Every home could benefit from some improvements and maintenance should be routine, but the expense of hiring professionals can seem daunting and the perceived time and skill required often deters home owners from doing it themselves.
However, when tackled in bite-sized chunks, it’s possible to make a big difference with little effort and outlay, says Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen sotheby’s International in Johannesburg and Randburg.
READ: 5 upgrades and renovations that increase your home's value
“Additionally, you will not only be adding value to your investment but also save yourself significant expense down the line because issues don’t fix themselves and wear and tear – and time – will only make them worse.”
Odendaal advises that home owners take a good objective look at their homes to determine which features have become dated and which aspects are becoming tired or worn.
“Make a list of any issues you find and the features that would most benefit from upgrades and then mark those which you feel you are able to handle yourself and which will require the expertise of professionals.
“Next, make another list of what you’d need for the DIY projects you feel you can manage and do an inventory of your tool box and see what you’d need to buy as you don’t want to find yourself in need of something midway through a project. If you need expensive power tools, then it might be cheaper to leave that task to the experts.”
READ: Why home maintenance is so important and seasonal checks you must do
If your home is older, the list may seem depressingly long after you’ve taken a good, hard look but Odendaal says that unless there is urgent major work to be done like replacing the roof or complete rewiring, the list can easily be broken down and done slowly over time.
He suggests that the following projects are the best to start with to see noticeable results and become inspired to continue:
Replace the handles on kitchen cabinets
This may seem like a small thing to do but it can significantly transform the look of your cabinets, especially if you have more than a few visible cupboard doors. Brushed metal or gleaming stainless steel will immediately update your kitchen’s look or you can opt for a more classic look and feel.
Build bathroom floating shelves
Most bathrooms, especially if they’re small or in older homes, could do with extra storage and floating shelves will not only update the room, they will also look attractive and won’t take up too much space.
READ: Quick project: Make an easy and stylish wall shelf
They can also be tailored to fit anywhere, from above the toilet or on the wall above the bath and if you place pretty items like bath oils and plants or rolled up colourful towels, they’re also very decorative.
Add some organisation to the garage
The garage is often he first place people dump things they no longer need or seldom use and it can become very difficult to find what you want when you do need something.
Tools, especially, are easily lost under all the stuff and a good place to start with your organising. Install a pegboard on a wall for storing your hand tools. and other goodies like nails and screws for which you can mount small boxes.
Use an old chlorine tup or something similar for all your old rags you use for dirty jobs and sort all your screws, nails, bolts etcetera and store them in clear plastic containers for easy access.
Hang window boxes
Window boxes are a cost-effective way to add a splash of colour to your home’s exterior, especially if you don’t have much of a garden – or have none at all. You can buy a decorative box or construct one from repurposed wood like pallets and simply fill them with colourful flowers like petunias, geraniums or begonias.
READ: Box your windows
Beautify your bathroom
Even the smallest upgrades will make a different to this often-used room. Change the lighting fixtures, buy new taps, put a splash-back above the basin or replace cabinets or even just the doors. New bath mats and fluffy towels will add a touch of luxury.
Paint a feature wall
If your decor hasn’t been changed for ages and you don’t feel up to repainting a whole room, give the space a lift by painting one wall in a bold colour, then add matching colourful elements like scatter cushions, lampshades or urns.
READ: DIY: Create a faux brick feature wall in 7 easy steps
Paint trim and mouldings
Another nifty trick if you don’t want to repaint a whole area is to focus on the trim and mouldings instead. You can opt for a contrasting colour or make it more subtle by using a warmer, richer tone in the same shade as the walls.
Paint your garage door
This instantly improves kerb appeal and lifts the whole property. Make sure you first wash off the layers of grime and dirt with a pressure washer and don’t forget to check the weather forecast to make sure it won’t rain for a day or two.
The job is easiest with a roller and choose the highest quality paint that you can afford as it will be more resistant to fading and stains. A semi-gloss paint sheen is durable and easy to clean in the future.
Liven up the front door
First impressions count, and they are formed long before anyone sets foot inside your home, so make sure it’s an attractive welcome that guests receive. Repaint the front door, buy large plant pots for either side of the door and fill with them with striking plants, top up the gravel on the pathway and replace broken paving or bricks.
Trim trees and bushes
Overgrown trees and bushes will make the garden look untidy even if the lawn is mowed regularly and can ruin an otherwise perfect landscape. Pruning is also healthy for your plants, so break out the shears and keep your trees and bushes well-maintained.
Check on your roof
Roofs should be checked regularly but especially after the rainy season which is when the most damage can occur. Tack down any loose shingles that you spot to prevent future leaks, clear gutters and check if any gutters or drain pipes are coming loose.
READ: Repair tips | How to find and fix a roof leak
“There are loads of simple yet effective things you can do around your home to brighten your space and improve your property value, however, recognising your skill level and being organised are the key to being a successful weekend warrior,” concludes Odendaal.
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