Whether you’re buying a house or selling your own, thinking of remortgaging or just curious, here’s how to judge what your house is worth.

For most people, their home is by far their most valuable asset. With household budgets under greater stress than ever, this is an excellent time to take stock of the cash tied up in your bricks and mortar.

Why do I need to know what my house is worth?

Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith

Most obviously, if you’re thinking of selling your house, you need to decide on an asking price. And if you want to buy, you need to understand what your budget will be.

But valuations are not useful only if you’re moving home. You may want to remortgage, in which case the bank will need to know your home’s value. A valuation can also tell you whether money spent on home improvements such as a kitchen extension or loft conversion would be recouped in a later sale.

How do I find out what my house is worth?

Here are some guidelines for getting an accurate house valuation.

Research recent sales and current asking prices in your area

Online agencies such as Zoopla and Rightmove provide instant listings of similar properties. Using their form, submit your post code, your number of bedrooms, type of property (house or apartment) and price bracket to see what’s on the market.

The listings will show how long a property has been on sale and whether its price has been discounted. Look at the interior photography and floorplan to see how similar your property is to theirs.

The UK House Price Index from The Land Registry also carries recent selling prices.

Invite at least three agents to view your property

There is now a sharp divide between online agencies such as Purplebricks and Yopa, which charge flat fees of as little as £999 to sell properties, and traditional high street agencies such as Foxtons or Savills, which charge a percentage of the eventual sales price. Each group offers distinct advantages to a home seller, so invite at least one from each side.

After showing them around, ask them to give you two quotes: the highest price that your property could be sold for, and the price that would attract the most attention from buyers. Then ask them about the merits of each. Pitching high is a sign of confidence; it may attract buyers who want a high-spec, modernised home they can move straight into, without having to refurbish.

‘We see a lot of ‘mortgage rich’ buyers,’ says Tom Cottrell of online agency Yopa. ‘Their banks will lend them enough to buy an expensive property, but they don’t have the cash to do it up.’ But aim too high and you may get no offers at all.

Pitch low and you could prompt a bidding war, leading to a sale above your original estimate. On the other hand, it could dissuade buyers who suspect there is a problem with the property.

Calculate what your home’s features add to the valuation

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Compare your property to others locally and spot the differences. If a home has three bedrooms and is selling for £600,000, perhaps your four-bedroom home will sell for £800,000. A large garden (say 50 feet plus) can add 10 per cent to the selling price.

Positives include recently-installed, energy-efficient heating systems, wooden flooring, original features such as fireplaces in older properties, high ceilings, new windows, generous storage, suitable space for an office, and a utility area.

In combination, if you have several of these advantages compared with local sellers, you could value your property at a premium. To attract the highest offers, it’s all about the pictures, says Alekos Kleanthous of online estate agency Purplebricks. ‘Get a photographer round on a bright day, to show the home in the best light. Make every room clean and tidy – take out any clutter,’ he advises.

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

In addition, consider kerb appeal. Make sure the exterior of your home is appealing: get rid of any litter or weeds.

How accurate are property valuations?

Some estate agents will give you a high valuation in the hope of attracting your business, knowing that in all likelihood the sale price will be lower.

They also put in high estimates as a bargaining tactic, giving buyers the impression that they’re getting a good deal when they reduce the price.

Others will provide a lower valuation, hoping for a quick sale and with less hassle. This is why you should get multiple valuations and decide which is best for you.

Do you have to pay for a property valuation?

No, estate agents provide valuations free of charge. You may want to hire a chartered surveyor to give you a more detailed report on your property, and you’ll pay a fee for this.

One final thought: It’s tempting to aim for the stars when putting a value on your property. Realistically, your life will be simpler and less stressful if you can conclude a relatively quick sale. You could also save money on fees and interest payments, especially if you’re buying somewhere else. The agent is probably already in touch with suitable buyers, so they know what people will pay. Listen to them.

The post What is my house worth? An expert guide to accurately valuing your home appeared first on Ideal Home.

Fans of Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr on BBC1 would have been sad to wave goodbye to Rochelle Dalphinis and Abi Davis in a double eviction on Wednesday night’s episode.

Rochelle and Abi were paired up in week three to transform the common room of the Lundy Lions. They transformed the space with diagonal grey stripes, bright furniture, and a statement turf wall, however, it wasn’t enough to save them from the sofa.

Over the last few episodes, Abi and Rochelle have wowed us with the other contestants with what they’re able to achieve on a tight budget. Overhauling whole rooms, and even apartments in just 16 hours with smart budget decorating ideas.

Image credit: Interior Design Masters

Speaking to Ideal Home, Abi and Rochelle revealed that thrifting, second-hand buys, and upcycling furniture ideas were the key to them working with such a tight budget.

‘I’m such an avid charity shopper I believe that you should always go to charity shops before you go anywhere to buy anything,’ Abi told Ideal Home. ‘I think my keen eye for charity shopping got me through so I can spend more budget on wallpaper, more budget on things that were more expensive.’

Image credit: Interior Design Masters

Rochelle revealed that on episode 2, it was second-hand buys that got her through too. ‘In episode 2, I went to a lot of vintage yards, and bought a lot of stuff from there and from french chateau house clearances,’ she explains.

Making the most of secondhand buys is something that both designers apply to their own home design, not just on the show. Abi even has her own upcycling business flipping unloved pieces on her Etsy store Abi Ann Davis. ‘I think both of us it’s all about thrifting, and trying to get whatever we can for as cheap as possible and then give it a glow up and make people want it again,’ explains Abi.

‘The ethos that both of us agree on is that design is accessible for everybody,’ adds Rochelle. ‘It doesn’t matter how tight things are for you, there are ways you can create things that mean that you can have beautiful things. Interior design can be accessible, you just have to be clever about how you do it.’

Abi and Rochelle’s tips for shopping second-hand

So where should you start when sourcing second-hand? Both designers swear by Facebook Marketplace. ‘Even if you have to drive to Timbuktu and back you can get some great second-hand things on there,’ says Rochelle.

Image credit: Interior Design Masters

Before taking an item home though Abi recommends checking four things first. ‘Always check it has all the legs, you’d be surprised, sometimes they have wonky legs,’ she says. ‘Make sure that it’s actual wood that it’s not flatpack. Check for any woodworm, because if you take that back to your house – oh my god. Always just think when you see a piece think of it in your house and think about what color it could go. From there you’ll get the upcycling bug.’

‘What’s the worst that could happen, you spent £50 on a bit of furniture that you painted and you think it doesn’t look right you just sell it on, put it on Facebook market place and someone is going to buy it for £50 because they’ll go ‘I can do a better job of upcycling that’.

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to this season’s Thelma and Louise, you can find more interior design and thrifty shopping tips on the pair’s Instagram @abianndavis and @rochelle_dalphinis.

Is it just us hoping for a thrifty homes podcast from the pair?

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With lots of us looking to extend and improve instead of moving, the popularity of renovations such as adding skylights and rooflights is on the up.

’Whatever you like to call them – roof window, skylight or rooflight – they all serve the same purpose, which is to bring natural daylight into your home,’ explains David Mayo, Managing Director of Sterlingbuild. ‘They bring in a substantial amount of light to a room all year round. Which in turn can give that area a feeling of being bright and airy.’

As with most renovation projects, the planning and installation process of installing skylights naturally brings up a whole load of questions. While they might offer more light in a room, do they also make it colder in winter? And what about direct sunlight and heat in the summer months? And what’s involved if you decide to install one in your home?

Skylights and rooflights – the lowdown

We explain the nitty gritty when it comes to installing skylights to your home. From the costs involved, to the intricacies of planning permission and all the confusion that might entail. Our guide will take you through everything you need to know (and the things to avoid) when bringing some extra light into your home.

What is a skylight?

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

‘A skylight is essentially a window, located in the roof, that brings daylight, into a room,’ says Natalie Goodridge, Marketing Manager at Lamilux. ‘They’re a popular design choice for residential new builds and extensions with limited natural daylight. They can also offer the added benefit of supplying a room with fresh air through opting for an opening skylight for ventilation.’

However, not all rooflights are the same and there are some key differences worth considering.

• Skylight/rooflight Both terms refer to a window, located in the roof
• Roof window A roof window is as it sounds – essentially a pane, or panes, of glass installed into a flat or pitched roof.
• Roof lanterns These have the appearance of small conservatories – they can be fitted to a flat or pitched roof.

Whether you’re installing a roof window, a skylight or a roof lantern there are various options available. These can allow for ventilation or limiting the amount of light which enters your room.

Where should I position my skylight?

Image credit: Velux

Where you position your skylight or roof window is an important decision. Skylights and roof windows let in daylight all day. But, depending on the direction your house and room is facing, you’ll get more concentrated brightness at different times of the day.

‘One of the first things to consider is where you would like the light to come in and what effect you’re looking to create,’says Scott Leeder, Marketing Director at Velux. ‘You should start by looking at the direction of the windows and the sun. Think about where and at what time of the day, you will need the most daylight in a particular room.’

‘You might be considering installing a roof window in a new flat roof kitchen extension,’ says Scott. ‘You’d like plenty of natural light to flood the space whilst the family enjoy breakfast together each morning. Then you should consider the orientation of the building and where to put the roof window to make this vision a reality.’

What are the skylight pros and cons?

Image credit: Velux

The advantage of having more light in a room might seem obvious. But there are plenty of other benefits to installing a skylight. Natalie from Lamilux agrees. ‘Skylights can provide homes with a pleasant indoor climate thanks to maximising natural daylight and optional natural ventilation,’ she says. ‘Scientific research demonstrates health and wellbeing, and productivity benefits, can be linked to good indoor air quality.’

Pros of skylights

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

The main advantage of skylights are:

• Access to natural light. They let in more light than windows. Some research shows up to 40% more exposure to natural light. Sunlight can play a great role in lifting our spirits and making us feel happier. Natural light helps to keep our ‘circadian rhythms’ in check, which helps to regulate healthy sleep patterns.
• Better air quality. Skylights can provide homes with a pleasant indoor climate. This is thanks to maximising natural daylight and optional natural ventilation. Scientific research demonstrates health and well-being, and productivity benefits, can be linked to good indoor air quality.
• The feeling of space. The addition of a skylight introduces more light into a space, which in turn, can make your room look and feel bigger.
• Saving on energy costs. More natural light means less reliance on artificial, electric lighting. Sunlight can also help heat up a room. Cross ventilation from skylights and roof windows that open can also help cool them down. They have an air conditioning effect – both potentially cutting down your energy bills.
• Adding resale value to your home. It goes without saying but an attractive, bright and airy space is enticing to home buyers.
• Health benefits. Natural sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, which is vital for maintaining a healthy metabolism, bones and muscles.

Skylight cons

There are, however, some potential drawbacks that are worth considering. Installing skylights can add to the length of a building project. This includes the ordering and delivery of the units themselves and then organising of installation. If not planned for and installed properly, you may find yourself facing problems.

The cons of installing skylights can include:

• Too much light. Knowing what a room will normally be used for might have a bearing on the positioning of a skylight. For example, direct light on a television could be a problem.
• Too much heat. Have a proper consultation beforehand to make sure the position of any skylight or roof window isn’t going to expose you to prolonged direct sunlight. This is especially important in the summer months.
• Breakage from falling objects. If there are trees surrounding your property, laminated glass could be a good option. In the even of a branch falling your roof or skylight won’t shatter.
• Leaks. Investing in poor quality equipment or having someone untrained do the installation can result in leaks. This’ll either let water in or heat out.

What frame options are there?

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Once you’ve opted for a skylight there are a number of different frame options available. A variety of manufacturers offer uPVC, wood and aluminium capped frames. And with a wide choice of colour and particular design elements it’s possible to find a skylight or roof window that fits perfectly with the aesthetic and practical demands of your room.

‘Think about your internal environment and what matches your décor,’ says David from Sterlingbuild. ‘If you have white uPVC windows then a white finish roof window will match perfectly. In addition, depending on the room the window is being fitted in different finishes suit different needs. A PVC or polyurethene window is designed for high moisture areas. This is perfect for a kitchen or bathroom.’

What’s the cost of adding a skylight?

There are many different factors which will contribute to the cost of installing a skylight  in your property. Firstly, there are inexpensive skylight and rooflight options available. Basic rooflight units can be found at DIY outlets for £100 to £150.

Going bespoke, naturally, is more expensive and depending on your particular needs and specification. In terms of price at least, the sky’s the limit. When it comes to cost, David from Sterlingbuild explains: ‘It entirely depends on what you’re looking for, the scale of the project and your budget. Before looking to purchase a roof window you need to decide the type of roof window required and where it will be fitted.’

Installation costs must also be factored in. Going cheap either in terms of the skylight unit itself or the installation could end up costing you dearly in the long term. You might regret going for a cheap option if you have to replace a leaky poor quality skylight or make repairs resulting from poor installation.

What size of skylight do I need?

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

It might seem like a no-brainer – the bigger the skylight, the more light you get flooding a room. But when choosing the size of your skylight and its positioning you should consider the particular practicalities of the room and how it’s used.

Consider the style of your property, both inside and out. A modern, contemporary interior may benefit from large, expansive areas of glass. But what works for the modern home might look a little out of place in more traditional homes and interiors.

Are there standard size skylights?

Rooflights can come in all shapes and sizes,’ says David Mayo from Sterlingbuild. ‘Some come as standard or you can get a bespoke, made-to-measure fit depending on what you’re after. One of the key considerations is the right balance and spread of light. So in many occasions two smaller windows allow for better light distribution than one large window.’

What about bespoke?

‘Our roof lanterns are made to measure’ says James Upton, Managing Director at Westbury windows and joinery. ‘They can choose square, rectangle or octagonal for the lantern shape. If a customer is looking for an oversized roof lantern, we would usually advise to go for two smaller ones. Or we would need to include tie bars to help support the weight of the lantern.’

Do skylights make the room hotter?

With greater levels of light in a room comes increased levels of heat from the sun’s rays. Planning and the positioning of your roof light is key. This ensures you don’t end up with a room that is either too bright or too warm to comfortably spend any time in.

‘There are a few things you can think about to mitigate solar gain in the hotter months,’ says David of Sterlingbuild. ‘Internal and/or external blinds are the most pocket friendly option . You can choose roof windows that will open and close or have a ventilation flap. Or you can opt for a glazing that will reflect UV rays’.

Solar control glass is a special type of glazing that reflects the sun’s rays and limits the amount of heat skylights let into a room. As well as offering UV protection they can help reduce glare while maximising the amount of light.

Do I need planning permission for a skylight?

Image credit: Colin Poole

In most cases, the answer is no. David from Sterlingbuild explains: ‘Generally there isn’t a need to apply for planning permission, as long as the following limits and conditions are met and it is not part of an extension project.

• Any windows installed must protrude no more than 150mm above the existing roof plane
• No alteration can be higher than the highest part of roof or stand out above the roof ridge
• Side-facing windows are to consist of obscure glazing for privacy purposes and should not be openable unless 1.7m above the floor

There can be exceptions for listed building or conservation areas. It’s always best to check with your Local Planning Authority before starting any work.

Can I install a skylight in a conservation area?

Planning permission is always required if your building is listed,’ says James from Westbury. ‘Additionally, if you live in a conservation area or a location of outstanding natural beauty, you are required to obtain planning permission if you wish to change the appearance of your home’.

‘It can be done,’explains David from Sterlingbuild, ‘but it’s imperative you check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work. Especially if you live in a listed building with an Article 4 direction.’

Can you install a skylight yourself?

Many skylight and roof window manufacturers offer installation as well as “supply only” service. That is, the skylight or window unit is delivered and you make the arrangements to have it fitted.
Unless you are a particularly skilled DIY-er installing a rooflight yourself is not recommended. On the surface, what might seem like a fairly straightforward procedure could end up costing you a lot of money.

‘You can install a skylight yourself,’ says David from Sterlingbuild. ‘But we really would strongly advise against, unless it’s your profession. The risks and financial cost of getting it wrong far outweigh the costs involved to get a very good builder to install one, so it’s best to play it safe and leave it in the hands of an expert.’

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