The formula, devised by Dr David Holmes on behalf of leading kitchen manufacturer Magnet, can calculate the value that a home improvement scheme, from redecorating a room through to installing a new kitchen, will add to a property.

VA = (ED+Q+P+S-AI)

2

It will empower homeowners to make rational and informed decisions about the pros and cons of conducting home improvements. It will also enable them to calculate if a specific improvement will add or detract to the overall value of the home.

A result (VA%) between 0 and 5% indicates that the improvement will cost more than it will ever add to the home, while a result of 6% is a sound investment that will pay for itself. A result of 7% upwards is a good investment that will definitely increase the value of the home well beyond the amount invested in the improvement.

The formula incorporates five key elements to evaluate a home improvement scheme:

Amount Invested (AI) is the cost of the improvement in keeping with the overall home value; Enhancing Design (ED) is whether it fits in with the rest of the home; Quality of Workmanship (Q) relating to the quality of the finished job, not just on cost; Practicality (P) is whether the improvement will be useful to a new owner and Saleability (S) will it impress buyers and speed up a sale.

Phil Spencer, TV presenter and property expert, said: “As the value of any work you do to a property will ultimately be determined by what someone else is prepared to pay for it, when embarking on home improvements it is vital to consider things through the eyes of a potential buyer.

“To truly add value, an improvement must not only increase the net value of the property, but also increase its desirability when you decide its time to move.

“Some improvements, such as a new kitchen, can increase both value as well as saleability at modest cost. It’s very important to chose fixtures and fittings that suit the price bracket of the property but a well-fitted kitchen that matches the style and feel of the home could increase the value of a property by as much as 10%.

“It is imperative to ensure that work is carried out to the highest standard possible. Sloppy, inferior workmanship can have a negative effect on value so I would always advise using a reputable company or contractor.”

Dr David Holmes, Manchester University, said: “The resale value of your home has two elements, the net value of the property and the saleability or desirability of your home.

“This formula can help people to calculate if their home improvement will be seen as a great addition enabling the sale of the home before having to drop the price. Or if the improvement will cost much more than it will ever add to the home.”

Alison Coleman from Magnet, said: “The kitchen is the beating heart of the home and fast becoming the showroom of the house. But like any other home improvement it is governed by the same fixed rules as to its ability to add to the overall value of a home at the point of sale.

”We hope that this formula will help people make the right decision when it comes to home improvements and hopefully begin to eradicate the millions of pounds wasted on cheap fixes and poor workmanship.”

For more information visit www.magnet.co.uk/formula

Incorporating soft curves in kitchen units creates sophisticated and contemporary feel and is set to be one of the most stylish and elegant designs this year

By using a mixture of both concave and convex curves it’s possible to create a very dramatic effect, especially in larger kitchens where the variety of curves can be used to give greater prominence.

Corner units provide a great opportunity to accentuate curves, and really show off the elegant design and the look can be emphasised by introducing curves into accessories such as extractor fans or lighting fixtures.

Curved end units offer a highly contemporary storage option, which look great and but provide an extremely practical deep internal storage space.

Due to the extensive manufacturing process, curved units are more expensive than regular kitchen units, but as seen in Magnet’s Crème Lineaire range, the final look is breathtaking:

· A mix of concave and convex create instant impact

· A combination of Zodiac Quartz Soft Mahogany worktop and natural walnut worktop provide a perfect balance

The Crème Lineaire costs £320.45 for a 600mm single base unit.

Creme Lineaire

She is the first person to do this and we hope that more people will be interested in becoming guest bloggers on The Kitchenista.

Her blog contains a wealth of kitchen design tips and ideas and is a site we regularly read. She writes a very frank and honest blog – check out what she had to say about Magnet in this post. It was a review of our new ranges and the sale, highlighting how the recent 20% off offer was unique and the first time it has been done.

Here is a little bit more about her…

Majjie is Marion John’s rather opinionated online alter ego. She came into being when the new Advanced Kitchen Design website was set up in 2009 … Marion is an independent kitchen designer based in Nottingham. She set up her business, Advanced Kitchen Design, four and a half years ago, and works directly for individual clients designing whatever sort of kitchen they require. Prior to becoming a freelance designer, she had ten years of experience in the kitchen market, working for a number of quite different kitchen suppliers.

So, with such a wealth of experience, we are looking forward to reading what she has to say on ‘the modern fitted kitchen’

Watch this space!

“Getting a new kitchen is one of the top three ways to add value to your home. This is because changing a kitchen is much easier than you think.

“The perceived value of the kitchen from prospective buyers is much higher than the real cost of the kitchen. The kitchen and bathroom are the two main rooms that sell a house so anything that can be done to update these two rooms and make your home attractive to potential buyers the better.”

Channel 4 Homes also think that a new kitchen is a must for anyone looking to boost their home’s value and it can add as much as 10% in value. It’s the first thing a potential buyer will look at and it’s the room you’re likely to spend much of your time in.

For more top tips on how to add value to the cost of your home – check out the link below to the Channel 4 Homes website

Channel 4 Homes

And if you have any top tips then let Magnet know, we would love to hear from you!