Property

Best home improvement websites

When trying to increase the value of your home you must be realistic; fitting a new kitchen will not necessarily hike up the asking price, especially if the roof is caving in. Make sure the overall condition of your house is good, look at things like the electrics, plumbing and gutters.

Gavin Brazg from www.theadvisory.co.uk, a website that offers independent impartial advice on buying and selling your home, says ‘Make sure the condition of your house can’t be used against you (ie remove an excuse for a buyer to renegotiate on your price). Generally speaking, space will add the most value to your home. In the UK we live in some of the smallest accommodation in the EU.’ Turning the loft into an extra bedroom might be costly but will add value to your home.

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Tina Jesson, founder of Home Stagers offers her top tips for adding value to your home.

1. Start with the outside
The property needs to stand out for the right reasons. Mow the lawn, paint the door, make sure the house/flat name or number is clearly visible – if not buy a new sign. Clear any litter that has collected outside or even opposite the property, sweep the drive and get the windows cleaned.

2. Clear the hallway
'Always show people in through the front door rather than through a back or side door. Tidy away all shoes and coats. This creates an initial feeling of space. Make sure the hall is well lit – no dim energy-saving bulbs when you sell.

3. Create a lifestyle
Make sure each room is well defined with a clear function. It’s somewhere between looking over-full with too much going on and being empty and lifeless. Bedrooms should all have a bed if possible and dining rooms should exude lifestyle andentertaining potential.

4. Update the kitchen...
If you don’t have much money to spend they at least need to be clear and clean. If you have a small budget, in the kitchen changing light
fittings, using tile paint on wall tiles, painting dark cupboard doors with a lime wash or cupboard paint and replacing door handles with more stylish modern options can update a dated kitchen without the expense of refitting it. If you do have the budget to refit the kitchen, keep the units in the same place to keep your costs down. You may just be able to replace the doors or get an end-of-range kitchen.

5. And spruce up the bathroom
Replace coloured bathroom suites with white if your budget will go that far. If not and you have to keep the coloured suite, then work with the colour in various shades. Repainting in the bathroom can give it the fresh look required. Use a grouting pen and renew the sealant around baths and showers to refresh any mildew areas. Fresh fluffy ‘show’ towels should be brought out for viewings.

6. Make it ‘move-in-able’
Don’t think the new owner will do it. They will only do any work if and when they want to, not because they have to. especially if they
are paying top money for the property.

7. Thin out your belongings
Most people in London are short on space and are selling so they can move into somewhere bigger. You don’t want your place to look as though you’ve grown out of it. Use personal storage for a few weeks while you sell the property.

8. Avoid the bare look
Don’t remove too much or the property loses its soul and can become more difficult to sell.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself, Home Stagers, the UK’sleading home staging franchise, can help. For £197 (excl VAT) you can get a ‘Personal Home Consultation’ with your local Home Stagers stylist, which includes a report and helpful hints. (0800 542
8952/www.homestagers.co.uk).
 

Best home improvement websites
www.theadvisory.co.uk
Offers impartial advice on buying and selling your home.

www.findabuilder.co.uk
Representing more than 13,000 small and medium-sized companies throughout the UK, members are carefully vetted before they are allowed to join, and are required to adhere to a strict code of practice.

www.homeimprovementadvice.co.uk
Advice on home improvements.

www.nhic.org.uk
National Home Improvements Council governs companies that work in the home improvement sector.

www.homesandgardens.com
Good decorating and design advice.

www.homestagers.co.uk
Specialises in TV makeover-style home treatments, with a view to securing a speedy sale. (0800 542 8952).

www.stylelounge.co.uk
Decorating advice for your home.

www.diydoctor.org.uk
Hints and tips on DIY.