4 quick Easter reno ideas to add value to your home
20 Feb 2018

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
Latitude Low Rate Personal Loan

Low fixed rate from 10.99% (comparison rate* from 12.21%)
Choose your repayment frequency
No maximum loan amount
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
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
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
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.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Personal loans Awards
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!