company/naismiths-ltd/   

Read More »

Hazardous ground gases guidance for housebuilders published

The NHBC Foundation’s latest report, Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders, is available to download now. Compiled by experts in the field this comprehensive report offers guidance and insight for housebuilders covering everything from what constitutes a hazardous ground gas, initial investigations and assessment of ground gas to gas protective measures. Developed in partnership with Buro Happold and Environmental Protection Group Ltd (EPG), the advice detailed is applicable to all sites, whether large or small, and all development types. The guidance will help housebuilders to:   The report guidance also addresses the current gap between the conclusions and recommendations of ground investigation reports and the structural design of buildings where gas protection measures are not always included.  Hugh Mallett, Director, Ground Engineering, Buro Happold said, “This new NHBC guide on hazardous ground gas will help housebuilders and their advisors to better assess and manage gas risk and ensure the efficient building of new homes. Buro Happold, EPG and NHBC have worked hard to ensure the guide delivers current good practice and that the advice is practical and relevant to all housebuilders. Following the six-stage process and recognising the importance of competence at each stage will help housebuilders get it right first time and avoid potential pitfalls, saving time and money, whilst delivering homes safe from the potential risks of hazardous ground gas.” “Adoption of the good practice procedures described in this report will lead to better quality practice, cost savings and a greater understanding of specific issues around detailing, construction and verification,” commented Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Research & Technical Competency at NHBC Foundation. “Early consideration of the risks of hazardous ground gas is essential for all developments and we are pleased to be able to guide housebuilders through this potentially complex process.” Written specifically for housebuilders wanting to get up to date and widen their knowledge on this important subject, Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders is available to download here.

Read More »
When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward first and second time ‘move up’ buyers, for its four bedroomed show homes – The Crombie and The Campbell. The Crombie house type is aimed at a second move up family with two older children (a teenage child and a child at university). They love the outdoors, have a dog and the father is a keen golfer. The Campbell is aimed at a first move up family with much younger children - toddler twins and another young child. Said Abbie Lockett, design sales manager for Designer Contracts: “The brief was both challenging but very exciting and gave us an opportunity to incorporate some local touches and develop a sustainability story. We did some real out-of-the-box thinking to come up with two very different stories for house types with a similar footprint.” For The Crombie, a four-bed home with separate study, the chosen colour scheme was ochre, tan and creams with darker woods and gold finishes. The lounge has a neutral base with pops of rich colour in the soft furnishings. The design team also worked alongside an artist to create abstracts of Edinburgh which are showcased above the cream sofa. The second bedroom was themed towards a young girl who plays football for the local team and so features a wraparound football net headboard on the four-poster bed. The oldest child is studying engineering at Edinburgh university which inspired the team to incorporate a nod to structural form and the environment within the design which includes a wallpaper mural of the Forth Bridge, a popular local attraction. Said Abbie: “We worked with our suppliers to source sustainable, recyclable fabrics and used these for the cushions on the bed. Barratt Homes installed a small monitor screen to the desk wall which streams a video showing their Zed House. This is the first Zero Carbon Home built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the future home’s standard.”

Designer Contracts’ showhome proves a runway success

When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward first and second time ‘move up’ buyers, for its four bedroomed show homes – The Crombie and The Campbell. The Crombie house type is aimed at a second move up family with two older children (a teenage child and a child at university). They love the outdoors, have a dog and the father is a keen golfer. The Campbell is aimed at a first move up family with much younger children – toddler twins and another young child. Said Abbie Lockett, design sales manager for Designer Contracts: “The brief was both challenging but very exciting and gave us an opportunity to incorporate some local touches and develop a sustainability story. We did some real out-of-the-box thinking to come up with two very different stories for house types with a similar footprint.” For The Crombie, a four-bed home with separate study, the chosen colour scheme was ochre, tan and creams with darker woods and gold finishes. The lounge has a neutral base with pops of rich colour in the soft furnishings. The design team also worked alongside an artist to create abstracts of Edinburgh which are showcased above the cream sofa. The second bedroom was themed towards a young girl who plays football for the local team and so features a wraparound football net headboard on the four-poster bed. The oldest child is studying engineering at Edinburgh university which inspired the team to incorporate a nod to structural form and the environment within the design which includes a wallpaper mural of the Forth Bridge, a popular local attraction. Said Abbie: “We worked with our suppliers to source sustainable, recyclable fabrics and used these for the cushions on the bed. Barratt Homes installed a small monitor screen to the desk wall which streams a video showing their Zed House. This is the first Zero Carbon Home built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the future home’s standard.”

Read More »
Amethyst Homes receives planning approval for additional homes

Amethyst Homes receives planning approval for additional homes

Amethyst Homes has been granted planning permission for an additional 48 new houses in South East Northumberland, following the success of the developer’s Sleekburn View development. The Pastures, located in close proximity to Sleekburn View, will offer a mix of seven different house styles including two, three and four bedroomed attached and detached properties, with five available for affordable sale. All homes will be built to high specification and design standards, meeting – and where possible exceeding – the regulatory requirements around sustainability and energy efficiency. Work is anticipated to start on site in the Summer of 2023, with the first residents moving in during the Spring of 2024. Completion of the project is expected to be towards the end of 2025. Richard Bass, Development Director at Amethyst Homes, said: “It is rewarding for our team to secure approval for The Pastures, which we are confident will prove as popular and successful as Sleekburn View. South East Northumberland – and in particular Blyth – has benefitted from significant investment in recent years and buyers are keen to be part of the area’s transformation. “The introduction of the new rail network in 2024 between Ashington and Newcastle Central Station, which will stop at Blyth, and the sites access to the A189 (Spine Road) and coastal routes make it a popular choice for house hunters. “With this project coming on stream and a number of other potential developments in the pipeline, we are confident we can achieve our ambition of becoming a 200 home a year developer by 2025.” As part of the development, Amethyst Homes will be installing new footpaths linking to the bus stops on Brock Lane. Established in 2013, Amethyst Homes has built its business around its customers, with a strong emphasis on providing quality, sustainable homes in the communities in which people choose to live and work. To date it has delivered over 450 properties in the North East. Currently operating across four live sites including at South East Northumberland, Consett and Stillington, to the North West of Stockton-on-Tees, Amethyst specialises in a wide range of housing from starter homes to family properties and affordable bungalows. In addition to its home building successes, since the beginning of the year, Amethyst has recruited eight new members of staff, trained two apprentices, and invested over £3m into local jobs, training, and the supply chain. Both Regents Park (Consett) and The Meadows (Stillington) won Premier Guarantee, Quality Recognition Awards in 2021-2022, for the high standard of homes delivered. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Approval received by bioscience facility in Nottingham

Approval received by bioscience facility in Nottingham

Plans have been approved for a new bioscience facility in Nottingham. The facility will create more than 245,000 sq ft of laboratory, office and meeting space designed by CPMG Architects. Forming the latest phase of work to the northern edge of The Island Quarter in the heart of Nottingham city centre – led by developer The Conygar Investment Company PLC – the two buildings of the new development will be connected at the upper levels by a glazed link. To create a sleek and modern appearance, a materials palette of grey brickwork and off-white terracotta façade modules will be highlighted with gold metal plant screens and entrance surrounds. Meanwhile, clear glazing will be used for circulation spaces and ceramic-backed spandrels for fixed desks and laboratory benching. CPMG Architects served as the delivery architect for Phase 1A of work for The Island Quarter, including the now-iconic building housing hospitality venues Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake, which completed in September 2022. Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We have optimised the use of glazing influenced by the anticipated internal arrangements of the new bioscience’s facility, and to reflect the usage of the buildings. We have incorporated a DNA sequencing pattern into the brick detailing and on specific elevations, these sections of brickwork will also be up-lit by lighting positioned within the landscaping. “The designs also serve to break down any divide and give a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces through the inclusion of bi-fold doors that enable large sections of the ground floor to open into the wider landscaped plaza. “With the designs now approved by the city council, it takes Nottingham’s exciting overall story forward, helping to position the city as a leader in biosciences and large-scale development. It also, of course, marks another significant step in The Island Quarter’s progress and we look forward to continuing our relationship with The Conygar Investment Company PLC and the wider project delivery team to make the vision a reality.” External landscaping has been designed by Studio Egret West to echo the vision for the overall site, incorporating rainwater gardens and medicinal planting along with an ecology-focused street linking this latest phase of work with the rest of The Island Quarter. The planning permission for the Nottingham bioscience facility was announced during a joint presentation by The Conygar Investment Company PLC and Nottingham City Council at UKREiiF, in a session that also revealed updates to the overall masterplan for the 36-acre site. The scheme was submitted by Axis PED on behalf of The Conygar Investment Company PLC, with support from WES, Quartz Project Services, Studio Egret West, Tier Consult and Chord Consult. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
6 Essential Upgrades to Boost Your Property's Value

6 Essential Upgrades to Boost Your Property’s Value

At your property, only you have the power to unleash its hidden potential and increase its value. Through strategic upgrades, your humble abode could quickly become one of the coveted homes on the market. In this article we’ll take a closer look at six essential upgrades which can do exactly this, all designed not only to increase value, but enhance daily living experiences as well. 1. Curb Appeal Enhancements First impressions matter in real estate. By investing in curb appeal enhancements, you can captivate potential buyers from the moment they see your property. Simple measures like fresh landscaping and paint applications or renovating driveways will do wonders to create lasting positive experiences with potential buyers.  Additionally, adding outdoor lighting features that highlight architectural elements can further elevate the overall appeal. 2. Kitchen Remodeling Your kitchen holds enormous potential to increase in value. A kitchen renovation could breathe new life into this space by updating outdated appliances with energy-saving ones, installing attractive countertops and including modern fixtures that improve both style and functionality – for instance adding an eye-catching center gathering point such as an eye-catching island is sure to boost it further! 3. Energy Efficient Upgrades As more individuals become conscious about their energy use and consumption habits, investing in eco-friendly upgrades such as replacing windows with energy-saving ones or improving insulation can be not only environmentally beneficial but also show potential buyers your dedication to sustainability.  4. Smart Home Technology Integration  We live in an age where convenience and efficiency reign supreme, which makes integrating smart home tech a highly beneficial addition. Not only can it transform the appeal of your property – by giving you the ability to control lighting, thermostat and more using voice commands – it can also increase its value among tech-savvy buyers by adding futuristic touches that increase its worth. 5. Improved Storage Solutions Ample storage space is one of the cornerstones of home ownership, making built-in shelving, closet organizers and storage systems standout features that potential homebuyers appreciate.  These declutterers add an illusion of spaciousness – which adds real value to your property! Investing in these upgrades now could result in happier future buyers that appreciate the organization and functionality they bring. 6. Outdoor Living Spaces To maximize the value and attract buyers who appreciate outdoor living, create inviting outdoor living spaces. This could involve adding decks, patios or entertainment areas – complete with comfortable seating arrangements, lighting features and landscaping that compliments natural settings – into your property design plan.   You should also focus on making the structures outside your property as comfortable and safe as possible, whether it be by adding glazing sheets to the outdoor gazebo for more protection – for which you can shop here to buy – or simply cleaning and changing the water in the outdoor hot tub every so often. Conclusion Making strategic upgrades can bring immense benefits, elevating a property’s value in a highly-competitive real estate market and making it stand out as a prime offering. By carrying out some of the aforementioned upgrades, you will create an inviting living environment that appeals to modern buyers. These can elevate the value of your property and turn it into something truly exceptional.

Read More »