Home Designer & Architect - March 2021

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7 things that devalue a property, according to an expert deter some people away, especially if they are a young family. Broken fences are a common feature of an unkept garden, fences add a sense of privacy to a property, so ensure yours is fixed and solid. Your exterior doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but vibrant flowers, plant pots and cut grass will make a big difference to the ambience. Take some time to put TLC into your exterior as this is where first impressions are made. 3)

Retaining the value of your property is an importance to every homeowner. You want to maintain the elements that led you to purchase your house. Home improvements can be an expensive venture, but it’s no surprise that doing certain things, can enhance the value of your home. Over time, your property will need to be given a new lease of life in the form of refurbishment, redecorating or even a large renovation. However, some improvements to your property might make it less attractive to others. According to Bankrate UK’s October survey, 46% of buyers had their prospective property down valued. Many factors such as the location, square footage and local schools can determine the value of a property, but some things are in the homeowner’s control. There are several things that homeowners should avoid as they have a negative impact on the home and the property’s value. From outdated interior to dodgy DIY, we’ve asked Thomas Goodman, property expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk to share the top 7 things that devalue a property. 1)

Poor workmanship

A spot of DIY might seem like an

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Loud interiors

Everyone has their own individual style, but loud interiors might not appeal to all buyers. A bright yellow wall in the kitchen could be comforting for you, but it might portray your room in a different light to others. The way forward is to innocent task to do around the house, keep things simple, quirky décor, such as but after time you’ll be able to tell the textured wallpaper, is best to be avoided. difference. Professional work is second to none in quality, when buyers step into Embrace neutral colour schemes and opt for warming hues such as light grey your home and agents do a valuation, and terracotta. They might seem far they will take note of details. Your DIY from exciting, but it’s the best way for tiling job might look appealing to you, but amateur work doesn’t have the same surveyors to see the potential and for finish. Uneven floors, unsafe electrics and buyers to imagine themselves residing poorly fitted kitchen units could all bring in your home. It’s the next best thing to a blank canvas. down the value of your property. Whilst some jobs can be of high standard, you should always hire a qualified tradesman 4) Old kitchens for areas including plumbing, heating and gas. If these jobs are not completed In terms of properties, kitchens have to a high standard, they may also be a been revolutionised the most due to potential hazard. technological advances. From the way we cook, to the size of the breakfast bar, Completing DIY jobs on the cheap usually they have changed throughout the years. backfires in the long term and will only The three most important elements are give the potential buyer and surveyor a the tabletops, cabinetry and appliances. chance to negotiate on selling price. A modern kitchen will help to sell a house. It can be expensive to have a complete overhaul and refit the entire 2) Dull exterior unit, but potential buyers might be put off if they must visualise the amount of work The outside of your house is as they need to do. important as the inside. Your exterior is the first thing people see when they This piece was brought to you by the arrive at your door. Estate agents name experts at www.myjobquote.co.uk this as ‘kerb appeal’, if your garden is unkept this will set the tone for the inside Read the rest of this article on our of your house. Artificial grass might be website, click here a low maintenance option, but it can


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