Simple DIY home improvements that could add value to your property

With parts of the UK continuing to spend more time at home as lockdown restrictions continue, some people are putting their time to good use and tackling some of those DIY jobs. 

But before we begin, we thought it important to highlight a key word in our title: simple! Bad DIY work can leave a terrible first impression. 38% of people surveyed by Go Compare Home Insurance said poor D.I.Y 'handiwork' would deter them from buying a property! So, before you turn your house into a building site, just start with these simple DIY home improvements and you'll be well on your way to adding value to your property!

 Kitchen makeover

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it makes sense that any quick wins and improvements should be focused in this room!

For a relatively small cost, as well as being something that most novice DIY'ers can undertake, painting units and replacing cupboard handles are a great way to freshen-up a kitchen. A lot of buyers look out for properties that are 'move-in ready' and they may be more receptive to paying more for the property if they feel they don't need to replace the kitchen.

 Touch ups and redecoration

Another really simple improvement is redecoration. This is another easy DIY job which can be done on an small budget. 

Bold colours are a great way to express personality into your home, but unfortunately, they can alienate some prospective buyers who don't have the same taste. Redecorating using paint in modern, neutral colours can go a long way to transforming your home and helps buyers visualise themselves living in the property.

If redecorating is a step too far, make sure you at least touch up any cracks / old picture holes as well as any parts of the wall that have become dirty or discoloured over time.

 Add some kerb appeal

When it comes to viewing a property, first impressions matter. An often-forgotten part of your property is your front door. If it is looking like it has seen better days, cleaning the door and surrounding frame and touching up any flaking paint will help improve the kerb appeal of your property. 

Tidying up the front garden, adding a nice plant or tree at the front door and even adding a brand new house number to the property are some other things that can make a huge difference to people seeing your home for the first time.

Also consider power washing your driveway or any paths / brickwork at the front of the property to really make it stand out for the right reasons.

Getting your home looking like one of the best kept houses in the street will go a long way to improving that first impression and ultimately contributing to that all-important sale!

 Get the bathroom sparkling

Similar to the kitchen, prospective buyers can quickly be put off a property if the bathroom looks like it needs replacing or upgrading. Thankfully, there a few quick improvements that can be made that don't require a lot of money.

Re-grouting, eliminating all limescale and cleaning any sealant in your bathroom are all relatively simple jobs that can have a huge impact when it comes to the presentation of your bathroom. You could also consider replacing old taps, or even fitting a new shower head to really give your bathroom the wow factor without breaking the bank.

Even just a fresh coat of paint on the walls can instantly improve the look and feel of a bathroom. 

 Tidy the garden

Particularly because of the restrictions and lockdowns this year, garden space has become a must on many buyers wish lists when it comes to a new home. Ensuring your garden is neat, well-maintained and well-designed can add real value to your property. Out of control weeds and overgrown hedges and lawns are a big no-no so spend a little bit of time and effort getting your garden under control.

If you have a concrete jungle for a back garden, fill any empty pots with some new plants and make sure the patio is clean, free from dirt and moss. If you really don't want to spend a lot, you could also borrow patio furniture from a friend or family member if your garden is lacking in this department.

Whatever you do, make sure your garden acts as an extra space for entertaining or relaxing!

By following the advice above and spending a little bit of money and effort, you can add real value to your property and significantly increase its appeal to prospective buyers. If you're considering selling your property now or in the new year, why not get in touch and we can arrange to have a chat.