The competitive Australian property market can seem like a jungle - everyone is looking for the best way to add value to their home without breaking the bank. The good news is that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, home improvement do not need to cost you the earth, in fact they can done yourself and be very effective in increasing the value of your home and earn you a higher price for your property.
Below we describe 5 easy and effective home renovation tips that will not cost you the world but rather make the world of difference to your home.
1. Spruce up your kitchen.
The kitchen is the centre of the home, not only do we cook in this room, but we socialise, create and eat in it. Potential buyers are looking for fresh, clean and modern kitchens. This one room alone holds a lot of worth. Chopping vegetables on a stained old counter top is never appealing. For a small price you can change your counter tops to new tiles or granite. Make sure you choose neutral colours. This instantly will give the kitchen a new look and a cleaner feel.
2. Exchange your cabinetry and your stove.
Updating doesn’t just mean a good scrub down or a new fridge. Trying to rehash your old appliances and cabinetry just won’t work. Painting over your old cabinets can look tacky and cheap. Wood or glass cupboards are in vogue right now, so change your cabinets to something contemporary. Finally give your appliances a wakeup call! Buy new top-quality appliances that have a timeless look.
3. New coat of paint.
Seems obvious right? Rip down any residual wallpaper that may be pasted on your walls and slap on a new coat of paint. Do not be tempted to put in any ‘feature walls’ and stick to neutral tones. You can never go wrong with off white or cream. Do not just paint ‘over’ your walls - spend time preparing your walls for the job at hand. The majority of time goes into the preparation rather than the painting itself. Remember to fill in any holes that have been created over the years and sand and scrape before priming.
4. Flooring.
Changing the flooring of your home can give your property an entirely new look. There is nothing more off-putting than old run down carpets or vinyl tiles that are stained or moulded. Carpets are certainly a great addition to homes that are in cooler climates but if you are in a moderate climate consider parket floors or sustainable wooden floorboards with good quality rugs to give it a homely look. It may seem like a huge investment to replace your floors, but you will reap the rewards as it is a guaranteed value-adder.
5. Landscaping and deck patio.
Don’t have a green thumb? No worries! Landscaping does not mean adding Botanical Garden to your yard. It can be as simple as adding pots and flowers to the places that you view most from your windows. Prune and shape larger trees that may be spoiling your view. Make your yard an extension of your home and do what it takes to make your yard a comfortable place to ‘hang out’ in.
Remember first impressions do count! Do not hesitate, get started and add more value to your property.