HSBC Report Reveals New Policy On Property Sales

HSBC Report Reveals New Policy On Property Sales


New research by HSBC has revealed a new set of ‘rules’ that homeowners need to know in order to get the sold sign up in an unforgiving property market.

If you think that simply neutralising your walls and throwing down some beige carpet is an easy way to get your property sold then think again.

First on the list is de-cluttering. The survey finds that 93 % of home improvement experts believe this is important in giving your home the sell-appeal. They advise also on making sure the lawn is mowed and any paint chips are repaired prior to a viewing.

Conversely, 69 % of home owners are sticking to the old-fashioned myths like cleaning windows and displaying fresh flowers. Painting front doors and putting up new gates in the garden would be money and time better spent according to the HSBC Home Improvement Survey, but only one fifth of homeowners recognise this.

It seems that buyers are now a lot more discerning when looking for a new nest.

Here’s what vendors can do to minimise any uncertainties for would-be buyers:

De-clutter the home
Replace wall paper and get any chips in the wall fixed
Mow the lawn and spruce up the garden
Fences, walls and gates – consider mending, painting, varnishing if needs be.
First impressions last – paint or varnish your front door if required
Only one 1% of experts believe that a freshly washed car on the driveway and a new set of window boxes actually work, 2 % say cleaning windows and moving unsightly dustbins out of the way matters and no one in the survey believes that displaying a vase of freshly cut gladioli makes an ounce of difference.

Working Out Your Bathroom Design - What Do You Want From A Bathroom Design?

Working Out Your Bathroom Design - What Do You Want From A Bathroom Design?

How To Decide What Kind of Bathroom Refurbishment Is Right For You?

Designing a bathroom for your home is one of the major home improvement works which you will carry out. Most people only carry out this kind of project every decade or so, so it is vital that you not only think about what you would like, but also, what will remain fashionable, what will sell your house when it comes to moving (if it is possible in todays difficult home movers market?), and also what you actually want as a family or homeowner from your new bathroom refurbishment.

It is also important to think about a few practical issues such as the legalities of installing a new bathroom, which, of course, now fall under various legislation with regards to fitting electrics in bathrooms and also some areas to consider with regards to minor works. You certainly do not want to be the proud owner of a fabulous new bathroom refurbishment, to then find that you need to start getting your home improvement project certified just as you are about to sell your house.

Let Your Bathroom Be A Reflection of Your Personality? Or Not?

If you are looking for a flambouyant bathroom you should consider whether this will add value to your home if in the future it comes to putting your property on the market. Consider adding flambouyancy that you can 'remove' if necessary if you need to 'tone things down' to cater for the average home buyer. For example, it might be worthwhile limiting your budding bathroom design flourishes to decorative lighting, decorative mirrors and cupboards or fancy bathroom accessories, and keeping the bulk of the bathroom - i.e. the bathroom wall tiling, bathroom suite and floor tiling, fairly neutral. Consider expressing yourself decoratively in emulsion on the bathroom walls, adding intricate towel holders, soap dispensers and the like so that you can paint over walls to neutralise when marketing your home, and remove the 'added extras' as necessary - bonus - you could even take your favourite toothbrush holder with you!

What Do You Want From Your Bathroom Refurbishment?

If your household rarely take baths - you're just too busy, so you're big shower people - why not look at the many options in steam cabinets, shower cabinets with radios and other hi-tech shower cabinets. If you're getting electric showers fitted, don't forget to ensure that your electrical installations are compliant with building regulations.

If your household are lovers of long soaks in the bath, or their idea of exercise is sitting in the gym spa, then consider getting a whirlpool type bath fitted and cutting back on expense with shower cubicles and steam cabinets.

Essentially, let your bathroom design be a reflection of yourself, however, even though the housing market is not moving yet, things can change, so it's important to remember that your home is a big asset and you might just want to sell it one day - so avoid 'the avocado bathroom suite' syndrome - your bathroom might be there longer than you are.

Getting Quotes Off Bathroom Fitters

Please feel free to use Top Tradespeople's free tradesmen quotes services to find and compare no obligation free quotes from local bathroom fitters and designers or other local tradesme.

Using Apps In DIY, Home Improvement, Decorating and Design

Using Apps In DIY, Home Improvement, Decorating and Design
There are applications for everything from getting the latest exchange rates, to discussing kittens and cats, and it probably won't be a shock to many of us to also find that there are numerous excellent DIY and house style ones too. So, what are the very best mobile phone and tablet applications for fanatics of this persuasion?

I.D. Wood

There are a lot of different kinds of wooden out there and also a lot of misconceptions about which is most apt for what type of structure or purpose. The I.D Wood app is your wooden manual, helping you to identify wood by its type and use and reveals most everything you'll ever require when it comes to choosing wood for your DIY and home improvement projects.

Color Capture

For those of us who are a little more into interior design and decorating than nails, hammers, saws and wood, this color scheme app is excellent for colour matching snapshops taken with your phone with any of more than 3,300 paint colours from the Benjamin Moore collection. You need never be undecided as to what colour you need to buy when you find that perfect shade on your travels again.

iHandy Carpenter

Everyone who aspires to be any type of DIY carpenter, needs accurate measuring tools and this one app provides that - courtesy of iHandy Carpenter. There is a complete kit of 5 professional DIY tools included with this application. A plumb bob for ensuring that vertical lines are straight. A virtual steel protractor for measuring angles of up to 180 degrees. A similar 'virtual' steel ruler, bubble measuring tool and a surface level tool to measure flat surfaces.
So, there's a brief roundup on just a few of the many DIY, home interiors and design apps which are popping up on the market now.
Enjoy your DIY.

Stunning Accessories To Give Your Home An International Flavour

Stunning Accessories To Give Your Home An International Flavour

So, you've just finished redecorating your home, but there's still something missing.  Perhaps the corners are a little dull, or the window dressing seems bland.  Check out some of these lovely accessories to jazz up your home, and add the finishing touches your home needs.

Add Some Light

Dark corners can make even the most lovingly designed room look dull and depressing, but fortunately this is easy to fix.  If lamps and traditional candlesticks aren't your style, what about cupcake candles?  Several companies are making them now - you can pick up designer style ones from Laura Ashley, or go the handmade route and get some lovingly created ones from Etsy.  These gorgeous creations are one of the rare occasions when someone gets to say "They look good enough to eat", and really mean it.  Don't put these out if you have young children!