Selling a house - what refurbs maximise value - white goods?

gazref said:
Evening all,

To my surprise most of my recent house themed google questions have returned OCUK posts. So I thought I'd try get some experienced input from the gang. I'm fixing and sprucing up the house in order to sell. Looking to focus the budget the for maximum return and avoiding pitfalls.

Job list so far
New kitchen / wall knocked through to dining for open plan kitchen dine.
clean, declutter and paint
new boiler (gas A rated)
bathroom, ensuite and downstairs loo refits

maybe list
uvpc windows
garden project

In the first thread of many I'd like some steering when it comes to white goods. Is spending 1000s on washer/dryer/dishwasher value or waste? Is it common place to throw them in with the house or take them with you? I've read some posts that buyers either dont want or offer you low prices for leaving the goods behind.

Right now the dryer is an old school vented one that lives in the garage. Looking at a new heat pump one that can sit inside the utility next to the washer. They're approx 500-600 but arent considered fitted so you can take them with, included in price or sell to buyer. Do I cheap out, get a good brand or leave the set up as is ? Same with washer.

Cooker and dishwasher are knackered. 100% need replacing. Do I got mid-top end for these when the kitchen is redone.


Chuck any information and advice my way. I'll take anything you got.

Thanks
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I wouldn't spend thousands on appliances and would only replace things that are knackered with midrange. Shop around online. Re the dryer, if you want to replace just buy a condenser dryer for £250-£300. If you don't get the price you want take it with you.
Definitely clean, de clutter, depersonalise and maybe neutralising decor.
Personally I think it's worth spending some money on creating some kerb appeal at the front of the house,whether that be tidying the garden and or some pots in plants, paint front door etc.
Definitely wouldn't bother with new windows or boiler. You won't even get half back.
Maybe get a price for new carpets throughout. Same neutral colour. Just cheap carpet.
Bathrooms, new flooring ( NOT CARPET) if they're not tiled. Vinyl will do.
If you really want to do anything in the kitchen you could replace the doors ( or get them painted or re wrapped ) and new worktops, sink, taps.
Make sure the house smells nice!
Out of interest, as a percentage, what was the difference in the " as is" value versus " returned"?
 
Thanks, that’s helpful.

I’d probably replace the oven but get something used off Facebook/gumtree in better condition. They are only held in with two screws.

I can see now why you say the flooring is pretty bad. You can easily do that yourself, laminate is cheap and very easy to fit. You only need basic tools as a minimum. a jigsaw will make it much faster but all the cuts can be done with hand saws. You could do this for under £300 and a weekend. As for a jigsaw, nothing fancy is needed cheap one from a diy store will do for under £50 with blades.

Otherwise I’d leave the kitchen as it is, it needs a full refurb and doing anymore isn’t going to change it.
 
Just put the house up at the price you want, with no extra work done, just tidy it up and get rid of all the clutter. Add up the cost of all the works and things you are going to buy and then take that off (if you have to). Stick with a no sale no fee agent, that doesn't have exclusivity rights that last an eternity.
You only lose out if you get less than what it is worth, minus the money you were going to spend anyhow. Also you aren't forced to sell it, you can take it off the market and re-advertise it if you are unhappy with the offers you are receiving once you've done some work should you feel it prudent to do so.
 
+1 for Oven. They're so low cost in the grand scheme I'd just go to Argos but I guess the environmentalist in me would look to FB Marketplace. That cheap Laminate could be replaced easily as well, and adds a bit of "curb appeal".
 
Cost of building materials and no doubt labour has gone up due to demand. I'd say just sell as is. It looks like a tip and it will likely cost you £40k and a lot of hassle and stress just to sell it for £50k more now I've seen the pics. Market it as a doer upper and someone who is a DIY expert or up cycler will sort it out.
 
Personally I'd decorate throughout, replace all the floor finishes, replace the oven, tidy up any existing landscaping and jetwash/tidy up the front for kerb appeal.

There's a fine balance and whilst many in this thread will see past these things many buyers won't and are more likely to be drawn into becoming emotionally attached to a house that feels right and able to move straight into. You'll likely spend no more than £5k if you're happy to do all bar the floor fitting yourself.
 
Good suggestion about a second hand oven. You’ll probably get one with better features than a brand new one, and if you’re leaving it for new buyers and it’s clean, it shouldn’t matter.
 
The way the market is, take 6 months tarting it up and you'll get more money for it.

But, also, wait 6 months doing nothing and you'll get more money for it!

I'd just get it listed and keep it tidy.
 
I was selling a house last year. I made cosmetic repairs in all rooms. I also replaced the household appliances with new ones. For example, a dishwasher for a large family, refrigerator, washer and dryer, air conditioner. This allowed the house to be sold at a price higher than the market price.
 
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gazref said:
https://imgur.com/a/LpGcrY5

https://imgur.com/jKJopVe

https://imgur.com/BCKsTbi
Click to expand...

noticed when visiting screwfix CSB60A Built- In Single Electric Oven Stainless Steel 595 x 595mm | Ovens | Screwfix.com and the gas hob was under 60 quid if your just looking to spruce up?

so together looking at under 160 and maybe if you need to get you mate to fit it ?
 
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