One way to finance a DIY project is to apply from a remortgage to unlock the equity that has been built up over the time that you have been repaying your mortgage. This would allow you to live more comfortably, however it could also increase the value of your property too. Here we’ve put together some tips on the kinds of projects that you could do in order to increase the value of your home.

One of the most simple projects to make your home more attractive and comfortable is to give the rooms a lick of fresh paint. This won’t cost a fortune and can make a world of difference. But do make sure that you buy quality paint and don’t rush to ensure that the paint lasts. If in doubt, get a decorator in to help.

Before repainting your rooms, you’ll need to remove the existing wallpaper and smooth down the walls. You can then put new wallpaper up, and add two layers of your desired paint on top. Keep in mind that natural colours will be more attractive to potential buyers in years to come.

Another great project to liven the place up is to put new carpets or flooring down. Carpets become worn over time, so new ones can look really smart. Perhaps you might want to swap it for wood flooring to make the place more modern?

Modernising the doors and skirting boards can easily be done by painting over them, and this too can add value as it will make the place more striking to buyers. It will also make the rooms look newer and more tidy for you to live in.

If your furniture could do with an update just to make your home look nicer and more presentable, you don’t have to break the bank buying new sofas and beds. You could simply buy low cost sofa covers. Even a new rug and hanging some new curtains can make it look good as new.

You can also add small items to make the house more appealing such as some fresh flowers, candles or even a nice floor plant. Take care not to make it look too staged though, as it still needs to have that feeling of a ‘home’.

Make sure that you think about the appearance from outside too. A garden full of weeds won’t be attractive, so keep it tidy, add flowers, paint the windows and doors if need be.

If the driveway is worn and old, perhaps you could consider spending some money on redoing it, as this could add value too and will make the whole property look more presentable.

Howard O’Gollegos writes for Just Commercial Mortgages the UK’s No1 site for the latest commercial mortgage rates and commercial property finance news.