Get Ready For A Property Bloom

Jan 13 2008 Donny Sheridan

Diy Donny Add A Few Simple Garden Features To Your House And See How Easy It Is To Make The Value Of Your Home Soar

The house-price boom may have slowed to a crawl but you can still add value to your home.

A few simple outdoor features can transform your property. So take advantage of DIY store sales and follow my tips below to see how easy it is to make your house worth a lot more money. Of course, if you're planning to move, it will sell more quickly too.

DRIVEWAY

A driveway in good condition will always add value to your home. Not only does it save you driving up and down looking for a space, it means you don't have to lug shopping to your door.

A monoblock drive is almost the norm now. You will be inspired by the selection of blocks available and the finished product will transform your property.

DECKING

Decking can cover up ugly paving and is great for using a part of the garden that is often overlooked or disused.

It can also turn uneven ground into a fantastic seating area.

When planning decking, try to locate it in a sunny spot. This will help to prevent it getting slimy with algae and you will be more likely to use it.

Customising your decking will give your garden an individual look - and help to sell your home. Use traditional spindles, metal or even glass panels.

PATIO

Patios offer a clean area where you can sit out and enjoy the summer. With the addition of planters and pots, you can create a country environment even in the heart of the city.

A patio will add more in value to your house than the cost of laying it and, if you add a patio heater, you can even make the Scottish summer last longer.

If you pick the correct flag stones to complement your home, your patio will look great. See www.marshalls.co.uk/transform

FENCING

Fencing around your garden is a great idea as it marks your boundary and keeps small children safe. If you choose the right fence and create gentle curves or simple vertical panels, you can have an impressive backdrop to complement planting and vegetation.

Even a white picket fence with a manicured lawn is elegant in its simplicity - and will add pounds to your property.

The range of paint and stains for fencing is almost as large as the internal emulsion options so your garden never has to be boring again.

SHED

While every man should have a shed for sanctuary, it also doubles up as a place to store the lawnmower, tools and furniture so your garden is not cluttered.

When it comes to selling your home, decluttering is essential so the shed does the trick in the garden.

It's also a good idea to paint it the same colour as your fence so you have continuity outside.

PERGOLA

Pergolas offer a retreat from the main patio.

A modern open rafter design attached to the wall of your house or garage is simple to build and looks great.

Plant a couple of climbers and you will transform that horrible garage gable end.

STONES AND GRAVEL

So easy to do, gravel used imaginatively will complement a patio area. The only hard bit is choosing from the many different stones and, of course, moving the one-tonne bags by wheelbarrow.

Gravel will transform a worn and ugly drive or sitting area and, at around £100 per tonne, it won't break the bank.

Next week: we will do a bit more work on the outside before transforming the interior.

"A new patio will add more in value to your house than the cost of laying it"