Home improvements - money well spent ?

[LIZS]

We are currently thinking about updating our 1980's built house which we are probably looking to sell next Spring. The biggest jobs we are considering are replacing the downstairs cloakroom with plain white loo and basin, replacement double glazing (8 windows and possibly patio door, currently secondary glazing), new kitchen units/appliances but this would also entail retiling walls and new floor. We've already got a newish boiler/hot water tank, new white bathroom and ensuite. Any other ideas we may have overlooked ?

Will probably ask an estate agent for advice re: windows and kitchen, but has anyone had these type of jobs done recently and did you consider it money well spent ? For us it is as much about saleability as adding value.

tia

Wouldn't bother with new sanitary ware in the cloakroom unless it's avocado or purple or something. Double glazing is usually popular (although has to be in keeping with the house) and secondary glazing is quite off-putting so would think that's a good idea. New kitchen a good investment but could you just replace cupboard doors and worktops?

Windows! Secondary glazing is very off-putting IME. You can get new doors for units if the bodies are basically in good nick, and that saves money...although I'd replace the lot if the cupboard interiors are yellowing/scuffed/chipped.
The other thing I always find off-putting is scuzzy-looking fitted cooker/hob.
Agree with edam - unless you have a vile coloured cloakroom suite, don't bother. Champagne etc quite acceptable IMO.

lol it is avocado ! and fully tiled with coordinating marble effect tiles with matching loo roll holder to boot !!

2 votes for the windows - anymore ?

Cloakroom - you could do it really cheaply, white suite and white tiles - then housedoctor it for a bit of colour
D/G very popular

ok,

2 votes for windows
3 for cloakroom
? kitchen cabinets are not great and we have a freestanding gas cooker which is 15 years old

I would check out what's on offer nearby, and ask an estate agent what's selling well at the moment. Personally I would actively avoid a house with double glazing (although we have it in our bathroom) but in some areas it is completely standard, and if you don't have it your house may be "marked down". The other thing to watch is spending more money than you will get back. We are currently tarting, and I am thinking of asking a couple of friends to come around, spend 10 mins looking around and tell me all the things that are off putting about our place. You also should consider who is likely to buy your place, and what they might be after.

Thanks. Most of the others around here have laminate floor and replacement dg windows (we are near a main railway line and airport). 2 have been on the market recently but neither have sold yet, so have seen photos on the net and have a rough idea of value. The financial side does concern me a bit though, especially as we've already splashed out on the bathrooms so to speak !

Def do the bathroom as the colour will upset!
Windows will help sell (especially with airport and railway)
Don't over do the laminate, halls its fine, kitchens better in lino/tile, living rooms/dining sell better with carpets
Do the kitchen units if you have to, but as below if you can get away with doors go for that instead, and make sure worksurface is upto date...you could lob in a fitten oven, you can get some fairly cheap fan ones, and a gas hob, with extractor (usually what building co's go for as cheapest option) However personally when I next look to buy I'll be looking for or adding a double oven!