As the summer entertaining season kicks off, a new poll reveals the specific household imperfections that guests are most likely to notice. The research, conducted by home and garden product manufacturer Ronseal, found that over half of Britons (53 percent) plan to host friends and family this summer, with nearly half (46 percent) expressing concern about guests noticing wear and tear around their homes. Consequently, 81 percent of individuals are motivated to address their DIY to-do lists when anticipating visitors.
According to DIY expert Jimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal, several common issues stand out across different areas of the home. In gardens, an unkempt lawn is the most significant eyesore, cited by 31 percent of respondents. Damaged fence panels are a close second, noticed by 20 percent, while weeds and dead plants are highlighted by 11 percent. Englezos advises that for lawns needing a cut or weeds poking through paving stones, quick fixes can significantly improve appearance before guests arrive. He also recommends checking fence panels for structural integrity and making cosmetic repairs by cleaning, sanding, and applying a protective finish.
The kitchen is another area where guests often focus. Mouldy grout is identified as the top imperfection by 32 percent of Britons. Visible holes and cracks in surfaces are noted by 15 percent, followed by flaking paint on kitchen cabinets (14 percent). Englezos suggests that simple DIY fixes, such as cleaning discolored grout or filling small holes with wall filler, can make a substantial difference. Worn kitchen cabinets can be revitalized with a fresh coat of paint after sanding away any loose material.
In bathrooms, nearly half of Britons (49 percent) consider unclean surfaces to be a major turn-off. Mouldy grout is the next most frequently noticed issue, with 36 percent of people citing it, and 14 percent point to damaged floor tiles. Englezos emphasizes the importance of cleaning visible bathroom surfaces and addressing mouldy grout, similar to kitchen repairs. For cracked floor tiles, cosmetic damage can be addressed with repair kits, but structurally compromised tiles should be replaced to prevent trip hazards.
Living rooms also present visible flaws that guests may observe. Carpet stains are the most prominent issue, with 59 percent of Britons noting them. Flaking or patchy wall paint is noticed by 19 percent, and damaged cabinets or furniture by 11 percent. Englezos suggests that stains on carpets and soft furnishings, as well as minor paint touch-ups on walls and cabinets, can be addressed to refresh the space before guests arrive. Homeowners who still have original paint can use it to quickly cover chips and marks, enhancing the overall finished look of the room.