Cosy Homes Online

Staging your home

2008-08-25T11:02:44Z

The living-room is an area where families tend to spend a great deal of time relaxing together. It should be comfortable and inviting looking with clear pathways and some natural light entering the room. The second function of the room tends to be for entertaining, and you must present the room with this in mind, arranging the seating area in a conversational way.

Clear away any childrens toys, used coffee cups, multiple TV remotes and anything else which should not be on view when your prospective buyers are looking round your house. (De-cluttering instantly creates more space and allows viewers to focus on what you actually want them to see).
As a general rule, any family photographs should be packed safely away and temporarily replaced with a few lifestyle looking pictures or prints. (buyers have to imagine themselves living there, and its more difficult and distracting for them if your family photographs are everywhere).
Create the illusion of space by removing any unnecessary or bulky furniture. (put furniture in storage if necessary) You may live with five arm-chairs, but it doesnt necessarily have the cosmetic appeal youll need to sell. Arrange the furniture for the maximum buyer appeal and ease of movement, not the best view of the television. (once you have your sale, you can change it round again).
Should your furniture be on its last legs and your budget is a little tight, visit thrift shops and sale rooms for a bargain or simply dress-up what you already have. (new cushion covers can detract attention from a tired sofa and new sofa covers can give an old sofa a new lease of life). Another option is to rent suitable pieces for the few weeks it takes to sell your house.
If you have a lime-green or purple living-room, now is the time to deal with it. You already know that a neutral palette of colours works best for selling, so why sabotage your own efforts? You can revert to the psychedelic look when you have clinched the sale and moved into your new abode!
A fireplace is a great focal point for a room. Try arranging candles on each side of the mantle piece, to effectively draw the eye to this important feature of the room.

Staging your home

2008-08-15T01:41:02Z

Along with kitchens, bathrooms really deserve your attention when you are attempting to sell your house. Buyers expect to see spotless, tidy areas and if they happen to be well-designed, with a touch of luxury, so much the better. Expectations of bathrooms have increased over the years and no longer are they perceived as purely functional rooms.

The following tips are points to consider when showing and staging your Bathroom/s for sale:

Comprehensively clean your bathroom, removing soap-scum, toothpaste smears and other unsightly marks, stains, or signs of neglect.
Ensure windows, tiles and shower screens are pristine and mirrors are buffed.
Let as much natural light enter your bathroom as possible. Try considerably raising the blind or opening the curtains wide if it won’t compromise your privacy.
As obvious as it sounds, viewers will not wish to see or smell your dirty laundry basket. Removing it will also make the room appear larger. (in the same vein, damp towels are also to be avoided).
Leave the toilet lid down.
Remove clutter from shelves and replace with a few well-chosen lifestyle toiletries. Less is often more here, and clutter can be very distracting for buyers. Practical bathroom storage solutions are easy to come by.
Placing attractive, scented flowers in a bathroom can make the room feel inviting and ensure that it smells fresh.
Selecting a few colourful, co-ordinating ‘accents’ can be remarkably effective in brightening-up the room in a sophisticated way, which won’t overwhelm the space. These will be movable items, and so you can take them with you when you leave. (Good examples of these are luxury, fluffy towels, attractive-looking bath oils and natural candles. Only display un-used soap).
Lastly, a little illumination; switch the light on! Buyers like to be able to see the room easily, and it contributes to welcoming your viewers and achieving that sale!

Staging your home

2008-08-08T01:38:15Z

Achieving A House Sale In A Competitive Market As well as a clean, tidy and tastefully decorated home, potential viewers are more likely to fall in love with it when the house is also ‘staged’. The idea is simply to dress your home to impress viewers. It’s effectively giving them the V.I.P treatment, enhancing their experience of visiting your house. You are presenting them with a snap-shot of a lifestyle that could be theirs if they were to purchase your home. The idea has been around for a long time and if done well, it greatly increases your chances of selling in a competitive market.
Bathroom Basics - Fundamentals Before Putting Your House Up For Sale:

Re-grouting tiles can often transform their appearance if the grout is in a state of dis-repair. If it’s merely discoloured, try some bleach and an old toothbrush/nailbrush to revive them).
Should your tiles be very dated-looking, you may decide to replace them, tile over them or to try your hand at tile-painting. It’s a cost-efficient alternative to buying and fitting new tiles, and with a little patience you can obtain a very good result.
Deal with any mould or mildew problems sooner than later. (mould-inhibiting paints and other solutions are available, once you have investigated the causes).
You may decide to freshen-up the paint on the walls by selecting a fairly neutral colour, which will contribute to an overall, fresh and hygienic feel. If you have busy or tired-looking wallpaper, consider painting it to instantly update the look.
Replacing an old shower-curtain is often an inexpensive way to up-date the room.
Up-dating fixtures and fittings in general, is well-worth considering, especially if they are tarnished, showing signs of rust or they are brass! Shiny chrome is always a hit with buyers and you can really polish it up beautifully for viewings.
As with everything else, the flooring should be presentable and clean. Any peeling linoleum or carpet must go. (carpet in a bathroom can be extremely off-putting for potential buyers, as it’s often perceived to be un-hygienic since it holds onto moisture and odours). Even if you feel differently, replacing it is a safer bet.

Questions and Answers

2008-07-28T01:42:50Z

Q: how do i get tile grout off when its dry on the tiles - Kathleen

A: A rough, damp cloth and elbow grease should get most of it off, but if it's really thick you can use any metal scraper type object to get it off, just be gentle to avoid damaging the finish on the tile.

Questions and Answers

2008-07-20T01:41:03Z

Q: hi, how easy is it to replace wall ties, can a DIYer do it? stu

A: It's possible, but not really recommended - there are too many variables depending on what the problem is, what materials your existing wall ties are made of (the old ones might have to be removed if they are corroding - and this is seriously hard work), and what the construction of your house is. Since the structural integrity of the property is at risk if you mess up, we would really recommend getting a specialist out to take a look.

Questions and Answers

2008-07-14T01:38:33Z

Q: The previous owner of my property did an excellent job of laying paving slabs on the patio and side passage except that the slabs cover half way up the air bricks. Other than rippng up all the paving and starting again with lower levels is there a way around this problem. Is it possible to raise the air brick as I have 3 brick couses beween the existing air brick and the damp proof course. Or would it be pssible to build ssome sort of deflector around each air brick to stop water ingress through the air brick. Thank you in advance for any advise you may be able to give. Mac

A: You can get 'flood covers' for air bricks, but this isn't really too practical for you (you have to manually open and close them). You could fill the lower half of the air bricks to prevent normal levels of rain getting in, then drill some additional holes further up (rent a heavy duty drill, or even better get a builder in to quickly do the job) but this isn't very neat. You could also get a builder in with a heavy duty saw and do what should have been done in the first place - leave a 4 inch gap filled with gravel between the paving and the wall, to allow proper drainage and minimise water splashing up into the air bricks.

Questions and Answers

2008-07-08T01:35:23Z

Q: I want to screw a heavy display case to a plasterboard stud wall, what kind of screws/rawl plugs do I need to use, as it will be very heavy once all the models are displayed in it. Trish

A: My preferred method is an easy/easi/redi-driver - it's a large 2-part spiral fixing that screws directly into the plasterboard. All you need is a philips screwdriver, and no drilling or toggles or springs are required. I've used these for fixing heavy items like TVs and kitchen cupboards before, so you should have no problems.

Questions and Answers

2008-07-01T01:32:45Z

Q: Can you please advise on the quickest and easiest way to take tiles off the wall that have been up for many years!!! Thanks Jo

A: Brute force, pure and simple - a hammer and spatula or wide chisel are your friend here, smash and remove the first tile (make sure you're wearing eye protection, work gloves and clothing you don't mind getting dirty), then work your way outwards, hammering your chosen implement in behind each tile and levering it off.

Questions and Answers

2008-06-24T01:29:19Z

Q: Is it possible to emulsion over flat vinyl wallpaper which is in good condition, thanks. If so can either flat or silk be used. Pete

It's possible using specialist primer (ask at your local DIY store), but I really wouldn't recommend it due to relatively high costs. Once you have a product you have to thoroughly clean the wall, then apply the primer as directed.

Whenever I've had to paint a vinyl papered wall I've always stripped the vinyl by scoring it all over, applying a steamer and then stripping as usual - the ease of the job depends on how the wallpaper was put up in the first place; I've had vinyl wallpaper that came off incredibly easily and almost didn't require the use of a scraper. On the other end of the spectrum, I've seen wallpaper that was literally glued to the wall with some thick brown substance that required burning off. Depending on the quality of the walls underneath it sometimes requires re-papering with lining paper. A lot more effort, but the results are ultimately more satisfying.

Questions and Answers

2008-06-16T01:24:24Z

Q: trying to take a screw out of something but cant get it out have you got any tips - dan

A: It depends on what you are trying to achieve and what the problem is. If you just want to hide the screw, you can use a drill to drill out the metal head and tidy up the hole with woodfiller. If you need to remove it, and the head is completely unusable, you will have to excavate around it a little with a sharp object, and then try to unscrew it with a some thin nosed pliers. If you are trying to remove the screw to detach two objects that you don't care about damaging, the simplest method is some hearty brute force, just pull the objects apart until the screw gives up. If it's completely rusted in place some penetrating oil might help loosen it.

Questions and Answers

2008-06-08T01:21:37Z

Q: after assembling a chest of drawers, they dont sit in the frame straight,they are all missaligned. Deby

A: Is there still some flexibility in the assembled drawers? If so and the frame skewed (i.e. are all the corners exactly right angles - you can compare with any square/rectangular object to see if they are), you may just be able to manually force the frame to sit properly and then screw some small scrap wood or metal 'corners' into each corner at the back to hold it at the correct angle.

If the drawers themselves aren't sitting right, check things like you applied the rollers the right way up and exactly according to the manufacturers instructions, furniture instructions can be notoriously hard to follow as exactly as required. You can try swapping drawers around, a lot of softwood furniture has small differences in drawer size that can be resolved by a bit of trial and error.

Questions and Answers

2008-06-01T01:19:17Z

Q: I've taken a tv bracket off my bedroom wall and don't know how to fill in the holes left by the screws ? Thanks Craig

Scrape off any protuding bits of paint or wall material with a flat metal implement
Use a lightweight plaster mix (you can buy a tiny tub of pre-mixed stuff at your local DIY store), and let dry according to the manufacturers instructions.
Wearing a mask, use a very light weight of sandpaper wrapped around a flat bit of scrap wood to gently sand the dry plaster until it's the same as the surrounding walls.
Paint the same colour as the surrounding wall. You can even get paint mixed up to match your existing walls if you take a sample to any large DIY store.

Trade Secret Update : Living Room

2008-08-25T11:06:49Z

Clear away any childrens toys, used coffee cups, multiple TV remotes and anything else which should not be on view when your prospective buyers are looking round your house. (De-cluttering instantly creates more space and allows viewers to focus on what you actually want them to see).
As a general rule, any family photographs should be packed safely away and temporarily replaced with a few lifestyle looking pictures or prints. (buyers have to imagine themselves living there, and its more difficult and distracting for them if your family photographs are everywhere).
Create the illusion of space by removing any unnecessary or bulky furniture. (put furniture in storage if necessary) You may live with five arm-chairs, but it doesnt necessarily have the cosmetic appeal youll need to sell. Arrange the furniture for the maximum buyer appeal and ease of movement, not the best view of the television. (once you have your sale, you can change it round again).
Should your furniture be on its last legs and your budget is a little tight, visit thrift shops and sale rooms for a bargain or simply dress-up what you already have. (new cushion covers can detract attention from a tired sofa and new sofa covers can give an old sofa a new lease of life). Another option is to rent suitable pieces for the few weeks it takes to sell your house.
If you have a lime-green or purple living-room, now is the time to deal with it. You already know that a neutral palette of colours works best for selling, so why sabotage your own efforts? You can revert to the psychedelic look when you have clinched the sale and moved into your new abode!
A fireplace is a great focal point for a room. Try arranging candles on each side of the mantle piece, to effectively draw the eye to this important feature of the room.
If you do have a fireplace, you have a fantastic opportunity to create a really impressive display with your choice of over-mantle mirror. The visual appeal of this combination can not be over-emphasized. (buff that mirror before viewings)! If you cant run to a new mirror, try mounting or resting a large picture above the fireplace.
Identify any dingy corners of the room and make use of any co-ordinating or contrasting lamps you have stashed away. Lighting at different levels can provide a layered look, allowing for mood lighting for evening showings. Getting the lighting right is particularly important in the winter months.
Add some life to the room with attractive plants, which you can use to add height and conceal wiring. They can also soften the feeling of the room and interest.
Consider arranging some lifestyle magazines on the coffee table and perhaps a single clean cup and saucer. (have fun with picking up tips from home magazines where youll begin to see why some simple tricks work so effectively).
Make the most of accent colours and groupings of objects. Accent colours can be a fantastic way of grabbing your buyers attention. Two of three items of a strong colour, in an otherwise neutral room, can look classy and contemporary. (you can achieve this with throws, cushions, vases and flowers).
Plump-up cushions and add some fresh flowers in strategic places throughout the room.
Get rid of any pet odors, cooking smells and generally air the room before viewings. Smells can really interfere with the buying emotion so dont take any chances. (again, fresh flowers are a wonderful way to make the room smell appealing, as are good- quality, scented candles and pot-pourri. Dont go over-board with the scents; subtle and pleasant are the key.
If you have book-shelves in your living-room, try alternating books with interesting objects (echoing your chosen accent colour) Instead of filling the shelves, be selective about what you place in there. Group the books of similar height together, and hold these in place with a small vase or contemporary ornament.
Get the temperature right! Buyers wont enjoy a freezing or sauna-like house. Make them comfortable and you are more likely to receive an offer.

Trade Secret Update : Bathroom

2008-08-08T01:44:47Z

Achieving A House Sale In A Competitive Market

As well as a clean, tidy and tastefully decorated home, potential viewers are more likely to fall in love with it when the house is also ‘staged’. The idea is simply to dress your home to impress viewers. It’s effectively giving them the V.I.P treatment, enhancing their experience of visiting your house. You are presenting them with a snap-shot of a lifestyle that could be theirs if they were to purchase your home. The idea has been around for a long time and if done well, it greatly increases your chances of selling in a competitive market.

Bathroom Basics - Fundamentals Before Putting Your House Up For Sale:

Re-grouting tiles can often transform their appearance if the grout is in a state of dis-repair. If it’s merely discoloured, try some bleach and an old toothbrush/nailbrush to revive them).
Should your tiles be very dated-looking, you may decide to replace them, tile over them or to try your hand at tile-painting. It’s a cost-efficient alternative to buying and fitting new tiles, and with a little patience you can obtain a very good result.
Deal with any mould or mildew problems sooner than later. (mould-inhibiting paints and other solutions are available, once you have investigated the causes).
You may decide to freshen-up the paint on the walls by selecting a fairly neutral colour, which will contribute to an overall, fresh and hygienic feel. If you have busy or tired-looking wallpaper, consider painting it to instantly update the look.
Replacing an old shower-curtain is often an inexpensive way to up-date the room.
Up-dating fixtures and fittings in general, is well-worth considering, especially if they are tarnished, showing signs of rust or they are brass! Shiny chrome is always a hit with buyers and you can really polish it up beautifully for viewings.
As with everything else, the flooring should be presentable and clean. Any peeling linoleum or carpet must go. (carpet in a bathroom can be extremely off-putting for potential buyers, as it’s often perceived to be un-hygienic since it holds onto moisture and odours). Even if you feel differently, replacing it is a safer bet.

Comprehensively clean your bathroom, removing soap-scum, toothpaste smears and other unsightly marks, stains, or signs of neglect.
Ensure windows, tiles and shower screens are pristine and mirrors are buffed.
Let as much natural light enter your bathroom as possible. Try considerably raising the blind or opening the curtains wide if it won’t compromise your privacy.
As obvious as it sounds, viewers will not wish to see or smell your dirty laundry basket. Removing it will also make the room appear larger. (in the same vein, damp towels are also to be avoided).
Leave the toilet lid down.
Remove clutter from shelves and replace with a few well-chosen lifestyle toiletries. Less is often more here, and clutter can be very distracting for buyers. Practical bathroom storage solutions are easy to come by.
Placing attractive, scented flowers in a bathroom can make the room feel inviting and ensure that it smells fresh.
Selecting a few colourful, co-ordinating ‘accents’ can be remarkably effective in brightening-up the room in a sophisticated way, which won’t overwhelm the space. These will be movable items, and so you can take them with you when you leave. (Good examples of these are luxury, fluffy towels, attractive-looking bath oils and natural candles. Only display un-used soap).
Lastly, a little illumination; switch the light on! Buyers like to be able to see the room easily, and it contributes to welcoming your viewers and achieving that sale!

Trade Secret Update : Removing Skirting Board

2006-04-29T18:52:34Z

Required tools: chisel, crow bar, screw driver

If there is plaster exposed at the top of the skirting board, chisel this away where you want to lever the board away. Check the board you are removing is not overlapped by another at an internal corner. If it is remove the overlapping board first.
Put the crow bar’s edge end in behind the skirting board. Edge it as far in a sit will go and gently lever the board slightly away from the wall. If you want to reuse delicate skirting boards you can insert a screw driver in between the crow bar and skirting board. Apply pressure gently against the screw driver and this will spread the pressure over the whole board rather than concentrating it at the point of contact.
After the first point is loosened move about 3 feet away and do the same again until the whole board is loosened. If the board is difficult to loosen or remove it may be screwed or nailed down. Check for screws or nails behind the skirting board. Unscrew the screws (hacksaw through the nails if you want to save the board). Pull the board free form the wall.