Cheap/easy ways to add value to a property...

[YourVagesty]

Hi all,

I'm renovating a property to sell and so far have spent a lot of money on 'big stuff'. I'm at the end of the renovation now and wondered what genius tips you might have to help lift the value a bit more? I changed the name of the property yesterday for example, to something more desirable. I'm thinking that there must be things that I haven't thought of? Just little bits and pieces that won't cost be £££s

For background - the house has been fully gutted and brought back to life. Electrics, insulation, damp proofing and replastering has been done throughout. It's been painted throughout. The kitchen needed ripping out so that is being replaced as we speak. All floors have been sanded and varnished. So it's basically a clean shell now. But what else? There must be other things that i'm not thinking of?

Thanks all!

Garden ok? How are the paths or patio?

that's a good point Ajas. I've been so focussed on the house I thought i'd tackle the garden last and just mow the garden/ throw a few potted plants around.

There is an old shed. Do you think it's worth painting it a nice modern colour? Like something in the muted oceanic spectrum? There is also a bit of old decking. It looks a bit slimy and old. I wonder if it's worth salvaging, or just binning it off and extending the lawn.

Decent front door?

Garden or yard sorted out? Not landscaped but clear of rubbish, any paving clean/drains cleared. Any gates sound , with locks or padlocks.

def make sure garden is neat and tidy. If remove decking make sure still an obvious seating area.

I actually haven't thought about the decking at all until this point. Maybe I should sand and oil it and put a cheap IKEA patio set on it? Not one of the really cheap plastic ones, but one of the cafe style sets maybe.

oh and make sure after works windows, kitchen and bathroom etc are cleaned - nothing worse than mucky windows! Particularly if people will be viewing it unfurnished as emphasises dirt more then.

Yes sand it and oil it and put a patio set and some lights or plants on it.

Will you be leaving it empty of furniture for viewings, or are you going to 'stage' it, OP?

Some buyers cannot see how their things will look in a new home, unless they have a frame of reference (e.g. if a double bedroom, it contains a double bed).

Make sure the first impressions of the house are great, the inside might be amazing but if the first thing buyers see is an old front door and grotty drive then it sets the tone for the rest of the viewing.

Also, make the bathroom feel ‘luxurious’. Good quality towels hanging up, fancy hand soap dispensers and posh bubble bath on be side would make me think about lying in the bath with a glass of wine

Oh yes. High end soap etc would always make me think the property was more desirable.

LotsOf, i've had loads of conflicting advice on that. Some people tell me to leave it bare as 'people want to picture their things in the space' and others (including myself) think that you have to show how to use the space. So it won't have a sofa or beds but it will have a dining room set, fridge, appliances etc.

I'll put some flowers in a vase on the dining room table etc to make things feel less spartan. I was thinking about putting some large mirrors in there to make it feel bigger/ lighter too?

Tyrion and Sleep - i'm going to scrutinise the bathroom tomorrow. There is an old pine base unit under the sink. I'm tempted to paint it and swap the handle for something less dated. I'll definitely invest in luxury bubbles and soaps

I’ve looked at hundreds of house listings (just bought a house, but been looking for about 2 years) and I struggled to visualise room dimensions and layouts from the photos if they were unfurnished. I was drawn to the listings that had photos of rooms that were furnished, but not full of ‘extras’ that were specific to someone’s taste, if that makes any sense.

We move a lot with DH's work, we both rent and buy. I think light staging is the easiest way to see a house.
Definitely sort and clean outside area.
Make sure house is sparkly clean.

Our last house was staged with lots of mirrors, some key furniture. I think you can rent stuff for this purpose

Use boxes, to make a bed, obviously with bedding covering the boxes. And hope they don't sit on the bed

Don't put up mirrors/pictures unless you intend to leave them there and they are really nice expensive ones. Thee wise prospective buyers will just be imagining all the tiny holes they will have to patch up. Garden is very important. In your place I would just remove the shed and buy some more mature plants so it looks nicer.

Definitely paint the pine sink base in an eggshell low sheen paint, either white to match the suite or a muted heritage tone, if it matches the other decor.

Indoor plants or flowers to make rooms appear less stark.

I have done a bit of house staging. Ironically after I lived in the US for a year and got to know a realtor.
Do NOT leave it bare. Why would it be bare? Have people moved out? Has it been flipped?
You have to make it look loved and lived in. Do NOT use magnolia as it screams rental. Egyptian Cotton, Goose Down, Natural Calico.
Furnish all rooms. Free cycle and borrowing from friends. Neutral with pops of colour that look good in the rightmove pics.
Yes to mirrors. Nobody thinks holes in the walls when they see a mirror.
Rugs. Throws. Beg borrow or steal (I do) I once dressed with my silk dining room curtains and when the vendor was asked if she was leaving them she said: I've promised them to a friend!
Good luck

I know that when we looked at two apartments in the same building (very similar new builds) the staged really pulled me and made me love the apartment.

Add a downstairs loo if you haven't already got one and have space.

Other than a downstairs loo, none of the other things will add value. They might make is sell quicker but the addition of s mirror / painting shed etc isn't going to add value.

Muted Oceanic Spectrum is an excellent band name.