• Adding a driveway can add up to £18,000 to a property’s value
• Poor-quality renovations can devalue a home by at least 20%
• Search interest for ‘sustainable living’ (+250%) and ‘sustainable building materials’ (+180%) have seen huge increases

With the cost of living crisis putting strains on the construction industry, architects, designers, engineers and contractors are looking for ways to achieve maximum profits while still providing a high-quality build and design.

With this in mind, Yorkshire-based glass manufacturer, Specialist Glass Products, spoke to various property experts to reveal how to build a high-value home in 2023.

Creating off-street parking could generate up to £18,000 profit, according to Thomas Goodman, property and construction expert at Myjobquote.co.uk: “Dropping a kerb and laying a driveway should only cost £2,000 to £4,000 but can add an extra £15,000 to £20,000 to your home’s value.”

The quality of a property's smaller details, such as poorly executed finishes, uneven flooring installation, lack of storage and practicality, could lower the value of a property: “Poor-quality renovations, structural problems and damp areas are the most common factors that can devalue a house. These issues require a substantial amount of money to rectify, therefore, they can devalue a home by at least 20%,” says Thomas.

Rebecca Nutt, Chartered Surveyor at Atelier Finance, adds, “It’s important to snag a finished building thoroughly as purchasers use their first impressions as an indication of the overall quality of the build.”

Over the last five years, ‘sustainable living’ (+250%) and ‘sustainable building materials’ (+180%) have seen a huge increase in search trends.¹ Driven by a combination of environmental consciousness, energy efficiency concerns, and a desire for healthier living spaces, the demand for sustainable homes is on the up. 

Interestingly, with the jump in energy bills, homebuyers are considering a home’s energy efficiency as a major factor when looking for a property. A recent report by Rightmove found almost two-thirds (61%) of landlords said they would not now buy a rental property below an EPC rating of C, up from 47% in last year's report.²

A sustainable building minimises energy consumption, uses recyclable materials and proper insulation, and prioritises the happiness of the people inside. Having energy-efficient features such as double-glazing, thermal insulation, and natural ventilation will help to lower utility costs and improve the value of a property.

Thomas explains, “You can build in sustainable energy-efficiency solutions such as sheep’s wool, hemp or straw insulation to decrease heat loss and reduce the need for heating in colder months.”

Managing Director of Specialist Glass Products, Andrew Taylor, adds, "Glass is a cornerstone of sustainable design thanks to its versatility, durability, affordability and the fact it is a recyclable building material. The material not only enhances brightness and makes a room feel larger, but it will help reduce the reliance on electricity, retain heat and reduce draughts. Popular applications to improve sustainability include double-glazed skylights for kitchen or bathroom ceilings and glass balustrading and flooring, which will also help spread natural light and improve the durability of features.”  For more information on the ways to increase the value of a property, please visit: https://www.specialistglass.co.uk/high-value-home-design/