Need to move next year - advice on decorating?

[fifitot]

I live in a nice 2 bed house but we need to move though likely to be this time next year. In the meantime our hall, stairs, landing is in desperate need of decoration and our bathroom is looking a bit tatty.

Originally I thought we should get new full bathroom and full dec job on h/s/l - this means removal of the woodchip (!), possible replastering and then full decoration.

However money a bit tight and was wondering if it would really make that much difference to price to do those things. I was considering just getting h/s/l painted and a new neutral carpet which will make a real difference. Then just new silicone round bath and shower, new taps and painting bathroom.

All of this will make a difference and cost about 1/3 of what will cost if have to do the full lot. I don't really want to put apx £2 grand into house as may not recoup it.

What do you think? Rest of the house is fine and recently renovated.

BTW - is a small terrace so likely to go to ccouples just starting out I think. Plus houses sell well here.

Any advice most welcome.

Your idea sounds fine.

Viewers will get an overall impression of fresh/clean and it is a starting out home, so no high end stuff required.

New silicone and taps is good too.

Just keep it plain and simple and you won't go wrong.

Thanks was hoping someone would agree! Though sure some won't! Even if any new buyers want to change the bathroom it is in general good condition and would probably be able to live with it.

Seems mad spending a fortune and then moving out!

Yes, it is tricky finding that middle ground.

Given that houses round your area sell well and that it is a good first home for a couple, a nice freshen up should be grand. There are always fussy bastards people with unreaistic expectations, but most people are interested in area and overall impression. Get a good EA too!

Unless bathroom suite is a total disastyer, don't go to the expense of replacing it. New sealant and taps will make a big difference. If thereis any limescale discolouration get that dealt with as well.

Are you thinking of painting the tiles in the bathroom? IMO that's a no-no. That's what our sellers did and it looks cheap and nasty. It also peels off, and if you have dc they may have peeled enough off by the time you actually sell for it to look worse than before.

Painting walls/woodwork OTOH, a good idea.

Woodchip on walls looks worrying to some peopel - ie what are you trying to hide? But unless you put it up, do you know what it is hiding? Striping it could uncover problems that you would tehn have to address.

So either paint it and risk viewers wondering about it, or perhaps find a way to cover it. I think there'sa paint that covers textured surfaces. Else you could repaper with heavy-grade scrim-backed or fabric-backed lining paper, before painting over that. It hides things well (I know )

If you carpet is not worn, and doesn't have a dire pattern, it might be worth steam-cleaning first, to see whether you could avoid replacing. We steam-cleaned a carpet win our new house, and it literally changed colour from dull beige to a pinkish peachy colour.

Brill ideas - thanks ladies.

We're in the same situation - I think we're just going to do the bare minimum to freshen up (painting, new rubber trim on shower, revarnish floor etc) rather than going OTT with redecorating. What you are suggesting sounds fine for a first time buyer's house.