Melanie Clear’s latest article in Real Homes magazine explores the numerous ways in which homeowners can add both space and value to their property. Melanie, Founder and Managing Director of Clear Architects, is a regular contributor to the publication.

In the article, Melanie outlines the plethora of ways in which homeowners can boost the value and kerb appeal of their abode. Her top tips include a diverse array of routes to home improvement, from loft and basement conversions to remodelling the interior layout.

According to Melanie, improving the flow of your home’s interior layout is the top way to add space and value to the house. She says: “You don’t always need to build an extension to increase the space in your home; sometimes it’s the layout or room size that is wrong. Improving the spatial flow or maximising the views to the garden can add tens of thousands if done right, but take structural advice before you start.”

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Also featured in Melanie’s top five ways to add living space are creating open-plan kitchen-dining-living areas, finding a separate zone for a utility room, installing new windows and converting the loft. She says: “If you don’t want to go completely open-plan, consider installing sliding pocket or bi-fold doors between rooms, which will enable you to open the space up or close it off as required. Sliding pocket doors cost from a couple of hundred pounds for a single door kit, up to thousands for glazed bi-folds.”

Another of Melanie’s top tips is to create a balcony or roof terrace so occupants can enjoy the outdoors. She says: “Any outside space comes at a premium, particularly in an urban area, and will add value to your home. Aim to provide outside space where the light is best – especially useful if your main garden faces north. Make use of a flat roof to gain valuable outside space, or install decking and lighting, which could add £10,000 in value to your property.”

To illustrate this point, an image of Coborn House – one of the practice’s stunning conversion schemes – is also included in the article. Visit Clear Architects’ Process page to learn more about the conscientious approach the practice takes to designing each of its projects.