Experts Share Tips On Which DIY Tasks Can Add Value To Your Home & Why You Should Paint Your Front Door Red

The house prices in the UK rose by an average of 11% in the last 12 months, meaning that prospective buyers now need to find upwards of an extra £28,000 in order to purchase their next home – which according to data from earlier this year, will now set them back on average around £276,755.

And experts are anticipating this period of growth to continue for some time despite the fact that In the last few years alone there has been increasing talk that the UK is in the midst of a housing crisis as interest and prices have skyrocketed leaving supply struggling to keep up with demand.

It’s estimated that around 114,650 residential transactions took place in March, the third highest they’ve been for that period in just under a decade.

For some homeowners the increase in property prices represents a conundrum; do they sell up now and cash in on the current market but pay more for their next home or bid their time waiting for the market to slow and risk a lower selling price?

For homeowners that decide to stay put, there is the potential to use this time to improve their current property with the intention to add value, but when it comes to home improvements it can be hard to predict which projects are likely to make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

With this in mind leading tool and equipment hire specialists, Brandon Hire Station, have spoken to a number of experts within the property market in order to determine which projects are worth it and which could actually devalue a property.

Ways To Add Value

One of the easiest home improvements that can quickly add value to a property according to the experts isn’t even technically within the home. Both Quantity Surveyor Daisy Jones of Hewitt Adams and Estate Agent George Clover of Helmores Estate suggest that garden improvements are a great place to start.

George explains that from his experience simply maintaining a clear, clutter-free garden with a tidy lawn can make a huge difference without really costing anything or requiring specialist skills.

However, for those looking for a bigger garden project, Daisy suggests adding a gym or office or even an outdoor dining/kitchen space – all of which have become incredibly popular in the wake of working from home as people re-evaluate their work life balance.

Internally, Daisy argues it’s the smaller details such as choosing quartz or granite kitchen countertops over vinyl finished versions. A sentiment somewhat echoed by George, who highlighted that when it comes to rooms to prioritise, bathrooms and kitchens often offer the best return on investment.

Other projects that can add value to a property according to the experts include anything that creates more space, such as an extension or loft conversion.

George also cautions potential seelers to consider their ‘curb appeal’, stating that many buyers will draw assumptions about a property based on their initial perception. So it’s always worth while giving your front door and windows a little TLC.

He explains: “Properties come up in lists online predominantly. Anything you can do to catch the eye is going to fall into that curb appeal factor”

And the best colour to paint your front door in order to stand out to potential buyers? Pillar box red according to the estate agent.

Projects To Potentially Avoid

Believe it or not, there are some home improvements that may seem like a good idea but in actual fact could devalue your property when it comes to selling up.

One that Daisy says can be hit or miss are sliding barn doors. She argues that while they can be aesthetically pleasing and enhance the look and feel of a room, for some buyers they can be seen as a waste of wall space.

Another emerging trend she suggests potential sellers avoid is wallpapering bathrooms or choosing to paint floorboards or even something as commonplace as tiling.

Other things that can devalue a property include old, unsafe electrics, structural defects and subsidence.