Julia Kendell, interior design expert for The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (23-25 September, ExCeL, London, www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/London), provides tips on how to add value to your property :
- 1. Bathrooms and kitchens, whilst a hefty investment, will add value to a property as the thought of having to endure the upheaval and expense of replacing such important rooms in the house can be overwhelming for buyers. Most are prepared to pay considerably more for a house with new bathrooms and kitchens to avoid the ‘pain’. Tick as many ‘wish-list’ boxes as possible for buyers, such as a range oven, island unit, solid surfaces, walk-in shower etc to maximise the value of the property.
- One of the key things to add perceived value to your home when selling is to maximise the feeling of space and light. Texture of any kind absorbs light therefore consider simplifying the window treatments by replacing heavy curtains with shutters, woodslat or flat fabric blinds. Fitted shutters are the only window treatment considered to add value to a property. In the same vein, replacing a carpet with a hardwood floor, or a good quality laminate alternative will provide a more open feel.
- 3. Wallpapering a room prior to marketing is rarely a good idea as it is a risk to assume that potential buyers will like your taste in wallpaper! However, if the walls are in bad condition it is worth skim-plastering and re-painting as most buyers are pretty savvy these days and can see if a new coat of paint is disguising a bad surface.
- Good lighting is key to showing a home at its best, both in creating the illusion of space and to produce an interesting and ‘designed’ look. Use good quality fittings to highlight good features and move the emphasis away from the less impressive. A statement chandelier or contemporary piece will add sparkle and raise the tone of the property substantially.