PLENTY of people have taken a liking to DIY home improvements since we were locked in our houses during the pandemic.
But that doesn't mean they all withstand the test of time.
And property expert, Jeff Djevdet, reveals to Fabulous the ones that absolutely make his heart sink when he sees them and how much they're decreasing the value of your property.
He says: "Like in everything, with property improvements, there’s a time and there's a place.
"Some refurbishments scream 2002 and others were never right for the property, whatever the year."
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Fake grass lawn
You might have seen plenty of people switch out their grass for a fake one, but the property expert reveals it's a nuisance more than anything.
He adds: "On a balcony or a very small garden it's fine, but people don’t like the environmental issues and the maintenance.
"Leaves have to be swept up and in summer the plastic can become hot."
On top of that, it attracts little wildlife to your garden which can put a dampener on summer unless, of course, that's what you want.
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4Making EVERYTHING grey
It may have been THE thing to do a year ago, but even Mrs Hinch has packed in the grey now, and it's time you did too.
"Oh no! A bit here and there is fine.
"But too much is unpopular and darkens the home and might lead to you turning on the lights more which, during a cost of living crisis, is a no-no," explains the founder of Speed Property Buyers.
Decking
Decking may have been popular in the nineties but it sure isn't now says the property expert.
He explains: "Now it is dated, Buyers also aren’t keen on the constant maintenance needed to keep green algae growth at bay and the short lifespan of the timber."
Instead, he suggests spending a little more on sandstone paving for a more modern take.
Tarmac drives
You may think it's practical to cover your driveway in tarmac, but you'll forever be cleaning up after it.
"You'll forever be treading black stones into your carpet," explains the property expert.
He adds: "It's practical and a cheap alternative to paving but unpopular with buyers, the road-like expanse of black or coloured tarmac doesn’t look enticing."
Open planned kitchen/dining room area
Having a large open planned kitchen used to be on everyone's wish list, but so many people now have one it's lost its sparkle and most people know how impractical it is.
Jeff warns: "Cooking smells and washing-up in constant view means they are not popular with families or older buyers.
"Yes, the family room is helpful to keep an eye on the kids doing their homework whilst cooking dinner, but in reality consider cooking smells, mess, washing machine noise and nowhere to escape those kids!"
Stick-on vinyl flooring/ countertops
Is there anybody left in the UK who hasn't used stick-on vinyl to 'improve' their kitchen worktops or tiled floors?
We didn't think so, while it provides a budget-friendly way to update your home it never looks properly finished.
Jeff adds: "Very often the first thing ripped out by someone who is moving in.
"I have never seen these laid where it isn’t obvious they are stuck on. Get the real thing or don’t bother!"
PVC windows on old houses
Modern houses can get away with PVC windows as they fit the character of the house, but don't bother fitting the in a Victorian one.
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The property whizz adds that the character of the house is lost when all the windows look too uniform.
Plus, older installations weather badly and seals between the glass can allow condensation to build up that can’t be wiped away.
Decrease in value
- Fake grass lawn – £5,000
- Making everything grey – £7,000
- Decking – £4,000
- Stick on vinyl – £1,000
- Tarmac drives – £8,000
- Open planned kitchen/dining room – £6,000
- PVC windows – £3,000
Total: £34,000
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