4 quick Easter reno ideas to add value to your home

Summer is over, but with the Easter long weekend just around the corner, now’s the time to tackle those renos you’ve been thinking about, but always postponing. According to Mozo property expert Steve Jovcevski, there are two keys to a successful long weekend renovation which will add value to your home: planning, and a strict budget.

“A weekend reno might only take you two or three days to complete, but you should be planning it for a week beforehand,” he says.

When it comes to your budget, making sure you have a clear idea of the costs involved and the funds to backup your renovation dreams is key. One way to be sure you won’t run out of budget halfway through is to take out a low cost personal loan.

“Often it’s better to borrow the money and know you have it, rather than panic and start cutting corners halfway through a job because your savings are running out faster than anticipated,” says Jovcevski.

Check out some of our top personal loan picks for your Easter renovation, then scroll down for Jovcevski’s top 4 bang-for-your-buck reno ideas.


Fund your Reno with these Low Rate Personal Loans

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Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
Latitude - Low Rate Personal Loan
  • Low fixed rate from 10.99% (comparison rate* from 12.21%)
  • Choose your repayment frequency
  • No maximum loan amount
Find out more
Our verdict

With a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment features to offer all types of borrowers, it’s no wonder celebrity funny man, Alec Baldwin endorses the Latitude Low Rate Personal Loan. Featuring a handy low rate and no maximum loan amount, this is the ideal loan to get your renos started.

ING - Unsecured Personal Loan
  • Fixed 8.99% interest rate (9.13% comparison rate*)
  • Free extra repayments and no exit fee
  • Mozo 2018 Expert’s Choice winner
Find out more
Our verdict

If you’re after a loan that’s got no surprises or hidden nasties, then look no further than the ING Unsecured Personal Loan. With a fixed 8.99% interest rate (9.13% comparison rate*), you’ll always have the comfort in knowing your repayment amount. Throw in the option of making free extra repayments and a $0 exit fee and you’re looking at a 2018 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner for Unsecured Personal Loans.

Harmoney - Unsecured Personal Loan
  • Fixed interest rates from just 6.99% (7.69% comparison rate*)
  • No ongoing fees
  • Loan top up feature
  • 2018 Mozo Experts Choice winner
Find out more
Our verdict

The Harmoney unsecured personal loan isn’t your average loan, as it’s funded by investors - otherwise known as peers - rather than the provider itself. So if you’re in the market for a low interest rate, no ongoing fees and the flexibility to make early repayments, the 2018 Mozo Experts Choice winning Unsecured Personal Loan from Harmoney could be the perfect match for you.

St.George - Secured Personal Loan
  • Fixed 8.49% interest rate (9.60% comparison rate*)
  • Borrow up to $80,000
  • Easy and quick application process
Find out more

St.George's secured personal loan offers up competitive variable and fixed rate options, with fixed rates starting as low as 8.49% (9.60% comparison rate*). You can borrow up to $80,000 with this loan, with a term of up to 7 years. Keep in mind that whether you choose the fixed or variable option will also affect what kind of features are available - you'll be able to make free extra repayments and redraws with the variable rate option, but not the fixed.

Didn’t find the loan you need? Head over to our personal loan comparison page for some more killer options.

Top Easter long weekend renovations

According to Jovcevski, “a good long weekend renovation can cost $3,000 - $5,000, but if you get it right, it can add tens of thousands of dollars in value to your property.”

So which renovations will net you the best return on your investment of dollars and elbow grease?

Reno #1: A new coat of paint - for everything

Don’t just limit yourself to walls and doors, is Jovcevski’s tip when it comes to freshening up your home with a lick of paint. “You can also rejuvenate dated tiles or kitchen cupboards with a crisp new paint job - but be careful. There’s a particular technique to this kind of work and if you don’t do it right, your room will look worse than when you started. Do your research first,” he says.

The good news is, if you do a really good job of repainting, Jovcevski estimates you can add an extra $10,000 - $30,000 of value to your property, while shelling out just a couple of thousand dollars for the paint.

Reno #2: Improve curbside appeal

First impressions count, so look to your front yard when coming up with quick and worthwhile reno ideas. Focus on improving street appeal by manicuring lawns, showing gardens some love, doing maintenance on the roof, door, gutters and window panes. “One thing that can make a small renovation look like you’ve redone the whole house is to repaint the front facade in a nice neutral tone, with a contrasting colour for the front door,” Jovcevski says.

If you go the whole hog, from laying out new grass and planting trees to fixing old gutters, Jovcevski says you might spend $5,000 all up - but you could be adding triple that in value.

Reno #3: The “fixtures and fittings” reno

Don’t have the time or funds for a full bathroom or kitchen renovation? Instead, try just focusing on the cosmetic appeal of these rooms, by replacing dated taps, sinks, vanities or appliances with modern options. This is a good option for houses that are in pretty good nick to begin with, and just need a bit of a facelift.

“You may have to get a plumber in, which can take your total cost up to around $6,000 or $7,000, but you’re adding value in key areas of the house where potential buyers are most likely to be looking for something nice and new,” Jovcevski adds.

Reno #4: Show the backyard some TLC

Finally, take a look in your backyard. If you’re organised try adding some outdoor seating, an appealing privacy screen or even some decking over the weekend. To go all out with a garden revamp and some decking, you might be looking at a price tag of around $5,000, which Jovcevski says is worth it in the right conditions.

“It’s generally more expensive to revamp the backyard than the front, and in terms of dollar value, the front yard is probably a better investment,” says Jovcevski. “But redoing the backyard adds value if you’re looking to sell soon, or if you just want a lifestyle upgrade for yourself.”

There you have it! If you’d like some more renovation inspiration check out these ideas for improving the value of your home, or if you’re ready to get started, make sure you find the perfect personal loan first!


* WARNING: The Comparison Rate combines the lender's interest rate, fees and charges into a single rate to show the true cost of a personal loan. The comparison rates displayed are calculated based on a loan of $30,000 for a term of 5 years or a loan of $10,000 for a term of 3 years as indicated, based on monthly principal and interest repayments, on a secured basis for secured loans and an unsecured basis for unsecured loans. This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Personal Loan Awards

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