Sprucing up to sell...

clarab_3

Hi Guys,

I've lived in my flat for 6 years now - everything got doneup when I first bought it, but now Im looking to move on and things need patched up a little if Im going to realise the best possible price (hopefully for the least outlay!)

Needing done is:

a little plasterwork,
new worktops, oven and hob to bring the kitchen up to scratch and
some work on the heating - radiators bled and a new timing system.

Other stuff - like painting, decorating and a good deep clean Im more than ready to roll my sleaves up and get into myself, but Im not the best at practical things.

Any hints on saving money and getting these jobs done gratefully recieved

ormus

dont waste too much money on the heating system. unlikely anyone will spot a problem there.
the plaster needs to be done, and painted.

be very conservative re the decor. look at new homes, see what they do.
no one on their right minds wants a flat decorated by colin and justin.

clarab_3

ormus wrote: »

dont waste too much money on the heating system. unlikely anyone will spot a problem there.
the plaster needs to be done, and painted.

be very conservative re the decor. look at new homes, see what they do.
no one on their right minds wants a flat decorated by colin and justin.

thank you - it's all very conservative as it is really - white and cream in the main, lots of woodwork, just needs a fresh coat to look spruced up!

shelly

Unless the worktops, oven and hob are really rough I wouldn't spend money on replacing them only to leave them behind. Just make sure you clean from top to bottom and declutter. Don't decorate too much, keep it neutral. Buyers will only come in and paint to their taste anyway.

sandy2_2

These are my thoughts
Declutter, depersonalise,clean windows, clean mirrors, clean light fittings or update with modern shades or fittings, get rid of net curtains, dress bed with new bedding, clean carpets if you have them, use throws over shabby furniture
Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, make sure yours is spotless..deep clean is a really good idea here, but do you really need to renew worktops etc might need a new shower curtain
Make a good first impression ie get the front door and hallway immaculate and keep the place clean and tidy until it's sold
It might be an idea to ask a friend to give an unbiased appraisal of what might need doing as well

Good luck

adandem

I agree with others, go for light neutral wall colours (which you have), make sure everything is clean and de-cluttered.

I probably would replace worktops if they are really bad as it might give the buyer an impression of needing a new kitchen if they are awful. You might get some clearance ones, our Focus was selling them off. Ikea worktops are also very good value.

It does make a difference as we managed to knock a huge amount off the asking price of our house because the sellers hadn't bothered with it and there was furniture and clutter everywhere. It didn't cost us much to get it straight but put loads of people off.;)

clarab_3

thanks All very much - I think I will go ahead with the worktops - Im replacing the old plasticy sink with an inexpensive stainless steel one and for the sake of 5 metres of worktop and a steel hob I think it will make all the difference to the kitchen. Entire bathroom was replaced last year.

Elliesmum

I go with most of the advice that has already been said here. According to the house doctor you should clean, clean and clean some more. Pay attention to your appliances in the kitchen like your fridge and washer. It's amazing what dirt people do spot.

Good luck.

EM xx