The top 12 disasters

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1: Design crime: Modern windows in a period property

2: Design crime: Dirty light switches --suggests faulty wiring
Value lost: £3,000
Design solutions: If wiring sound, replace covers with chrome or brass fittings - £5 each

3: Design crime: Stone cladding or pebble-dash walls
Value lost: £3,000
Design solutions: Get free quote for removal, have work done (costs vary) or negotiate armed with estimate

4: Design crime: Patterned or brightly coloured carpets
Value lost: £2,500
Design solutions: Replace with neutral coloured carpets at £10 a square metre

5: Design crime: Living room overcrowded with furniture
Value lost: £3,000
Design solutions: Put ugly or old furniture into storage from £12 a week

6: Design crime: Badly-built extension or porch
Value lost: £2,000
Design solutions: Revamp with paint and fabrics £50

7: Design crime: Carpet in the kitchen or bathroom
Value lost: £1,300
Design solutions: Replace with inexpensive laminate floor at £40 for two square metres

8: Design crime: Bold or clashing paint work
Value lost: £1,000
Design solutions: Repaint in neutral tones, add colour with fabric: £50 per room

9: Design crime: Garden gnome
Value lost: £500
Design solutions: Hide while selling - no cost

10: Design crime: Dead or dying pot plants
Value lost: £500
Design solutions: Replace with fresh flowers: £25

11: Design crime: Gloomy interior lighting
Value lost: £500
Design solutions: Buy maximum wattage light bulbs safe for your fittings at 90p each; book viewings for the evening

12: Design crime: Limescale around shower or bath
Value lost: £500
Design solutions: Clean off with specialist product - use sealant to waterproof edges: £10

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