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Design Dilemma Before & After

Renovation to improve house value ideas

last year

last modified: last year

Hi all, new to the site!
We have just bought this 4 bed detached property in lovely condition and we anticipate it to be our home for 5-7 years or so
There are a couple of things that we have discussed, the main being taking down the non load bearing wall between the lounge and kitchen. In time I've considered converting the garage into a half utility/storage room and play room, and of course there is always loft conversion.
My partner is very keen on having a real log burner installed where the current electric fireplace is, and although this is an external wall there is no chimney
Welcome any thoughts/ideas and opinions on whether any of these changes would actually add value
Cheers
Phil

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Comments (6)

PRO
Aitch Interiors Ltd
last year
Hi Phil,

How exciting for you both! Sounds like you have a good plan already. Just having a quick look at the photos, I don't think adding in a wood burner would be a problem. The flue would just go up and out at an angle. This could either be exposed in the living room or boxed in to give a more traditional look. You would just need to check what the regs are in your area, as they are changing from area to area on permissions for wood burners. A good wood burner co will happily come out to give you the best advice on this.

As for knocking down the wall, this sounds like a good idea, but planning out how much space you will have at the end and how you will arrange things will be key. This should be driven by what you need from the space and how you live as a family. Is it worth adding in a small utility while you are making the changes? Do want an island? All of these things will help you make smart decisions that will work best for you down the line.

Hope that helps.

Warm Regards

Robyn

Aitch Interiors
Jonathan
last year
What you are planning is certainly doable. I’m not sure any of it will add value.

Personally I think the trend for wood burners is waning as people are starting to concentrate on air quality in their homes and their impact on the environment. For me it wouldn’t add value- actually the opposite.
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A utility room and an office would be good. Certainly where we are, working from home is quite normal for so many people and it may be here to stay. A large office space or even two is now probabably more desirable than things like a dressing room or a log burner.

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