Do It Yourself!

Artificial Lawn Editor: DIY projects and home renovation can be expensive. This article provided by Santander shows how to use your budget effectively. To help raise your finances, Santander offer personal loans at competitive low rates.

Summer is the time for DIY. The weather is dry and the days are longer. We have more time to get up into the loft, out in the garden or on a ladder with a tin of paint in hand. DIY is seeing a mini resurgence this year because people can’t afford to commission builders and they definitely can’t afford to move. Homeowners are choosing to stay put and make improvements themselves.

If you need to add value to your house but aren’t quite sure where to start on a small budget here are some tips to get started. Make sure you prioritise the most essential work.

When people drive up to your home what is the first thing they see? The exterior of your property should look as good as the inside. Fix broken tiles and replace lost ones. This can be quite expensive but is worth doing to conserve hear indoors and keep up appearances on the outside.

You should also make sure your windows are clean and your front door is in good condition. This may require painting or even a completely new front door. The exterior walls should also be clean. You might not need to repaint them. Try cleaning the doors with a bucket and sponge as this can make a significant difference and save buying new ones.

The garden is a major selling point. Outside space is at a premium so don’t waste it. An aesthetically pleasing garden at the front and rear can be a deal breaker. You don’t have to be green fingered. A freshly mowed lawn and some pot plants are enough to swing it in your favour. An artificial lawn is even better!

Inside the property should feel welcoming and small changes make a big difference. Chipped and flaking paint will instantly have a bad impression, as will bright and garish colours. It may not be to your taste but if you want to sell in the next year or two, you will need to decorate your house conservatively. Adding a neutral colour paint will greatly improve the overall feel of your home and make it a lot easier to sell.

If you need to raise finances for your home improvements then view Santander’s range of personal loans. They offer one of the best rates on the market at just 8.9% for loans between £7,500 – £14,950