WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Times are tough, but home improvements needn’t cost a fortune if you want to add value to your property before selling it.
When you buy a new home or consider selling an existing one, ensure you don’t have to spend a fortune on home improvements to achieve a satisfying resale price. Most neighbourhoods have a ceiling on price, and savvy property investors will ensure they do just enough to make a home liveable and lovable without unnecessary financial risk.
Fancy a Jacuzzi? Think again. Neven Narayanasamy from specialist loan provider DirectAxis says this is on the list of no-nos. You might look forward to midnight soaks with your favourite drink in hand, but others might see a Jacuzzi as another thing to be cleaned, maintained or repaired. If you’re considering applying for a loan for home improvements, you need to have planned enough to cover your most pressing requirements.
“When it comes to adding to the value of your house, less is more. Have a plan, do a bit at a time and think about the things which will add the most appeal at the least cost. Remember that upgrading is better than overhauling,” he says. The application process takes around 15 minutes, while approval can take between 24 and 48 hours. Once approved, the funds are transferred directly into your account.
SEVEN COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME
1. Enhance the exterior appeal
First impressions matter, and that’s why considering what real estate agents call “curb appeal” is crucial. This visual allure entices people to stop at a show house or take a second look while driving by. A well-maintained exterior, a tidy garden, and spotless windows signal that the property is cared for, making it more appealing to potential buyers. The best part is that creating curb appeal often demands more physical effort than a hefty investment. Start by surveying the neighbourhood, identifying the houses you’d want to visit, and understanding what elements contribute to their attractiveness.
2. Plan projects wisely
Avoid taking on more than you can handle. Develop a comprehensive plan and tackle one task at a time. This approach ensures that your projects remain manageable, preventing you from being left with half-finished rooms or incomplete renovations due to budget constraints.
3. Prioritise repairs over renovations
Prioritizing regular home maintenance and addressing potential issues before they escalate can be as critical as conducting renovations. While a brand-new kitchen might seem appealing, overlooking broken gutters or a neglected swimming pool can detract from the property’s overall appeal.
4. Simplicity is key
A fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour can be all the room needs and is more budget-friendly than extensive remodelling. Likewise, refurbishing existing wooden floors is often more cost-effective than replacing them entirely. For bathrooms and kitchens, consider simple upgrades such as replacing door handles, modernizing light fixtures, repainting or refacing cabinets, and installing new countertops. Avoid complex plumbing alterations.
5. Emphasise cleanliness and order
Regularly cleaning tiles and grout may seem tedious, but it’s significantly less expensive than replacing them altogether. Similarly, pay attention to shower floors and ceilings, ensuring they are free of mould and grime. Allocate your budget wisely, as small investments in items like a new shower curtain can significantly impact the presentation of the space.
6. Anticipate and prepare
Arrange for a thorough inspection of your property for electrical compliance, rising damp, borer beetle or dry rot before listing it for sale. While this might seem counterintuitive, uncovering potential issues early on can save you from significant setbacks during the selling process. Moreover, having these certificates in hand demonstrates your diligence in maintaining the property and could instil confidence in potential buyers.
7. Colour your world
If you feel like painting a focus wall with one of the latest Pantone® shades, try the colour Rooibos – one of the top 10 colours flagged in the Fashion Colour Trend Report for spring 2024 at the recent New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Pantone’s NYFW Spring/Summer 2024 Colour Palette
World-renowned colour specialist and executive director of the US-based Pantone Colour Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, referred to the Rooibos Pantone® as “restorative”.
“Just as people sometimes use food to revitalise themselves, the spring colour palette can be equally refreshing. The health benefits of herbal tisanes, for example, extend beyond personal wellness. They are restorative in every sense. They are refreshing to taste, but also refreshing to look at.”
Marthane Swart of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says the Rooibos industry is thrilled with the news.
“It has been an exciting journey to witness the rise of Rooibos and its adoption across industries. Being named a top 10 colour for 2024 is sure to put the Rooibos Pantone® on the map,” says Swart.
Aside from seeing the colour popping up in new spring/summer fashion collections, experts say we can expect the colour to be used across industrial designs too, from cars, electronics, AI and technology to interiors, films and animation.
Pantone’s NYFW Spring/Summer 2024 Colour Palette
