When your searching for that perfect dream home, it's often an emotional connection we seek upon entering a room, rather than solely relying on practical considerations. This connection is woven into the aesthetics and materiality of the space. Meaning that its crucial for homeowners to present their abode in the best possible light when it comes time to sell. This is on both sides, whether buying or selling.
Don't just leave it, make it move in ready for the next people, after all, that's what your expecting from the home you are looking at buying, right?
It's not surprising that a significant portion of the population tends to shy away from do-it-yourself (DIY) tasks, due to a combination of impatience, lack of experience, and sad to say, even a little "snobbery", all only leading to a general aversion to tackle such jobs, meaning then they never get done. Only a small number of my clients, feel empowered to "do it themselves". I believe that in today's world, if you are able to set up your new smart phone with your new sim, email accounts, WhatsApp or numerous social media apps, you should easily be able to read the side of a paint can to learn how to apply the finishes or install the items? Most of the tasks in the home are super easy, all you need to do is follow the instructions that come with the items.
Embarking on DIY tasks at home can be a bit of a mixed bag—sometimes rewarding, sometimes downright challenging, and the best projects have a combination of the two, a challenge to work it out, and the satisfaction of completing it and using it in your daily life. I've pulled together my top 10 tasks that many people find a bit daunting, and a few of the common tasks involved.
Install units (wardrobes and kitchen units)
Assembling flat-pack furniture
Mounting cabinets securely
Aligning and levelling kitchen units
Repair or install a new radiator
Bleeding a radiator
Fixing a leak
Installing a thermostat
Put down new flooring
Installing laminate flooring
Laying down ceramic tiles
Fitting hardwood flooring
Upcycle/repair new items
Restoring furniture
Refurbishing vintage items
Repairing damaged woodwork
Install new appliances (dishwasher and washing machine)
Connecting water supply lines
Ensuring proper electrical connections
Levelling and securing the appliance
Fix a tap
Replacing a faucet washer
Fixing a leaking tap
Repairing a dripping faucet
Tiling a floor or wall
Preparing the surface for tiling
Applying adhesive and setting tiles
Grouting and finishing the tiled area
Installing a new bathroom
Fitting a new bathtub or shower
Installing bathroom fixtures
Connecting plumbing and drainage
Hanging pictures and shelves
Locating wall studs
Properly mounting brackets
Ensuring level placement
Painting
Preparing surfaces for painting
Choosing the right paint and tools
Applying even coats and avoiding streaks
It turns out, a lot of us aren't too keen on the task of putting together and installing units like wardrobes and kitchen cabinets. And let's not forget the challenge of laying down new flooring, tiling or a new shower, which also ranks high on my list of DIY tasks that make us pause.
Out of this list to me the best way to create an inviting space, especially when selling, is though paint and colour. So, let's steer away from the mundane, plain and boring and explore warm and inviting hues, that will provoke the right feelings to the new potential owners. Whether it's a soothing neutral or a touch of vibrancy, the goal is to create an ambiance that not only reflects your style but also invites potential buyers to see the unique potential of their future dream home. After all we all want what others have and a stylishly painted home is not just a house; it's an invitation to a journey of comfort, warmth, and lasting memory making.
Tip #1 - Don't be dull, use CONTRAST.
Many individuals instinctively reach for the paintbrush, opting to cover everything in a crisp, white palette under the assumption that it will universally appeal to potential buyers. However, the reality is that infusing warmth through colour can play a pivotal role in helping prospective homeowners envision their own dream haven. Create ambiance and focal interest with carefully selected contrasting colours, it'll add depth to any clinical space.
Tip #2 - Keep the hues, go TONAL.
When you're gearing up to sell your home by spruce things up, diving into the charm of your home's era is a fantastic starting point. Picture this: if your home is rocking that 1900s Victorian vibe, why not go for colours straight from the classic Victorian playbook? You can borrow inspiration from vintage wallpaper or those timeless artisan patterns. It's like giving your place a splash of history in every coat of paint.
And guess what? The paint colour doesn't stop inside. Take one of those cool interior tones and paint it on the window woodwork and the front door. You can keep it in sync, but id prefer to mix it up a little by going a bit lighter or darker for that perfect tonal dance. It's not just about making your home look good; it's about making it feel like home—warm, welcoming, and totally meant to be, let those Victorian vibes flow!
"Colour is a power which directly influences the soul."– Wassily Kandinsky
Tip #3 -The right finish.
In general, most people tend to keep the walls a matte finish, and wood work a satin or sometimes gloss on wood work and doors. But just because the walls are emulsion and the woodwork is satin, doesn't mean you can't have both finishes in the same colour, adding a more contemporary vibe to any space by bringing the colour down and over all the wood work details. Just get the same colour mixed in both finishes. If you're considering using emulsion on your woodwork, It can be done, it's essential to apply a primer first. This ensures that the emulsion adheres effectively to the wood surface.
Personally, I've found and use the GoodHome paints at B&Q, my newfound favourite. They've really streamlined the selection process for finishes. The combination of a tough and durable finish, along with the convenience of using primer where needed, not only shorten the application process but also simplifies the overall selection, equating to less stress. It's a practical choice that enhances both the durability and efficiency of your painting project.
So I conclude that, buying that perfect home is more about feelings than just practicalities. It's the vibe you get when you walk into a room—the emotions woven into the look and feel of the space. So, when it's time to sell, presenting your home in the best light is crucial. This goes, and applies for both buyers and sellers.
Don't just leave your home as is—make it ready for the next folks. After all, that's what you'd want when you're house-hunting, right?
DIY projects might seem a bit overwhelming, but trust me, it's a mix of challenges and rewards. From putting together furniture to tackling a new bathroom, a bit of patience goes a long way. And when it comes to creating an inviting space, especially for selling, paint and colour can work wonders. Forget the bland and explore warm, inviting hues that set the right mood, play with contrast for depth, go for tonal that match your home's vibe, and pick the right finish for durability. GoodHome paints at B&Q are a handy choice—less stress, more practicality for DIY'ers and Professionals.
Remember, making your home look good is not just about making it feel like home—cosy, inviting, and just right, its about selling; So, grab that paintbrush, let the colours flow, and make your home a canvas of character.