The exciting renovation project lets homeowners add their unique flair to their living areas. However, according to a recent Tap Warehouse survey, removing period features from your home is a common mistake that could significantly reduce its value. Elements like original fireplaces, timber windows, and traditional radiators enhance a property's character and historical charm. In this article, we explore the survey findings and the expert insights of Jonathan Rolande from HouseBuyFast, shedding light on the potential consequences of overlooking the value of period features.
The Impact of Period Feature Removal
Tap Warehouse's survey, which involved 1,000 respondents, uncovered some intriguing insights into homeowners' attitudes towards historic features. Astonishingly, only 5% of respondents expressed no desire to remove any period features, indicating that a substantial majority is inclined to make alterations. The top features respondents were willing to change included traditional radiators (26%), timber or sash windows (25%), coving, ceiling rose, dado rail, and architrave (22%).
Jonathan Rolande, a property expert at HouseBuyFast, cautions against underestimating the impact of such changes. According to him, taking away these features might cause a home's value to drop by up to 10%, or an astonishing £27,000, given the average price of a home in the UK, which is £269,945. This discovery emphasizes the importance of carefully weighing the implications before giving in to contemporary decor trends that eliminate the historical accents that give a house character.
Understanding Homeowner Preferences
The survey findings shed light on the preferences driving the removal of specific period features. Traditional radiators topped the list, attributed to the growing emphasis on energy efficiency. Low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scores can significantly impact a home's value, making it crucial to choose radiators that maintain the character of the property while also being energy-efficient. Jonathan Rolande suggests opting for traditional-style radiators that align with the home's historical context.
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Similarly, timber or sash windows were high on the list, with 25% of respondents open to changing them. While it's understandable that old windows can be energy-inefficient, caution is advised when considering replacement materials. Buyers of period homes typically prefer the authenticity of wooden windows, so replacing timber with UPVC in a Victorian home could devalue the property by as much as £12,000, according to CompareMyMove. Wooden double-glazed windows are an excellent way to save energy and increase the value of your home.
Preserving Value with Original Fireplaces
For those contemplating removing an original fireplace (11% of respondents), it's worth noting that this could result in a missed opportunity to add value to the home. Jonathan Rolande suggests that retaining an original fireplace could contribute to a 5% increase in the property's value. This underscores the sentimental and aesthetic appeal of such features, which hold a special place in the hearts of many homeowners.
Tips for Making Period Features Work for You
Recognizing the value of period features, Tiffany Ratcliffe, Head of Design at art art art, offers practical tips for making beams and dado rails enhance a home's aesthetics. Ratcliffe recommends painting beams a slightly darker shade of the room's color to bring warmth. Dado rails, often considered outdated, can be utilized to visually split a wall and add character to a room by painting the top half lighter than the bottom. These simple yet effective tips demonstrate how period features can be preserved and enhanced to contribute positively to a property's overall appeal.
In the pursuit of modernizing homes, removing period features emerges as a potential pitfall that could devalue a property significantly. Before making decisions that could have long-term financial consequences, homeowners must carefully consider the historical and aesthetic significance of features like original fireplaces, timber windows, and traditional radiators. Homeowners can potentially raise the overall value of their property and maintain the character of their dwellings by maintaining and improving these features. A home's long-term appeal and value depend on balancing modernity and historical charm in the ever-changing landscape of home renovation trends.
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