Once we have found, secured and moved into a new property we often start looking for ways to improve it. This can be for a number of reasons, but is usually down to a combination of increasing your quality of life whilst simultaneously increasing the value of the property.
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick which design upgrade is the best option. In this guide, we walk you through a number of options for using one of the most versatile and durable materials available for building design - concrete.
This building material is popular for a number of reasons. Firstly, compared to other materials such as wood, marble or steel, concrete can offer a more affordable alternative. It is also highly resistant and durable, making it the perfect long-lasting material for so many applications.
All of these suggestions are a great way to add value to your property. However, which one you choose will depend widely on your current property, the local demand for certain features and what you believe will increase your quality of life.
Extensions
One of the most obvious and commonly executed home upgrades is introducing an extension to your property. This can add extra usable space to current rooms or additional rooms to your home and is a great way to make your property more desirable to potential future buyers.
Adding an extension to your property is a widely accepted way to increase its value. One study suggested that the average home extension would create a return on investment of 71%.
However, it is important to think carefully about whether an extension is the right option for you. This type of project can be incredibly expensive and if not well thought out, they may not be the best way to add value to your home.
Man Shed/Man Cave
Similar in many ways to adding an extension to your property, adding an outbuilding such as a large shed, garage or man cave could be a good way to invest in creating additional usable space. This option tends to work best for those with ample garden or outdoor space, as turning an already small garden into a building may not always increase a property's value by that much.
Using smart concrete design can be easier when the building is entirely separate from your home. Creating an outbuilding entirely from concrete can allow great flexibility and can help you create a truly stunning feature that can both improve quality of life and increase a properties value.
It is important to mention that building with such a heavy building material like concrete can be dangerous. Working with a team who understand the correct safety procedures is very worthwhile.
Interior Upgrades
When we think about using concrete design, we usually imagine physical buildings such as extensions and outbuilding. However, concrete can also be used as an interior design material, allowing for the creation of a desirable industrial look throughout your home.
One way to tie concrete into your interiors is to use it as flooring. Although a solid, poured concrete floor can be polished to create a stunning look and feel, concrete slabs can also be used to generate the same effect. The benefit of using concrete slabs means that underfloor heating can be easily installed underneath and can also be lifted to make repairs wherever needed.
Polished concrete may also be used to create a striking kitchen in your property. The possibilities are endless, although concrete worktops are a popular way to incorporate this versatile building material.
Finally, for a much smaller investment concrete can be used to create industrial style planters, lamps and even display bowls which can really draw the eye and give your property a cool vibe.
Pool
Possibly the ultimate in luxurious concrete design home upgrades, adding a swimming pool to your property can seriously increase the desirability of your home and change the way in which you live in it.
Doing this can be a big investment, although using smart building techniques like using concrete reinforcement mesh can drastically increase the durability and survivability of the pool, ultimately leading to fewer maintenance costs over time.
Increasing your home's value is undeniably highly desirable. Regardless of your budget, from planters to entire extensions and pools, concrete is a great way to do this. The suggestions we have made in this guide act as a start for deciding which concrete design is best suited to your individual needs.
