IMPROVING
Budget Friendly
Home Improvements
What to renovate to add monetary
value to your home?
F
ixing and flipping your property can increase
its value. There are many small changes you
can make in your home that will make a big
difference. Choose to do the improvements, either by
yourself or by hiring an expert.
Firstly, do a budget and ensure you stick to it.
Compare prices and quotes from different builders,
building materials and interior finishes. Look around
for good deals. Only use National Home Building
Registration Council (NHBRC) registered builders.
Keep yourself constantly updated on the progress of
the building process. Always ensure that you only
pay for the work that was stipulated on the quote.
Flooring
Floor appeal can go a long way in updating the look
of your property. If you have an old, threadbare or
dirty carpet, it is time to replace it. Discover what
lies underneath your carpets as many houses have
hidden wooden or parquet flooring. When buying
wood, speak to a professional about which type will
be best for your budget.
“Repaint your home in light
and neutral shades to create the
illusion of more space.”
There are many different flooring options for you
to choose from. Replace old carpets with laminate,
vinyl or tiles for a more modern look.
Colour it up
Painting your property is an easy way to update the
look of your home, both indoors and outdoors. Use
good quality paint. Repaint your home in light and
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Residential Handbook 2015
neutral shades to create the illusion of more space.
Pay special attention to detail, repaint anything that
is looking tired, including gutters, skirting and fascia
boards, balustrades and gates. Transform old built-in
wardrobes with some paint and door handles for a
new look.
New fittings
Install flattering lighting in your bathroom and
replace old taps, basins, mirrors, handles, towel rails
and toilet seats. Re-glaze the bathtub to save costs
rather than replace it.
Open plan
While moving or removing internal walls will add
value to your home, beware of removing supporting
walls to prevent the ceiling or roof from collapsing.
Rather get professionals to do the job.
Less rooms
Losing a bedroom in your property will devalue your
house. Rather reconsider losing a bedroom to create
a bathroom or study.
Keep it neutral
Ensure you use decorations, paint and furnishings in
a neutral colour. Do not use bright, garish colours
and decorations that prospective buyers or tenants
will not like. Carefully reconsider permanent
fixtures and decoration such as kitchen cupboards,
countertops, wallpaper and fireplaces which will be
costly to replace years later.
RESOURCES
ooba, RE/MAX
www.reimag.co.za