Tweet

Fri 22 Jan 2021

Carl Watts, Director and Valuer for over 25 years shares his thoughts on what should you spend your time and money on whem making home improvements ... 

Without doubt this is the question I get asked the most! Before you do anything to your home you should ask yourself whether you are doing the work for your own benefit or for resale. Try to cover both scenarios and make changes that you can enjoy whilst improving the value and saleability. I suggest the five main points that you need to look at are:

Kitchen, Bathrooms, Decoration, Windows and Curb Appeal !

 

Kitchen:

Often the most saleable room of a home. There are some fantastic styles of kitchen unit and some weird and wonderful appliances available. I would recommend that if you are not selling within a few years you go for a very traditional and robust kitchen that does not date. In the 25 years I have been in the Estate Agency industry styles of kitchens must have changed at least four or five times. In fact the only style that has remained constant has been the wood fronted base and wall style units. Appliance wise you need to think about building in as much as possible. The modern day buyer will expect a kitchen to have an oven, hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher built in.

Bathroom:

On the subject of bathrooms I have seen some wonderful colours over the years. Colours are OUT! There is only one type of bathroom that you should install, and that is a white suite with chrome fittings. If you are thinking resale, do not remove a bath and replace it with a shower if it is the only bath in the house.
 

Windows:

Sealed unit windows are now part of building regulation so again double glazing has become a MUST. Wood is as popular as UPVC, but only if the wooden windows have been maintained and are in perfect working order. Wooden windows last for decades if you take care of them.

Decoration:

The simple rule for decoration is that unless you are very competent on the art of interior design, keep it neutral. Houses never fail to sell with magnolia walls and white ceilings. Light colours will also give a house a much more airy feel. Carpets are still as popular as wooden and laminate flooring, but if you are going for carpets keep them neutral and try to run the same colour throughout the property.

Curb Appeal: 

In so many instances I have been to value a house where internally it is absolutely immaculate but the outside is tatty. Curb appeal is about first impressions and that means the landscaping needs to be trimmed and the lawn needs to be mowed regularly. Windows need to be up to scratch and front doors, if wooden, need to be painted.

As a final thought, remember home improvements don’t need to be expensive. It is not the amount of money you put into your home that counts, it is the amount of thought!

For honest and expert advice, call me today to arrange your free, no obligation valuation of your property.