Ratan Makes Buyers Ratty – Windows Have Wow Factor

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• Ratan Makes Buyers Ratty – Windows Have Wow Factor

A recent report by property expert Natalie Mitchell at HomeHow has identified old windows and doors as two of the leading aspects that make a property look cheap, unloved and unsaleable.

If windows are old, damaged or simply outdated, they might be dragging down the overall look of of a home. Worn-out windows can give off the impression of a neglected house. So, my advice is if you can see windows are looking a little bit worse for wear, you have the in to advise a homeowner to consider upgrading them. Waiting for business to come to you instead of doing some simple gumshoe research could earn you more customers than you have now.

The key to window replacement lies in helping customers choose a style that complements the existing architecture. For a traditional home, classic sash windows or casements might be an ideal choice. Modern homes may benefit more with sleek picture windows or expansive sliding glass doors. Make sure the portfolio of products you offer is broad enough for all tastes.

 

An old shabby roof

The roof is something that many homeowners overlook. However, when other people are looking at their property, an old or shabby-looking roof could be a big turn-off. You can improve the appearance of a roof by having it cleaned, replacing broken roof tiles or getting a brand new roof – all jobs modern window installers can take on.

 

Who’s that knocking on an old front door

The front door is the first thing people will see when they walk up to a home. This feature can make all the difference in making it home look more expensive. Whether your decides to fit a completely new front door or to paint it, installers can win the job an the trust of a customer who might call them back to do other jobs down the line.

 

Colours for the front door

Although designers like to encourage homeowners to be creative and show off their personalities in their home décor, there are certain circumstances where this can result in a home looking cheap. Bright colours for the front door can often be a big turn-off to people coming to view a home. Some examples of colours that you should advise your potential customer to steer clear of are bright pink, bright yellow and orange.

 

An old or broken driveway

If a driveway is broken, old or quite dirty, this could make a home look cheap. Pressure washing it and filling in any visible cracks is a good fix but some homeowners will want a whole new driveway that ties in well with the overall design of their home. Can you provide either solution?

 

A messy front garden

Regardless of how beautiful a property is, if the garden isn't up to scratch, it's going to have an effect on people's overall opinion. So if you have just fitted a new front door, why not have a go at the garden as well – for a feee of course. You may not want to go into the gardening business (or you might) but it is good to make sure your reference site can’t be seen from the kerbside.

 

Rattan décor

From here on in, I’m going to tell you what to tell your potential customers to establish you as a professional with more more knowledge than simply the trade you ply.

Rattan furniture has been a popular trend in interior design for the past few years. However, the trend seems to be waning in popularity. Some people find that too much rattan can be tacky and overwhelming. If you have a lot of other natural materials in your home, such as wood or stone, rattan can be a great way to add a touch of warmth and texture. However, if your home is already quite busy, rattan furniture may be too much of a good thing.

 

Hanging unlined curtains

Curtains and blinds are the finishing touches that frame a room, helping to add colour, style, and privacy to the space. But did you know there is a way to elevate your window treatments from good to great? Lining curtains is a game-changer, offering a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Lining adds an extra layer of fabric to the back, making them all the more private. This lining creates a barrier that keeps unwanted eyes out, ensuring a sense of security and tranquillity, which is especially useful in bedrooms. Lined curtains are also great insulators, helping you regulate your home's temperature.

Of course, blinds and shutters can be a good alternative and those in the window world know all about internal glass blinds.

 

Chevron patterns

A few years ago, chevron patterns were a trendy choice, adding a playful energy to home decor. However, this has now changed. A touch of chevron can still be charming but extensive use has fallen out of fashion. The strong, repeated pattern can be visually heavy, too overwhelming and can create a sense of clutter. In smaller spaces, the zig-zags can visually shrink the room, making it feel closed-in and chaotic. For these reasons, many homeowners are opting for calmer design elements that create a more serene and spacious atmosphere.

 

Using matching flatpack furniture

While flatpack furniture offers a lot of convenience, if you have a room that is overflowing with matchy-matchy sets, this can look unappealing. The mass-produced nature of these furniture pieces often makes them look too generic and lacking any real character. Imagine a living room where every surface boasts the same flat sheen and predictable lines. It can feel very impersonal and sterile and can resemble a showroom display rather than a lived-in space.

 

A generic gallery wall

A gallery wall is a great way to add personality and interest to a blank wall. However, it's important to choose artwork that is meaningful and that reflects a personal style. Don't just fill the wall with generic, mass-produced pieces. It's better to have a blank wall than to have a wall filled with art that isn’t loved.

 

Too much DIY furniture

DIY furniture can be a great way to add some personality and style to a home. However, it is important to use it in moderation. Too much DIY furniture can make a room look cluttered and messy. A single piece of DIY furniture, such as a handmade coffee table, can be a great conversation starter and can often complement other furniture pieces in a room. However, it's important to balance DIY furniture with shop-bought furniture. If you fill a room with too many DIY pieces, it can start to look like a mess of mismatched furniture.

 

Picture: Ratan furniture and furniture in general can make a home look cheap. Windows and doors are top of the list in making homes saleable.

HomeHow.co.uk

 

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
24th September 2025

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