How to make sure your property retains value in the rescession.

Recession, redundancy, repossession, remortgaging, mounting debts, credit crunch - all words that are now used on a daily basis. Rather than depress you further with scary news about how you should be saving and not splurging, I have decided to share some useful DIY tips with you on how to add value to your home. Apparently one of the best things to do in a recession is DIY. Think about it. You can’t afford to go out, so if you’re in you might as well make yourself useful. It doesn’t have to be major DIY jobs, just a lick of paint here and there can really brighten the place up. plus you’ll score some point with your better half as well as add value to your home- bonus! So here’s Floorell’s top tips on how to boost your homes value.

Big changes…

1. Change your kitchen doors. Giving the heart of your home a transplant is a good way to add value. Changing the doors doesn’t have to be expensive either. Save money by visiting factory shops and fit them yourselves. A quick lick of paint, a new toaster and kettle set and a new floor can all help to create a bigger, brighter kitchen. Don’t forget if you’re after a great deal on flooring, we sell a range of beautiful natural stone at factory prices- often up to 50% off r.r.p. You can get a travertine floor from as little as £ 15.99 per m2 inc VAT!

2. Install an extra bathroom- an ensuite in your room or a downstairs toilet are always great extra features.

3.Convert your garage. if the only thing you use your garage for is storage, then it’s time for a change. Either put up shelving and appropriate tool holders or clear the whole lot out and make it a proper room. Imagine a downstairs office, a kiddies playroom, a formal dining room or even just a spare guest room.

4.An extension is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. Most extensions are built on to side or back of the house, but before you start think carefully about where you need the room. is there a new arrival on the way? Do you have an elderly relative coming to live with you that will benefit froma  downstairs room? Are you being overrun by plastic tubs and need somewhere to hide them all? Or do you just fancy a larger kitchen - the choice is yours.

5. Do you have a basement or attic that you can convert? They can make great living spaces. Think about what kind of room you need most, then tailor it to your needs.

Smaller changes (easier option)…

6. Redecorate the hallway. the hallway is one of the first things people see about your home - so make sure you make a good impression. Clear coats and shoes away, store any umbrellas, wellies somewhere else. if you have any rugs give thema  good beating outside to remove any built up dirt. Light colours help to open up dark spaces, whereas darker colours help create an atmospheric look, so choose what suits the rest of your home.

7. Hang up pictures or photos. How many times have you promised to hang those pictures up but never got round to it? Now’s the time to do it. Or invest in some new pictures and brighten up the room. Hang a mirror opposite them to make it look bigger.

8. Clean your windows. Bright sparkling windows instantly make your home more welcoming. While your there, give any curtains a good dust, read the instructions if they need to be dry cleaned.

9. Get rid of clutter. Get rid of any clothing, toys, bits and bobs that you and your family have grown out of. Don’t forget the garage it’s usually full of great re-sellable items like old bikes and power tools that you really, really needed but haven’t even been opened. Remember one persons rubbish is another persons treasure so why not venture down to your next car boot and try to make some money? With all the excess out the way you’ll feel much better (Yes, you really will).

10. Clear out your kitchen cupboards. With bogof (buy one get one free) culture widely available in our supermarkets we all have alot more food lurking in our cupboard than we used to. The problem is we keep buying until we push everything to the back of the cupboard and we forget what we’ve got. By clearing everything out, you can get rid of anything that’s out of date and rearrange it all in an orderly fashion.

These great money saving tips have been bought to you by Floorell www.floorell.co.uk