With the first May bank holiday weekend upon us, now is the perfect time to tackle small DIY jobs that can significantly boost your home's value. You might have been ignoring crumbling paintwork or neglected sealant in the bathroom, but not every task needs to be time-consuming. In just a few hours, you can refresh your home and add up to £17,000 to its value. Metro spoke to two interiors experts to identify the most worthwhile DIY projects for this weekend.
Fix Up Your Front Door
Before focusing on the interior, start with the first thing people see: your front door. Charlotte St Paul, founder and creative director of Sevunar Interiors, recommends using sandpaper and a lick of paint on wooden doors. She says, 'When you come home, you want to feel proud every time you unlock your front door. A fresh, smartly painted entrance can make you fall in love with your home again.' If you don't have a wooden door, replace old house numbers, knockers, or letterboxes. For UPVC doors, use a special cleaner and a mini roller for paint. Cost of materials: less than £50. Value added: £2,000-£5,000.
Add Some Sparkle to Your Space
Inject personality into your home with improved lighting. Charlotte notes, 'Lighting is the jewellery of the home. Poor lighting makes a space feel small and dingy.' Swap a plastic central fitting for a contemporary statement piece, add task lighting under kitchen units, and incorporate table or floor lamps. Cost of materials: as little as £20. Value added: £1,000-£3,000.
Don't Forget the Garden
As the weather warms, attend to outdoor spaces. Jet-wash the patio or add fresh bark to flower beds. If you don't own a pressure washer, hire one from B&Q for £140-£210. Charlotte views the garden as an 'outdoor living room' and says, 'If your patio is covered in moss and your fence is leaning, your whole garden looks scruffy.' A dark fence makes greenery pop. Cost of materials: £20-£210. Value added: £2,000-£5,000.
Reseal Kitchens and Bathrooms
Becky Russell, founder of Surrey House DIY and DIY Her Way, advises focusing on kitchen and bathroom details. 'Bathrooms and kitchens are where buyers look the closest, and resealing around baths, showers and sinks is one of the most underrated quick fixes.' Over time, sealant discolours and cracks, affecting perceived value. Fill the bath before resealing to prevent later cracks. Cost of materials: £10-£30. Value added: £2,000-£4,000.
Sweat the Small Stuff
Upgrade handles, switches, and small hardware to make a home feel 'move-in ready.' Becky suggests, 'Swapping cupboard handles, door handles and even light switch plates is a quick job that doesn't require specialist tools, but the impact is huge.' Visit local recycle and reuse shops for affordable finds. Cost of materials: £50-£250. Value added: £2,000-£5,000.
In total, these five DIY fixes can add approximately £17,000 to your home's value. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want a refreshed living space, these weekend projects offer a high return on investment.
