If you’re planning to put your house on the market soon, you’ll be expecting visits from potential buyers. A recent survey found that 20% of home buyers spend less than 20 minutes looking around a house before deciding to make an offer. To impress people viewing your property, there are quick DIY touches you can make so everything looks fully presentable.
Minor Updates
First impressions matter. Which is why you don’t want your house to look unloved. Scuffs and signs of aging – whilst normal – don’t give the best impression. There are a few quick fixes which can be done cheaply, quickly, and without needing to hire a professional.
Paint
There are other areas of your house which you can give a quick touch up like the walls. If you have small children or pets, there may be marks or stains on the walls. Going over areas like these with fresh paint will make your property appear brand new.
By choosing to refresh your walls with lighter paint it can leave room for the buyer to envision their own decor
Garden Maintenance
The garden is also another place where small changes can be made. Mowing the grass, cutting overgrown hedges and removing dead flowers can make your garden look less messy and well kept. A survey from Zoopla and Society of Garden Designers found that 47% of people have been put off from renting or buying a property because of the garden’s condition. You may even want to add things like flowers, a bird bath or outdoor art. Remember, you can take anything with you to your new house, but some things can be great for show. Elements like these can show potential buyers what they could do with your garden if it was theirs.
Sealants
There will be small areas of your house which need a touch-up. This could be old sealant in your bathroom and kitchen that needs replacing. Sealant which has been left a while can look unattractive and cause problems like leaks. If potential buyers spot this, it could cause alarm bells to ring in their head. When people move into a house, they don’t want to worry about fixing things. Sealant isn’t expensive to buy and can stop big problems occurring in the long run. You can buy sealant kits that include all the tools to apply properly, usually costing around £40 – well worth the money.
Modernising spaces
Showing that your property is up to date with current trends can be appealing. However you don’t want to go overkill as it might not be their style. To avoid it looking like a renovation project you could modernise the following:
Bathrooms
Your bathroom is an especially good place to add a modern touch. Many buyers are interested in properties with bathrooms that look shiny and new. Instead of replacing your whole bathroom, which takes a lot of time, consider adding PVC wall panels. These come in a range of designs so you can choose one which makes your bathroom feel brand new. PVC panels are often more affordable than ceramic tiles, making this a cheaper and more effective DIY job.
Panels are a quick way to make your bathroom look updated and modern
Lighting
If you’re not sure what else to modernise, consider your light fittings. You might have an old light fixture which doesn’t quite fit in. Or maybe there’s a light bulb which doesn’t quite illuminate the room. You can replace these with newer elements. Lighting itself can do a lot to make a room look appealing. An area with warm toned lighting and fairy lights can make a dark space look cosy and welcoming. Multiple light fittings can brighten up a room, which also makes it seem more spacious and stylish. A dark room reflects coldness and won’t be attractive for potential buyers.
Clean and organise clutter
When buyers are viewing your house it’s important to clear up clutter and organise as many rooms as possible. Removing any clutter is more attractive than showing people a messy house. You may want to add a storage solution like shelves to help you with this. Space for storage is desirable for new buyers, but also helps you get the house looking presentable. Once you’ve removed any clutter, give your house a deep clean. Pay attention to any stains or dusty areas to get them looking sparkly.
A home with proper storage feels less cluttered, allowing buyers to envision themselves living there
Windows are definitely an area to clean. Mould and dust can collect on the glass and around the edges of your windowsill. This can look unattractive if spotted by people viewing your house. Clean windows can let more light in, making a room look more spacious and welcoming. Adding plants is another way to make people feel invited into your home. They can make a room feel airier and create a tranquil setting. Putting them in your bathroom can make it feel more modern too.
Hopefully this article has given you some ideas of small DIY projects and things to add to your home. Good luck with impressing potential buyers!
