The top 5 things that devalue your house

The top 5 things that devalue your house – We know that adding value to your home is best done by adding floor space via conversions, but how is your home devalued most. Where should you spend that cash to make sure you don’t lose out on a best price? These are the top five ways to not splash your cash meaninglessly, instead, tastefully adding value to your home. Remember, not everyone will have the same tastes as you. For certain repair work, you may be eligible to claim for property insurance too.

5. External Paint

 

A bad paint job is up there in deterring house buyers. Having flakey paint is likely to leave any buyers under the impression that if you can’t look after the outside of your house, the inside isn’t going to be much better. The buck doesn’t stop there though. Even if you’ve just painted your house, painting it the wrong colour will likely offend any potential buyers. Try and stick to neutral colours if possible.

4. Distasteful Interior Aesthetics

 

Once you manage to get a buyer into the house, you can’t slip up on interior aesthetics. Anything over done, too brightly coloured, ageing, badly colour coordinated, from the 1980’s or any sort of strange textured wallpaper is a definite no no. Keep it inviting and not too lived in.

3. Disrepair/ Unfinished repairs

 

Getting this wrong is going to certainly put off potential buyers. Leaving serious repairs on show will put off most people. We’re talking heating, exposed plumbing, structural repairs, bad DIY work and even mould problems. It may cost you a few thousand to repair, but you can be guaranteed to lose a lot more than that in price offers if you don’t keep your property in good repair for viewings.

2. The Kitchen

 

Now we’re not saying remove the kitchen. That would be ridiculous. We’re talking kitchen’s that you’ve built to your own specification, kitchens which are slightly unique and even kitchens which are too high-spec. Kitchens are one of the most carefully analysed parts of the house. To get this room could mean you’re losing or even wasting your money. Don’t assume everyone has the same tastes as you do and whatever you do don’t splash out on an expensive kitchen as you may not see a return. Quality components can add value but what we’re saying is, don’t go overboard. Oh and, make sure it’s clean, free of marks and in good repair.

1. An overdone bathroom

 

Keep it simple. Much along the same lines as the kitchen, bathrooms are carefully looked at by prospective buyers and overdoing your bathroom can be problematic. You want to make sure your bathroom is neutral and not to gaudy. Make sure your bathroom is in good nick and you may want to invest in new flooring, tiles or a thorough tile re-grouting. Avoid Vinyl or Carpet in the bathroom (as with the kitchen) and stick to tiles or even a wood floor (depending on your property). Again, make sure its spotless.