Your house will almost certainly be more attractive to buyers with some general sprucing up and cleaning. Larger projects such as loft conversions, converting a garage or adding a conservatory may reap high rewards if you have the time and money. But small things can make a surprising difference too.
Redecorate and complete easy upgrades
Redecorating is the most popular home improvement and giving your home a lick of paint and doing some general maintenance can be done at a very low cost. Fresh paint in modern colours can go a long way to giving your home a new lease of life, so do not be afraid to pick up the paintbrush.
It’s also best to fix all superficial defects. While unlikely to be the clinching factor in a house sale, small problems and defects can create an impression of a house being run down or not well cared for. Things to look out for include:
- Peeling paint
- Dirty walls, especially near doors frames and around switches
- Dripping taps
- Squeaky floors, doors or stairs
- Mouldy sealant in kitchens or bathrooms
- Limescale built up on kitchen and bathroom fittings
- Badly fitted laminate flooring
- Broken lightbulbs
Bigger issues such as damp should not be covered up. It will show up on a survey and is likely to come back to haunt you later on.
Replace doors
First impressions count. Make sure the outside of the house is welcoming the front door of your home can say a lot about the rest of the house to viewers seeing it for the first time. If you cannot afford to replace the door, make sure it looks new by giving it a power wash or a fresh lick of paint. Even a new doorknob, house number or name sign can help.
Try to make your front door look smarter than your neighbours’.
Makeover the kitchen
Kitchens are often the focus for many buyers, so it may be the first thing they look to replace if they can’t imagine living in yours. It’s no surprise that 65% of homeowners have renovated their kitchens before selling up. You may not be able to afford a whole new kitchen, but there are many smaller ways to improve what you already have.
For a relatively small budget painting units or replacing cupboard handles or doors are a cheaper way of refreshing kitchens. Good lighting and clutter-free, clean surfaces will make a big difference to the feel of the house
Buyers may be willing to pay more to save themselves the hassle of buying a new kitchen.
Adding or updating a bathroom
In the bathroom, re-grouting, eliminating all limescale and replacing taps are a good option. Bathrooms need to be fresh and hygienic looking, so paint the walls a neutral shade, and ideally replace a shower curtain with a new one or a simple glass screen.
Garden appeal
An attractive, tidy, well-designed garden can add a great deal of value to a property. It is essential to trim borders, clear pathways and cut back any overgrown trees or bushes.
The garden should feel like an extra space for entertaining or relaxing, rather than an expanse of grass.
