Open houses require an immaculate finish. Kitchens and bathrooms need special attention: under the sink, behind the loo, inside the oven and every shelf in every cupboard. Windows - both sides. Paths, eaves, decks must be free of dirt, moss and mould. Professional cleaners can provide a spotless finish in a fraction of the time it will take you to do it. They are well equipped with all the gear to get the job done fast and well, including extendable tools for hard-toreach areas, pressure washers, stain removal solutions and more. Outdoor areas should look as spacious as possible. While you can hack bushes back and cut some tree limbs down, do you realise every type of tree and shrub has a different growing habit? Unless they are pruned with care, dead or naked branches will be exposed and foliage cover will be uneven and unattractive. Professional gardeners ensure your plants are both tidy and healthy - plus, they can remove the green waste. A fresh coat of a neutral coloured paint does wonders for the overall appeal of a house. Easily done, right? Many of us will have attempted this seemingly basic task only to realise there is more to painting than being able to hold a brush. There are tricks and techniques to achieving a quality finish. Painters have all the equipment, skills and best of all, can get it done swiftly, so you’ll know the result will show off your home in the best light. Unless it’s changing a lightbulb, just don’t. All plumbing and electrical work must be completed by a licensed tradesman so don’t attempt any of it yourself. The last thing you want is any sub-par work being discovered during inspection and used to negotiate your price downwards. TV makeovers, with their amazing wow factor transformations, give you inspiration. What the shows don’t reveal are the discounts and paid product placements, so great looks on tiny budgets are not real world scenarios. Home stylists know what target buyers will find appealing and use their industry connections to source inspiring furniture and accessories to achieve the right look. Save yourself a lot of time and effort by hiring their knowledge and flair. STYLING CLEANING ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING GARDENING PAINTING If you’re putting your home on the market, getting it into tip-top shape is key to ensure it stands out from the competition. But when it comes to getting the best sale price, a DIY approach that saves you a few pennies may not always be the best option. Buyers can spot laziness and poor finishes from a mile away. An amateur renovation can give the impression that faults have been camouflaged and corners have been cut. Unless you’re able to achieve a professional result, call in the experts. FIVE DIY DON’TS WHEN PREPARING TO SELL
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