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 deter homeowners from doing it themselves.
However, when tackled in bite-sized chunks, it’s possible to make a big difference with little effort and outlay, advised Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International in Johannesburg.
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 further advised that homeowners take a good objective look at their homes to determine which features have become dated and which aspects are becoming tired or worn.
He suggested the following projects 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 the cabinets, especially if you have more than a few visible cupboard doors. Brushed metal or gleaming stainless steel will update your kitchen’s look immediately 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. Floating shelves will not only update the room, they will also look attractive and won’t take up too much space. They can 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 on them they’re also very decorative.
• Add some organisation to the garage:
The garage is often the 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 tub or something similar for all the old rags you use for dirty jobs and sort all the 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 the 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. Choose the highest-quality paint 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. The job is easiest with a roller.
• 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 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 and can ruin an otherwise perfect landscape even if the lawn is mowed regularly. 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.
