DIY - Do You or Don’t You?

Do it yourself (DIY) building modifying or repairing something without the help of experts or professionals, where did this originate?  This common phrase had come into common usage in standard English by the 1950’s and referred to the emergence of a trend with people doing their own home improvements both as a creative recreational and cost saving activity.

In the mid 1990’s DIY home improvement began to find its way onto the World Wide Web where sites were set up offering free extensive DIY home-improvement.  In the 1970’s when home video (VCRs) came along DIY instructors quickly grasped its potential for demonstrating by audio-visual means. Beyond magazines and television the scope of home improvement DIY continues to grow online and most mainstream media outlets have extensive DIY-focussed information websites.

Back to Basics

The easiest home improvement to optimise chances of selling your house quickly is redecoration. Worn and shabby wallpaper and chipped paintwork immediately detract from the appearance of the interior of your house and can put off many purchasers. 

The same can be said for the exterior of the property which could stop some potential viewers from going through the gate.  Redecorating can be done relatively cheaply especially if your do not need a tradesman and quickly transforms a tired property into a marketable home. 

Ensure internal fittings such as loose hinges sticking doors and windows are repaired. Even if carpets are tired and worn if cleaned they will look bright and smell fresh.

Outside tidying the garden makes your property look good from the outside and encourages viewers to want to look at the inside. Sort loose roof tiles or slates as this could be indicative of a leaking roof and many potential buyers will shy away from this.

Value Add

Home improvements that add value to your property can be a worthwhile way of investing. Improving what you have can boost the capital value of your property and improve your chances of selling.

Do your research if you are thinking about making changes. Some building work and unsympathetic extensions can devalue a property or make it difficult to sell

As a general rule creating extra space is a winner, kitchens are seen as the hub of the home and extending the kitchen and making it multi functional can add value or possibly integrating the garage as an extra space or adding additional bedroom or bathroom are sound possible options.

Impression of space is everything so de-clutter and rearranging layouts can achieve a look of space.

Features such as pools, gyms, out of character additions or poor quality extensions tend to be financial losers.

Sprucing up the front entrance encouraging people to want to see more is a must.

Deciding to improve and make ready your property for selling is a substantial undertaking however David Jordan Estate Agents are on hand with lot of advice and tips to help you get the possible price for your property.

Call or email us using the details on our website www.DavidJordan.co.uk

T: 01323 898414