DIY Ideas to Add Instant Value to Your Property
When it comes to boosting your home's value, big projects like extensions and loft conversions often come to mind, however, these aren’t these easiest (nor cheapest) options. The good news is there are plenty of quick wins that you can do yourself that will create a fantastic first impression for any potential buyer.
So before putting your house on the market it would be worth asking yourself, “are there any improvements I can do myself?” In this article we’ll be going over ideas that don’t require a lot of money or professional help - just a bit of enthusiasm.
Repainting
You’ll likely have heard this before, but painting is an overlooked part of getting your house ready for the market. A buyer’s first impression is the current state of the walls. Walls show how well a property has been cared for. A nice fresh neutral coat of paint will affect how spacious and clean the house feels.
Whilst painting is something everyone can do it's worth noting the colour of the paint can massively impact how someone looks at the property. By choosing more neutral and warm colours it allows the buyer to envision living there.
● Colours to avoid: Burgundy, red, pink, and bright yellows.
● Colours to consider: White, off-whites, sage, pale greys & greens.
Giving the bathroom a refresh
A nicely decorating bathroom can help sway the opinion in your favour. Just by adding a few small changes you can make the room look neater and move in ready.
Wall panelling
Bathroom wall panelling is a quick way to make your bathroom look complete, and unlike traditional tiling, it’s much cheaper and doesn’t require a professional to fit it. There are a variety of bathroom wall panel styles but, if you’re looking to appeal to buyers, minimalism is the way to go - a nice grey slate effect would be perfect for this.
Fixtures
Updating your fixtures in your bathroom is like giving the bathroom an instant facelift. By swapping out worn out taps, showerheads, and handles for something more modern can make a huge difference. Be sure to match the fixtures for a more cohesive look.
Regrouting and removing limescale
It’s natural that over time grouting degrades and limescale appears, making your bathroom look more ‘tired’ and unclean. The fix to these issues is very simple and affordable.
Adding some simple upgrades to kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. When a buyer walks into a kitchen they are most likely already picturing themselves cooking meals. It’s best to update anything that looks too ‘lived in’ to not break this immersion. A lot of people like blank slates to overlay their lives upon. Most people also assume kitchens need a remodel but it’s not always the case.
Fixtures
Similar to bathrooms, fixtures are a quick win. Replace outdated taps, cabinet handles, and light fixtures with a contemporary look.
Cupboards
Your kitchen cabinets are one of the most prominent features in the room. Give them a little touch up for a big impact. This can be done by painting or replacing them entirely. Both options are easy to do yourself. You can also replace existing cabinet knobs for an instantly different look.
Radiator Covers
This is a very easy last finishing touch to add to your home. Radiator covers usually come with their own brackets so all you need to do is assemble it and screw in the brackets. These covers make the house look very smart and can also be used as a place to store keys or add a decoration to. Plus it adds an element of safety by covering up any hot pipes from kids.
Be sure to do a bit of research as some covers can trap heat and reduce efficiency.
There we have it. Some quick wins that can be achieved by sellers with little DIY knowledge. Good luck with your property sale!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
