Posted on
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
If you’re a homeowner looking to sell your property, you will need to maximise the value of your home first in order to achieve the best possible sale price.
Home improvements are one of the best ways to really boost your property’s value. While larger projects – adding a conservatory or converting a garage – can reap high rewards, general sprucing up and cleaning can make all the difference as well.
In fact, more than two thirds (68%) of homeowners say kerb appeal was important in their choice of home, a survey from the HomeOwners Alliance.
The survey – which questioned more than 2,000 UK adults – revealed the most crucial aspects of a home’s kerb appeal were well-maintained windows and a roof that appeared in good condition. Pathways and fences, a well-maintained front garden and a well-painted frontage were also highlighted as important.
Sprucing up these features won’t cost much, either. Leaning on figures from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), here at Keys & Lee we have put together a rundown of the top home improvements that can be made on a budget.
Windows and front doors
Windows often go ignored by homeowners, especially in the colder months. According to FMB, repairing and redecorating wooden windows that have not been touched for years would cost between £1,000-£2,000. Scaffolding for upstairs windows may be required, however, which could cost £400 a day to rent.
Similarly, if your front door is looking tired and you wish to redecorate, this could cost up to £200. This includes painting and adding gloss as a top coat.
Roofs and exteriors
The condition of your roof is imperative, and not just for aesthetic purposes. A roof that’s in poor condition can cause leaks and other structural issues. Replacing five missing, loose or cracked roof tiles would cost around £190, with the labour taking up to one day.
For exteriors, the FMB estimates it would cost around £550 to repaint the front of a house. The cost will vary, as scaffolding may be required for this.
Front gardens and fences and walls
Outdoor space is a feature desired by most prospective buyers, so it comes as no surprise that a tidy front garden is high up on the list.
The cost of a complete garden makeover would be around £150 for a day’s work, while repainting a fence can cost about £90 per panel (including labour).
If you were to build a new fence, though, you would need to pay up to £1,500 depending on the materials used.
Pathways and wheelie bins
The small details also matter, with clean pathways and hidden wheelie bins deemed important among would-be buyers.
Repairing and improving the pathway or drive up to the house could typically cost between £100 and £500 depending on the extent of the damage and the surface. Meanwhile, a natural willow wheelie bin screen storage costs as little as £50.
Gutters and lighting
Gutters protect your roof by directing water and debris away from your home and its foundations. Because of this, they are considered important by prospective buyers. Clearing and repairing gutters would cost around £250, including scaffolding.
Potential buyers also value a home that is bright and welcoming. If this is something you want to achieve, adding an exterior light to the house can cost between £250 and £750 and should be completed by a quality electrician.
With the majority of UK homeowners and buyers eager for a property that is modern and refurbished, it’s worth considering the above improvements above improvements – which are relatively cheap yet effective – to boost the value of your property and command a higher asking price.
At Keys & Lee, we assist buyers, sellers and homemovers looking to move up the property ladder in Romford and the surrounding areas. For more information on the services we provide, please contact us on 01708 766 241.
Additionally, to find out how much your property could be worth on the current market, you can also request a free and instant online valuation.
