Fabric May be the Answer to Your Home Improvement Needs

When getting ready to put your home on the market it’s hard to decide what repairs should be done first, to enhance the appearance of the house for potential buyers. Certainly things like plumbing or electrical issues should be taken care of before placing the house on the market, but what about smaller issues? Many people choose to leave old carpeting and linoleum for the buyers to worry about but some repairs can be quickly done to add value to the home.

Often when selling a home, the owner is concerned with how much to invest in repairs, particularly if he is selling the home for financial reasons. But, some simple repairs can make the difference between getting a good price for your home or settling for what’s offered.

Replacing wallpaper, counter tops, new carpet and doors can get very expensive but these areas of the home are most noticeable to the potential buyers, particularly if the decor is damaged. You can give many areas of your home a make-over without spending a fortune. And, you’ll end up with a unique look that will catch the eye of potential buyers.

One quick way to cover old walls is to use inexpensive fabric. Check your local discount department stores for mark-down fabrics for a dollar or two per yard. Launder fabric then cut the pieces out as you would wallpaper. Cut around windows, doorways and light switches. Mix starch according to package directions. Starch is inexpensive and will work on fabric like glue does with wallpaper. Dip the fabric into the starch mix then affix the cloth to the wall. Smooth it out with any straightedge. When the new owners decide to change the decor, they can simply peel the fabric off the walls.

The same technique can be done to almost any ceiling. Cabinet doors also look great done in this manner. Redo the kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets or even a built-in wardrobe. Most any smooth surface will accept fabric coverings but if starch won’t hold it, switch to adhesives.

Doors have a tendency to become scratched and lackluster. Quickly upholster them and you have a striking look to any room. Cut a piece of half-inch thick foam slightly smaller than the door. Use spray adhesive to quickly adhere the foam to the door. Use a staple gun to cover the foam with fabric. Staple the fabric right next to the edge of the foam, all the way around. Purchase decorative tacks and use a tack hammer to place the tacks around the perimeter of the fabric. The upholstered doors look fantastic and unique.

Counter tops are extremely expensive but you can cover yours in fabric. Choose fabrics which aren’t too thick for best results. After affixing the cloth, cover the entire surface with thin, clear plexi-glass. This project makes for a beautiful and very different counter top. Look around your home for other ways to change permanent decor with cloth. Mantels, some molding and other household fixtures will come to life for very little money. Easily make curtains or drapes to match and potential customers will think you’ve spent a fortune. And, you’ll be able to ask – and get – a much better price for your home.