Five home improvements that could devalue your home
If you’re considering selling your home, you might be wondering about how to get the best price once it goes on the market.
Renovating your property is one way to increase its value, but there are certain modifications that can actually have the opposite effect. Here are some of the renovations that we recommend avoiding if you’re hoping to reach that dream selling price.
1. Getting rid of the bath
Showers are a huge selling point, and removing the bath entirely can open up a small bathroom and provide extra space. However, some potential buyers will see this as a negative.
Families with young children, those who are planning to start a family, and pet owners may prefer the convenience of a bath for bathing the kids and washing muddy paws. That missing bath may also be a deal breaker for those who simply enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub after a long day.
To improve saleability, try to make sure that both options are available. If the bathroom is small, install a power shower over the bathtub instead of a separate shower cubicle.
2. In-your-face decorating
Your home should always be a reflection of your personality but those personal touches could put people off once it’s time to sell.
Funky wallpaper, patterned carpets and bold, bright colours aren’t to everyone’s taste, and some people may struggle to see past them. Dark colours such as blacks, blues and greys can also make a property feel gloomy or uninviting.
3. Painted wooden floors
Real wooden floors are a highly sought-after feature in homes, and they can add a lot of character and value. While they can look really quirky and trendy when painted, this may completely ruin their value in the eyes of your buyers.
Stripping the paint and refinishing the wood is an expensive and time-consuming task, and this can put people off - especially if there are other renovations that need to be done.
4. Poor-quality DIY
DIY is a great way to save money when renovating your home - if done correctly. Using cheap materials, working beyond your abilities or failing to apply for planning permission can actually cost you more money in the long run when it comes to selling your home.
Shoddy workmanship, bad paint jobs and unauthorised renovations can make potential buyers run a mile. Investing in professional decorators, builders and home renovation experts is well worth the money if you want to increase the value of your home.
5. Creating a home office
A home office can be the ideal use for the box room in your home but you need to consider how easily it can be converted back to a bedroom after sale.
If your property is advertised as a three-bedroom home, many people will expect to see three liveable bedrooms, especially if it is a family-style home in an area with great schools. Avoid installing anything like built-in shelving or cable management solutions that can be difficult to remove.
I hope these small tips help you if you’re considering selling, but if you’d like to chat through your mortgage options then why not get in touch with me on 07375 886347 and I’ll be happy to help. Or visit our website at mortgageadvicebureau.com/cambridge.
Because we play by the book, we want to tell you that your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances, but a typical fee is up to one per cent of the amount borrowed.
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