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It's officially hosting season, with barbecues and garden gatherings, tournament watch parties and birthday celebrations filling calendars across the country.
While most dedicated hosts make sure their homes are clean and tidy, putting out their best dinnerware and adding decorative touches, there are plenty of overlooked nooks and crannies that guests might quietly be judging.
It comes as a recent study found that more than half (53 per cent) of Brits plan to host friends and family this summer - but almost half (46 per cent) admit they're worried guests will notice imperfections or signs of wear and tear around their home.
The research, conducted by home and garden product manufacturer Ronseal, also found that four in five (81 per cent) Brits are more likely to tackle their DIY to-do list only when they know guests are coming over.
Among the biggest household eyesores are mouldy bathroom grout, overgrown grass in the garden and flaking paint on interior walls.
To help homeowners get guest-ready, Ronseal's Senior Brand Manager and resident DIY expert, Jimmy Englezos, reveals the common imperfections visitors are most likely to notice first across four key areas of the home.
GARDEN
Nearly a third of Brits agree that an overgrown lawn is the biggest eyesore in people's gardens
An unkempt lawn is the first thing guests notice in the garden, according to 31 per cent of Brits.
Damaged or rotten fence panels follow (20 per cent), while 11 per cent say weeds and dead plants stand out the most.
Jimmy Englezos said: 'If the weather forecast is looking positive, it's always worth doing some gardening before having guests round. If your garden has a large area of grass, and it needs a cut, it can be really noticeable.
'Similarly, if your garden has paving stones, any weeds poking through are easy to spot but can be dealt with quickly, in only a few minutes.'
If fence panels have been damaged over winter, homeowners should also first check they're structurally secure before making any cosmetic repairs.
Once any loose posts or panels have been fixed or replaced, fences can be cleaned, sanded and treated with a fence paint or protector to refresh their appearance and help prevent future weather damage.
Englezos added: 'If it's only cosmetic wear and tear that’s the problem, ensure it's above 10C and make sure your fence is dry before cleaning and sanding off any flaky paint.'
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KITCHEN
Mouldy grout is the kitchen imperfection guests are most likely to notice, with 32 per cent of Brits highlighting it.
Visible holes and cracks rank second (15 per cent), followed by flaking or chipped kitchen cabinet paint (14 per cent).
Englezos said: 'The kitchen often becomes the hub for hosting, especially if the weather isn't good. Before having guests round, carrying out a few simple DIY fixes in the space can make a big difference.'
He recommends tackling discoloured grout with either household cleaning ingredients or a specialist grout cleaner.
Small holes can be filled with wall filler, while larger gaps are best repaired with expanding foam before being painted over.
And, rather than replacing worn kitchen cabinets, it's better applying a fresh coat of cupboard paint to transform them, provided any loose paint is sanded back first to help the new finish adhere properly.
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BATHROOM
According to nearly half of Brits, mouldy grout and unclean bathroom surfaces are the biggest household turn-offs
Unclean bathroom surfaces are the biggest turn-off for guests, with almost half (49 per cent) saying they notice them first.
Mouldy grout comes next (36 per cent), while 14 per cent say damaged floor tiles are the most obvious imperfection.
Englezos said: 'Guests will inevitably need to use your bathroom when visiting, so visible surfaces must be cleaned beforehand. Mouldy grout in the bathroom is just as important to deal with as in the kitchen, and the same steps apply to both.'
For cracked floor tiles, cosmetic damage can often be disguised with a tile repair kit or filler.
However, the expert urges homeowners to completely replace structurally damaged tiles to avoid creating a trip hazard.
For long-lasting repairs of impact damage and flaking on washbasins, kitchen sinks, shower trays and bath tubs with enamel, ceramic (porcelain) and acrylic surfaces, try this Cramer Bath Repair kit, which contains filling compound, hardener, spatula, repair spray and sandpaper.
Easy-to-use spray formula for targeted use and reduced splashing. Removes mould, mildew, fungus and algae in damp places, and prevents re-growth. Ideal for use in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, showers, swimming pools and saunas, as well as conservatories, gardens, sheds and outdoor furniture.
LIVING ROOM
In living rooms, carpet stains are among the biggest imperfections guests will notice
Carpet stains are by far the most noticeable living room flaw, with 59 per cent of Brits saying they stand out.
Flaking or patchy wall paint follows (19 per cent), while damaged cabinets or furniture are noticed by 11 per cent.
Englezos said: 'Stains on carpets and soft furnishings can be a pain to deal with and often get added to a household's existing to-do list. Having guests around can be a good reason to finally tick them off.'
The expert says the same applies to flaking wall paint and scuffed cabinets.
If homeowners still have the original paint used in the room, quickly touching up marks and chips can take just a few minutes while making the whole space feel fresher and more finished.
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To fix flaky, patchy paint, scrape away loose edges with a filling knife, sand the border smooth, and seal the exposed plaster with a binding primer like Zinsser Peel Stop.