Boost the value of your place with these DIY renovations

Home renovation jobs can be endless from small scale tasks such as replacing light fittings to larger sized changes like building a pool! However, if you’re looking to add value to your home you don’t necessarily have to turn to the mammoth jobs requiring builders, architects and tradies. There are plenty of jobs you can do yourself! So pull out some old rags and get cracking on these DIY renovations that home reno experts say add value.

1. Get painting

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in boosting the value of your home by making it look crisp, clean and more appealing. By selecting light colours for smaller rooms you can actually make them appear larger! Don’t just do one room though, complete the job on the whole house as one freshly painted room will make an adjoining room look even older and tacky. Painting the interior walls of your home can be a satisfying task done over a weekend.

2. Create a grand entry

By this we don’t mean you have to erect, large marble pillars or life-size animal sculptures imported from Italy, you just need to create curb appeal. As we all know, first impressions last forever! Here are a few hints on how to make it happen:

• Replace the front door and don’t forget the doorknob! According to the Cost vs Value report by leading US renovation magazine Remodeling, a new front door gives you the best bang for your buck.
• Paint the front door
• Do a letterbox makeover
• Buy a new house number
• Replace the overhead light at the front door
• Add colourful flower beds to the front garden

3. Add another bedroom

Regardless if you’re planning to sell or rent your home, creating an additional bedroom is an easy and quick way to increase its value. Potential buyers and renters typically hunt for a property through online platforms – Domain, property.com.au and realestate.com.au – entering specific searches like room numbers. If you have an old dusty attic, it’s worth taking the time to clean it out and convert it into a bedroom, such as a parents’ retreat by installing insulation and windows. Or, if you have a basement that’s full of cobwebs, dust it out and turn it into a spare room. Just like that, you’ve added value to your home!

4. Refit the kitchen

The kitchen has become one of the most popular places in a home, with plenty of time spent in it cooking, entertaining and chatting with family and friends. Better Homes and Gardens says the kitchen deserves “special” attention, so a neat, modern looking kitchen can genuinely improve the value of a home. It’s important to focus on benches, cabinets, drawer fronts and handles by either replacing or recovering them. A kitchen can also be transformed and modernised by replacing or adding a splashback with glass or tiles. After all, it is the most visible part of the kitchen!

5. Bathroom and toilet repairs

The bathroom is no longer just a functional space, it’s now seen as a place to unwind and relax! By giving the bathroom a facelift and creating a day spa like feel you’ll definitely boost the value of your property. Don’t stress, your bathroom renovation costs won’t necessarily cost an arm and a leg, all you need to do is replace and repair any fittings that are looking a little worse for wear like the toilet seat. Also look at replacing any stained grout or repair chips in the bathtub or sink. Purchasing new light fittings and feature lights with dim settings can help create a tranquil bathroom environment. Don’t forget to choose energy efficient models as a sustainable, green home is more appealing to potential buyers!

6. Upgrade doors and windows

If you have a quality tool kit and are pretty handy when it comes to DIY tasks, consider upgrading the doors and windows in your home. This will not only make your place look more stylish but energy efficient too. Energy efficient windows will significantly reduce your energy bill and will have a huge impact on the sustainability of your place.

7. Landscaping

Dead plants, overgrown lawn and a general messy garden can be a turn off for any potential buyer. So it’s important you take pride in your garden by investing time and money into it. It doesn’t cost much to create a beautifully, inviting, landscaped front and backyard.

Invest in shrubs, trees, rocks, new soil and some cheerful colourful plants to help transform the yard. This will increase the property’s appeal to potential buyers and renters. Others DIY landscaping tasks can include painting your fence and installing a vertical garden. Herb gardens are also a winner!

A well maintained yard is a good indicator of the total effort, love and care you give to the whole property, a turn on for future renters or buyers.

Financing the facelift

When it comes to boosting the value of your place with DIY renovations you do have to spend money to make money. There are a number of options for funding home renovations, it will depend on the size and scope of the project.Here’s a list of some of the best ways to turn your dream renovations into reality: 

• Use cash
• Sign up for a low interest credit card
• Apply for a secured personal loans or an unsecured personal loan
• Use your home’s equity
• Refinance your mortgage
• Maximise the redraw facility
• Use a line of credit