Renovate your home this Christmas

This time of the year most of us have a little extra money.

Instead of spending it all on consumables, why not wisely invest in your home.

Now is a great time to consider a home renovation project if you own your own home.

What’s great about home improvement is that you get the benefit of the renovation plus the potential increase in home equity.

You can renovate your home with a fixed budget. The key is to find quality products at an economical price.

Here are some tips on how to renovate on a budget:

•  Have fun with colours. Paint your bedroom, kitchen or living room in bright colours like yellow or pink. Light shades of colour may look elegant but bright colours have the added advantage of boosting dull moods. You may also paint and highlight one wall depending upon the design of the room.
•  Flare it up. You may also add flare to your bedroom by making it look cozy. Switch up the furnishing of the bedroom, as this will enhance the look of the freshly painted walls. Ensure they are in sync with the colours of the walls. You can add new curtains or cushions. When choosing curtains, check whether they are transparent or opaque. Look for discount options to save even more money as there are offers galore during the holiday season.
•  Fengshui. Enhance the beauty of a room following Fengshui tips. As per Fengshui, every room should have a flower corner. Keep a neat and tidy flower arrangement of orchids with ferns and pines, as it is supposed to create positive mood. You can even place a nice looking set of Chinese bamboo shoots, as it is considered to balance the Yin and Yang of the home.

There are many ways to spend your fantastic bonus on home improvement, but wait. Don’t spend it in haste. Take the time to consider all your options.

Make a list of what needs to be done in the house. Do you need a new washing machine? Is your roof leaking? Do you need plumbing work done?

Make a list of wants. Would you like some new furniture? Do your walls need a coat of paint? Could your garden do with some sprucing up?

Make a final decision. Based on your list and how much money you have to spend, make a decision.

Be sure to take labour into consideration. Many builders and contractors take a break over the festive season and rush to get jobs finished.

Discuss this with your contractor and have a contract drawn up if necessary. If you would prefer that your job is not rushed, consider starting it next year. Also, don’t forget to take labour costs into consideration when doing your budget.