Breaking the wall: How much will open-plan living add value to your home?

 

It can also be great for entertaining, as hosting guests in the same area gives lots of room to move around and encourages mingling during social gatherings.

In addition to the lifestyle appeal, converting your floor into an open-plan living space may have tangible benefits in terms of increased home value. Consider this:

• A properly planned home can increase your property value by up to 15%.
• Research by HSBC found that a new kitchen alone may add at least £5,000 or 4.6%.
• Loft conversions to open-plan living spaces can add up to 15% of your property’s market value.
• Adding an extra bedroom with smart open-plan living, according to the Nationwide Building Society, can yield up to 20% depending on the amount of space created.

It's important to remember that you will not be guaranteed a profit if you go open plan. Asking local estate agents if your project adds value is always a good idea. Although open-plan living is universally appealing, making a profit will depend on where you live, the size of your property, and the amount of time, money, and effort you invest.

The Benefits of an Open Plan Layout

For many people, having an open-plan room layout is a dream come true. Open-plan spaces can provide a sense of freedom and flexibility that is hard to find with traditional layouts, whether in the bedroom, kitchen, or living room. They offer plenty of natural light and airflow, but they can also help you save time and energy for cleaning and organising. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of an open-plan room layout.

Create More Space

One of the biggest advantages of having an open-plan room layout is that it helps create more space in your home. You can make the most of your square footage by eliminating walls and maximising your usable space.

This layout allows you to create multi-functional areas that can be used for various activities such as entertaining guests, working from home, or just relaxing. It also allows you to customise the design by adding furniture pieces or decorative items without worrying about overcrowding.

Plenty of Natural Light

Another benefit of having an open-plan room layout is that it allows more natural light into your home. Natural light can help reduce stress by providing a calming atmosphere and boosting moods.

In addition to its emotional benefits, natural light can also help reduce energy costs because it eliminates the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours. It’s also great for plants! Plenty of windows will ensure that any plants in your home will get enough sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth.

Easy Clean-Up

Finally, having an open-plan room layout makes clean-up much easier because there are fewer places where dust can accumulate or clutter can build up over time. Open plans keep things organised and tidy without requiring too much effort on your part – all you need to do is give everything a quick once-over now and then, and you’re good to go!

Plus, this layout encourages air circulation, which helps keep dust particles from settling on surfaces and causing allergies or asthma symptoms. 

Is an open-plan design suitable for you?

Open room layouts have become increasingly popular in recent years. Homeowners prioritising modern design with minimal boundaries often feel drawn to this style of living. However, an open room layout can actually come with a hefty price tag.

• Putting up walls requires the skills of a professional, as does removing them.
• More space means more furniture and appliances needed to fill it up, which certainly adds to the expense.
• Soundproofing may require unique materials when dealing with an open floor plan.

Ultimately, while many people choose to go with an open room layout based on their aesthetic preferences, they should be prepared for what can often be a much larger financial commitment than the alternatives.

How to plan properly for open-plan space conversions

You need the help of professionals before you start your project. To avoid reducing the value of your home, your open plan project needs to be finished to the highest standards with the help of architects, interior designers, builders, and building control authorities.

Start with the research

To ensure high quality, choose a company certified by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).  Ask for examples of their work and references and obtain at least three quotes.

Create a realistic budget

Make sure to include the cost of materials and a contingency fund to cover any unforeseen expenses. It is recommended that you add 10-20% to any quote. Once you compare the quotes, reach out to architects that offer one-time consultations.

Ensure compliance with the law

Open-plan space conversion must comply with building regulations, even if planning permission is not required. You can find out if the work complies with the law by contacting your local council's building control team or an approved inspector. Any changes you make to your home should also be reported to your home insurer.

Final thoughts

When it comes to our most valuable asset, a home, it makes sense to invest in an open-plan layout that will work for you. However, not everyone will benefit from an open-plan layout. Depending on your lifestyle, smaller spaces or designated areas can be preferable as they provide opportunities for relaxation or a sense of privacy away from communal areas.

Here at Farrell Heyworth, we operate in the busy North West towns and villages of Barrow in Furness, Morecambe, Lancaster, Garstang, Cleveleys, Fulwood and Chorley. To find out how we can assist you on your sales journey, please get in touch with us today.

We encourage all our customers to register with our My FH portal, which will give you access to the most up-to-date information; remotely and at your convenience.

You can also find out how much you could be charging on the local rental market by requesting a free and instant online valuation today.