Trying to sell your house but don’t have the funds for renovations? You don’t need to spend a fortune making your house attractive to buyers.
Sometimes, the simplest home DIY is enough to impress shoppers.
A quick trip to the hardware store will get you any repair tools you need. Consider each room in your house and how you can improve it. The smallest improvement can impress buyers and land you a sale.
Don’t believe you can DIY home repairs? Keep reading to learn 10 ways to improve your house for sale.
1. Lighting Fixtures and Bulbs
Recessed lighting burnt out? Missing bulbs in the sconces? Chipped kitchen fixtures?
These are all quick and easy repairs you can do yourself. Do a little research on the type of bulb each lighting fixture needs. Find it at the hardware store and screw it in.
If some of your fixtures have chips, replace them. You don’t have to choose the fanciest or most expensive replacement. Choose a simple and affordable option that looks timeless.
You may want to consider the brightness in each room. Avoid harsh white lighting in the bathroom because it’s unflattering. Make sure the kitchen lighting isn’t too dull.
2. Update Wall Paint
You may have poured over home décor magazines finding the perfect wallpaper. As beautiful as it is to you, potential buyers aren’t impressed by the wallpaper.
A simple neutral paint color allows the shopper to see potential in the space. They can easily change the color or leave it as it is. Wallpaper screams maintenance and work.
Before you put your house on the market, remove the wallpaper. Put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and make sure there aren’t any chips. Remove the baseboards first to ensure they stay clean.
3. Boost Curb Appeal
When potential buyers drive up to your house, what will they see? Curb appeal is very important to home shoppers. The outside hints at what’s to come inside.
Start by mowing the lawn, weeding, and trimming bushes. You don’t have to plant a garden, but any gardens should look maintained.
Clean the exterior windows and sweep the porch. Consider checking the gutters to ensure they aren’t clogged. When you do this, replace any loose or damaged roof shingles.
4. Patch Holes
Before you put on that fresh coat of paint, patch any holes. These could be big holes from a doorknob or small holes from hanging pictures. Make those walls look brand-new.
To patch big holes, buy a mesh patch from the hardware store. Cover it with plaster and sand flat. For small holes, skip the mesh patch and start plastering.
5. Revamp the Deck
Curb appeal doesn’t stop in the front yard. Your backyard porch is an attractive feature for buyers; make it look appealing.
First, clean the deck by power-washing and removing debris. Consider re-staining the wood with a flattering new shade.
Any loose boards should get replaced or reinforced with nails. Make sure you sand away any splinters or sharp edges.
6. Replace Old Doors
Doors are one of the first house features to get beaten up. We slam them, scratch them, and bump furniture against them. It’s surprising how damaged doors can get.
Consider replacing any interior doors that can’t get fixed. This is an excellent idea in older homes that have doors long overdue for replacement.
Update your home by installing updated doors and knobs. You may need a partner to help you screw in the hinges.
7. Woodwork Scratches
Real hardwood is one of the most coveted house features. Buyers love seeing hardwood floors and cabinetry.
Make sure your home’s woodwork is up to par by buffing out scratches. Some recommend using a walnut to buff scratches. But, wood stain pens also work; choose a stain slightly lighter than the wood.
You want to sell your house fast. Use We Buy Houses and the right wood stain for a quick sale.
8. Change HVAC Filters
Is your air conditioner or furnace being extra loud? Or maybe you’re furnace isn’t distributing heat the way it’s supposed to.
You don’t need to make an emergency call to an HVAC technician. Homeowners can easily replace filters without worrying about damaging the appliance.
This is especially important if you have pets. Most filters get clogged with pet fur, something house shoppers don’t want to see. If your filter is shooting dog hair into the vents, you’ll see it all over your home.
9. Caulk Bathroom Tiles
Bathrooms are some of the most important rooms in the house. They get dirty fastest, and they can be expensive to renovate.
Shower tiles are the first element to get gross. You can easily clean the grout with a store-bought product, or a vinegar-water mixture. Let it sit, then scrub off with a scouring pad.
Any missing grout or gaps between the tiles and the bathtub can let water in. Fill in these spots with caulking.
10. Replace the Toilet
Toilets are another part of the bathroom that can gross out potential buyers. It’s normal for toilets to show some wear and tear if they’re old. If you haven’t replaced yours in years, it’s likely due.
Luckily, it’s super easy to remove and install a new toilet. You can do it yourself without spending a fortune. Pick the most affordable and simple toilet at the hardware store.
Or, you might only need to replace the toilet seat. That’s another item you can get at the store. The bathroom is a crucial point of focus for your DIY repairs.
Want More Ideas of DIY Home Repairs?
You don’t need to break the bank hiring a contractor for home repairs. Many impactful repairs are DIY and easy to complete. Plus, they make a huge difference when trying to sell your house.
If your house is on the market, try out some of the DIY home repairs on this list.
There are lots of things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers. From cleaning to safety-proofing, check out these home improvement tips. Your dream house is waiting, you just have to close the deal!
