IF YOU’VE OUTGROWN YOUR CURRENT HOME but don’t want to leave it, or don’t have the option to move, there are various ways you can increase the amount of space available. In order to carry out and pay for home improvements, one option to consider is to release equity in your property by remortgaging.
All mortgage applications are assessed based on your individual circumstances. It is at this point of assessment where the lender will tell you if a remortgage for home improvements is feasible. However, by working with an independent mortgage broker you can have confidence that the lenders response will be positive.
Here are some of the most popular options for extending your home, converting areas or making better use of your existing space.
CONVERT THE LOFT
Loft conversions can add significant value to your home, particularly if you’re able to fit in an additional bedroom.
An extra bedroom could add as much as 20% to the value of your property. The space you have available won’t necessarily allow for that, but even a mezzanine level for a current bedroom can be a stylish and functional addition.
If you have a large garden, there’s also the option to add an independent building outside, such as a summer house or garden room.
CONVERT THE BASEMENT
Basements tend to have low ceilings and poor ventilation and lighting.
These problems can usually be fixed if you have the budget for it, or you can use this space for a function that works well within those limitations, such as a home cinema.
CONVERT THE GARAGE
A third conversion option is your garage if you’re willing to sacrifice the storage and parking space. How you use the conversion will depend on your needs and the existing layout of your property, for example, it could be a playroom, a home office or a bedroom. Since it’s on the ground floor it could be very practical for an elderly relative or someone with limited mobility.
ADD A SIDE RETURN EXTENSION
Many period properties, particularly Victorian terraces, feature a ‘side return’, or alley running alongside the building that leads to the garden. This is a great opportunity for extending without sacrificing too much valuable garden space. While it probably won’t add an extra room to your property, it will give you more usable space and potentially more layout options.
ADD A REAR EXTENSION
Though this option will use more of your current outdoor space, you might be willing to make that sacrifice (especially if you have a large garden). This will give you more flexibility and options for the layout of your ground floor.
ADD A SECOND-STOREY EXTENSION
If your home already has a side return extension or rear extension, you still have the opportunity to add an extra level. Depending on the space available, this might allow you to expand the master bedroom, add an en-suite bathroom or walk-in wardrobe, or perhaps a nursery.
ADD A CONSERVATORY
Another popular extension option is a conservatory. While you will have to give up some of your garden space to make room for this, it can act as a transitional area between indoors and outdoors and will help to keep light flowing through your ground floor living space.
ADD A SUMMER HOUSE
If you have a large garden, there’s also the option to add an independent building outside, such as a summer house or garden room. This could become your home office or a relaxation space away from the main house.
SWITCH TO AN OPEN-PLAN LAYOUT
While it won’t add square footage to your property, another idea is to remove some of the internal walls to increase the amount of usable space. For example, it’s popular these days to open up the ground floor of a home into one large living space, sacrificing rooms that get little use such as utility rooms, hallways or hall closets.
Capital Raising with a Mortgage
When you increase your mortgage, or capital raise, you are tapping in to the equity in your property. You need to have enough equity, plus some excess, to keep the lender happy and within their loan to value (LTV) limits. Speak with a mortgage broker to see how much capital you could raise on your current property.
You will find more useful information in our guide: Borrowing for home improvements
