Sugar Soap The Walls(01 of10)
Open Image Modal“The simplest thing to do before you start decorating is to sugar soap the walls and paintwork,” says Faulkner. “You can buy sugar soap for about £2 – and used on good quality paint, it’s the equivalent of putting your walls through the washing machine. You can save two or three paint jobs by using good quality paint and sugar soaping the walls.” (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Paint The Walls(02 of10)
Open Image Modal"If sugar soaping doesn’t work and the walls are left looking patchy, give them a good lick of paint," says Faulkner. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative: "Thanks to all the magazine inspiration available these days, you no longer have to ‘magnolia’ the whole place." (credit:luckyraccoon via Getty Images)
Plaster Skim Coat(03 of10)
Open Image Modal"If your internal walls are very uneven, it can be cheaper to add a skim coat of gypsum plaster rather than doing a full strip and repair," says Holmes. "A covering of pva bonding, a skim coat and two layers of 2-3mm finishing plaster will make the walls good as new ready for decorating." (credit:Getty Images)
Fix The Little Things(04 of10)
Open Image Modal“We’re very good at not fixing that broken plug, not putting those wires away, not changing those light bulbs, not fixing that leaking tap,” says Faulkner. “Fix all those all those little jobs: Get rid of all the mould in the bathroom, get a new shower curtain and change things like the bath plughole that will only cost about £12 to replace. Jobs like redoing the sealant around the bath can be trickier so it’s worth getting in a pro to do that.” (credit:Jose Luis Stephens via Getty Images)
Get Kerb Appeal(05 of10)
Open Image ModalDe-clutter(06 of10)
Open Image Modal"Every now and again I like to just clear the whole house and get rid of any clutter," says Faulkner. "Keeping things nice and clean and tidy will increase the perceived the value of your home, too." (credit:Goodshoot via Getty Images)
Spruce Up Your Stairs(07 of10)
Open Image Modal"You can clad your existing staircase with a kit of laminate treads and risers to create a contemporary staircase without having to change the whole flight," says Holmes. "Adding that 'wow' factor will help to make your property stand out and could make all the difference when it comes to selling further down the line." (credit:Getty Images)
Look After Your Windows(08 of10)
Open Image ModalWell kept windows will not only improve the look of your house outside and in, they will save considerable money on your utility bills. "Replace any broken panes and make good any damage to the frames," says Holmes. "Repaint and add new draught seals to improve energy efficiency, and reduce noise pollution. This could reduce fuel bills by up to 10%."Replacing your windows - or boiler - could be a worthwhile investment, adds Faulkner: "Although you’ve paid out £10,000 for your windows or £3,000 for a boiler, you’ll see the savings on your utility bills straight away and your property will be more sellable in the future." (credit:Getty Images)
Make Things Water Tight(09 of10)
Open Image ModalLooking after the outside of your home isn't just about making it look pretty. Jobs on the exterior of a property often get neglected - what the eye can't see and all that. "People are more keen to put a kitchen in than they are to make sure it's wind and water tight, which is far more important," says Faulkner. "Next time it rains, go and stick your hat on and go out and check your guttering for leaks and make sure your drains are all working fine." (credit:Kristian Septimius Krogh via Getty Images)
Get A Downstairs Cloakroom(10 of10)
Open Image Modal"The space beneath the stairs at ground floor level is often ideal for forming a downstairs cloakroom – unless there are stairs down to a cellar," says Holmes. "Some buyers will not consider a property without a downstair loo, especially those with mobility impairments." (credit:pripir via Getty Images)