13th February 2012
There are many ways to introduce more light to your home - be it installing a skylight, fitting energy saving lamps or just creaking up off the sofa and opening the curtains.
But according to one expert, one winning way to breathe light into your property is with a conservatory.
And what's more, it could make your home more desirable on the property market.
"People love space and light, and the quickest and easiest way of making your home bigger and brighter is by building a conservatory," said Graham Lock, director and co-founder of housenetwork.co.uk. "A conservatory will add value to your property, but don't expect miracles."
While the expert warned that the cost of a conservatory will only be recouped with the sale of a house, sellers shouldn't expect too much more on the value of the property.
But if your home has been on the market for a while, the extra light and space afforded from a tastefully decorated conservatory could make it that much desirable for a buyer.
Despite January seeing 0.6 per cent rise in house prices, the year-on-year figures show prices are still down 1.8 per cent compared to this time last year.
And with mortgage approvals - a traditional indicator of completed house sales - holding steady at 53,000 for the third successive month, making your property stand out is important if it is to sell on a static market.
But whether you're looking to sell or just enjoy some extra family space in the home, the expert had some tips to turn your double-glazed space into a room.
Adjustable lighting such as LED lamps and an electric panel wall heater can both be used to make the space more homely and comfortable.
"It can be possible to increase the value if you decorate the new room with nice furniture, have a regulated temperature so it's not too hot or cold, and by having a layout that will maximise the room's potential," said Mr Lock. "Remember it's very hard for people to fall in love with an empty room."
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