Renovating is a great way to add value to your home.
Whether you are looking to sell, or are making changes to suit your lifestyle, a renovation can have a huge impact on the comfort level and value of your property.
With Summer here, now is the time to start planning those projects around the house.
1. Crack open a can of paint
Paint is an easy, cheap way to increase the value of your home.
Refresh your fence, deck or walls with minimal financial investment, and a bit of time.
Pro Tip:
Preparation at the outset will ensure a fantastic finish. Fill, sand and prime before painting and you'll be amazed at how great your home can look.
2. Replace switch and plug covers
Replacing light switches and plug covers, paired with a new coat of paint is a quick and simple way to create a polished finish.
Pro Tip:
Invest in quality switches and sockets. Not only do they comply with the New Zealand electrical safety standards, but it's also easy to find parts or replacements should you need to.
3. Replace light fittings
Replacing old light fittings with LED downlights, or a statement pendant can be an affordable way to modernise a room.
Pro tip:
It's important to engage a professional electrician for any electrical work in your home. If you're painting, try to have the lights replaced beforehand as there may be painting and patchwork required.
4. Jazz up your outdoor lighting
Adding outdoor lighting can either be practical, or you can create an elegant ambience.
Think deck and feature lighting on architectural elements of your home; fixed pathway lighting from the street to your front door can create an impressive experience.
If you work with a landscaper, speak with them about pathway, feature and deck lighting.
Adding lighting to the front of your home can create exceptional curb appeal.
Pro Tip:
A security light is a must for home. Be alerted to people approaching your home, as well as a helpful light when your fumbling for keys in the dark.
5. Take care of your lawn and update the landscaping
Put time into weeding, tidying garden edges and ensuring you have a lush lawn. Maintaining an existing garden takes time, but is low cost and has a huge impact on the appeal of your home.
Speak to a landscaper if you're not sure where to start.
Top Tip:
Low maintenance, manicured yards are desirable if you're looking to sell.
6. Give your kitchen a facelift
Bathrooms and kitchen's sell houses. If you're putting money into a renovation, the kitchen and bathroom are where you should start.
Refinish cabinet doors and toe kicks with a fresh coat of paint. Modernise easily with updated handles and hardware.
Depending on the finish of your benchtop, it may be possible to paint that as well. We recommend speaking with a professional before painting benchtops.
If you're looking for an alternative to a full kitchen reno, try a new benchtop, re-finished cabinets and new handles.
Top Tip:
If you're looking to sell, stick to a neutral timeless colour pallet.
An on-trend colour for the splashback may seem like a great idea now, but remember trends change. Incorporate colour and style through your decor and small appliances.
7. Upgrade appliances
Upgrading your 10-year-old refrigerator and aged, baked-on-debris covered oven will make your kitchen look modern and clean. These days, there are affordable appliance options to suit all budgets and requirements.
Top Tip:
Do your research. Just because an appliance is expensive, it doesn't mean it's more reliable.
8. Change out door handles
Swap out aged, well-used door knobs for a fresh, modern option.
Refitting external door knobs and locks can not only modernise the look of your home but can improve home security as well.
Top Tip:
Patch and paint your doors at the same time. For a professional finish, correct preparation is the key.
9. Improve your curb appeal
If you take a look at your home from the other side of the street, you may notice your home is looking less than welcoming.
Scrape or spray the old paint off the fence, sand and get to painting. Use a drop cloth and tape over any hardware or hinges. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders.
Tidy gardens and trim lawn edges to get a manicured look.
Upgrade or add a porch light, add planters and re-do your walkway for an inviting house front.
10. Don't overcapitalise!
There are a plethora of ways in which you are able to update your home on a budget.
Don't go overboard thinking you have to do it all. Dedicate time and a small budget and start with the small jobs first.
Good luck!