8 Summer DIY Projects that will Boost the Value of a Home
Now is the best time to get cracking on DIY projects that will add value to your home.
04/11/2022
The sun’s out and the days are longer, making summer the ideal time to get cracking on DIY projects that will add value to your home. “No matter the size of the project, small or large, any of these changes will aid in not only increasing the value of your home but could also save you money in the long run,” says Carl Coetzee, CEO of BetterBond.
Top tips to refresh your home:
1. Head outdoors for essential maintenance
Spruce up your outside deck area by getting rid of splinters and replace broken boards. Sand and re-coat wooden or steel fencing around the property.
2. Clean out the clutter
Declutter your home and get rid of unwanted items such as unused linen, faded cushions and broken furniture. And don't overlook outdoor storage areas such as a garage, garden shed, hut, or other.
3. Paint can have a significant impact on spaces in and outside the home
Introduce a colourful feature wall in a communal space, and experiment with wallpaper to create interest. Fill cracks and remove the dirt from high-traffic spaces. Make the most of the warmer weather to give the exterior of your home some attention. Repaint tired-looking window frames or use a contrasting colour for your front door or garage.
4. A change of season is the ideal time to flex your green fingers
Planting flowers and shrubs along the driveway will add instant curb appeal. Be sensible and choose water wise plants for your garden, plants like spekboom are not only beautiful to look at but they are also good for the environment. If you are short on space, cultivate a vertical garden.
5. Install solar as a renewable alternative to electricity
You don’t have to invest in a full solar system to experience the benefits all you need to do is to invest in an inverter, battery and a few solar panels and this will allow you to power essential household appliances during load shedding. There are various solar solutions, and the return on investment - which includes lower electricity bills and a reduced reliance on the grid - could be considerable.
6. The kitchen is the heart of any home so if you have any cash saved for renovation, start here
Even a small-scale kitchen remodel can return more than 71% of the cost of the work. The kitchen can be a key selling point of your home, so repaint your kitchen island, replace or refresh your cabinets and update appliances if your budget allows.
7. Make the most of unused spaces
An outdoor wendy hut or shed that is not being used or is only for storing garden tools and equipment could easily be converted into a separate home office, a home gym, or a home away from home, or you use the revamp the structure into income-generating accommodation.
8. Deep clean surfaces, patios and windows
Wipe away dust and residue from air vents. If you have a braai or outside cooking area, make sure this is clean and ready for the new season. You could consider investing in a fire pit or pizza oven if your family enjoys entertaining outdoors. If you don’t have the time, or energy, to tackle an outdoor clean, hire a professional service such as SweepSouth.
“We have seen an almost 20% increase year-on-year in building loan applications, and many of these will be homeowners wanting to renovate or upgrade their homes,” says Coetzee. “Any property renovations, when done properly, will keep a home looking good and up to date and give a solid return on investments.