Many homeowners do not realise that just a bit of elbow grease and a clean-up can not only make their home a more enjoyable place to live, but also add thousands of dollars in value to it. In fact, spending a little money in the right places can make a big impact when the time comes to sell up.
Giving an un-renovated home a face-lift by pulling up worn carpets and replacing with polished boards, repainting, fixing cracked windows or just cleaning up the front and back gardens of a property can make a world of difference.
Start with a simple repair audit around the home, going from room to room checking any areas that need repair and maintenance. This will also provide a guide for planning the project in a strategic manner so that it stays within your budget.
Here are some changes that can add value to the home if undertaken with care and planning.
Patching cracks
Patch wall gaps and cracks, sand and fill with a flexible sealant. Be careful to colour-match the existing render or finish.
Repainting
A new coat of paint is often the best value for money. Keep colours neutral and elegant. As a highlight, a cement-based paint can provide a simple textured finish and additional visual presence to a feature wall.
Polishing floorboards
Floorboards are better than worn carpet. Pull up the carpet, sand and polish floorboards using an odour-free, oil-based stain. Seek the advice of a floor specialist before undertaking this project.
De-cluttering
Keep surfaces clean and neat. Remove knick-knacks, souvenirs, children's artwork, sporting equipment, toys, scatter rugs, pet food bowls, baskets and scratching posts. An uncluttered yet comfortable space not only feels better, but rooms appear larger if they're not crowded with furniture.
Pergolas
Sun-shading devices such as pergolas can make for a fine addition, particularly when covered in deciduous plants. They provide shade to windows, define outdoor living spaces and provide a simple but effective link between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Fencing
Fences can be a relatively inexpensive addition, but make sure the fence is compatible with the style of home. Picket fences can enhance a period-style home like an Edwardian or Victorian, but on a modern house they may be less appropriate. Repair any broken fence palings and straighten or replace any damaged fence posts.
Orientation
Show how a north-facing garden can flourish on a sunny day. Set up some well-oiled teak outdoor furniture (umbrella, table and chairs), barbecue and a sun lounge. The benefits will be obvious.
Vibrant Garden
A landscaped garden is like having an extra room. For best value, combine native flowering plants such as acacias or grevilleas with exotic plants for highlights.
Consider some strategically placed pots of colourful plants to provide a splash of colour to the garden or highlight a deck area.
External cleaning and maintenance
Clean out guttering, and replace rusted sections. Check the condition of downpipes - replace worn rusty downpipes. Check the drainage points for downpipes - that they are not blocked and form water pooling when it rains.
Remove cobwebs from all walls, windows, window ledges and architraves. With a long cobweb broom remove all cobwebs from guttering and downpipes as well.
Clean all windows and glass doors inside and out so they are sparkling.
Outdoor lighting
Check that all outdoor lighting is working and replace any globes that may have blown. If you have garden lighting to enhance your garden at night check that all of these lights are working correctly. Consider installing security sensors that turn on exterior lights with a person's movement. These provide additional security and peace of mind to the occupants of the home.