Cost is usually a major factor when it comes to any home renovations, and weighing up the cost versus return is an important part of your decision making. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just freshen it up, here are a few low-cost projects that you can do yourself to revitalise your home and add value.

START WITH THE SMALL THINGS
It’s amazing how many things go unnoticed in a home. That leaking kitchen tap, or the window that won’t open when it rains. Missing grout between floor tiles or an outside wall that hasn’t been painted in years. Fixing the little things first can make a huge improvement and needn’t cost a bomb.

GO FOR A GARDEN CLEAN UP
While the weather’s not great, it’s easy to ignore the outside of your home. All too soon though, it becomes a much bigger task to tackle. Make the most of your outdoor space by clearing out overgrown flower beds, cutting back trees and shrubs, and disposing of dead branches and leaves. And it won’t cost you much more than a few hours of your time.

SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS
Mend any broken fencing and replace old outdoor lights to help improve the areas outside your home. Repainting your front door, fitting a new letterbox, and water-blasting around the exterior of your home are all easy fixes that go a long way to adding value to your property. Remember to water-blast all hard surfaces including concrete/tiled floors, and the outside of your home and roof to remove mould and dirt – the difference it will make will be amazing!

A KITCHEN FACELIFT
Replacing a kitchen is expensive – a more affordable option would be to add a few cosmetic touches. Replace cabinet and cupboard handles with more modern fittings. A lick of paint turns tired old cupboards into far more modern units. And new overhead lighting can really brighten up a drab and dreary space.

A DEEP CLEAN
A professional carpet clean (or a DIY carpet steamer) will make your carpets look and smell their best. Whether you hire someone in, or do it yourself, steam cleaning your carpets instantly revitalises and refreshes your home.

CHANGE OUT OLD LIGHT SWITCHES AND DOOR HANDLES
One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to spruce up a tired home is to swap-out the plug outlets and switches. Whether you change from the old almond colour to white, or a modern finish, replacing your old light switches and plug covers instantly freshens up the room. And don’t underestimate the power of household hardware: those small items such as doorknobs and door handles add style and sparkle to any room.

However, if you are thinking of doing major renovations (particularly if you are looking to sell your home), it would be wise to first have your home appraised by a professional real estate agency. That way you’ll know the current market value of your home and you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to spend in order to add value.

If you are thinking about selling or renovating your home, please speak to one of our experienced sales professionals.