Affordable Home Improvements

The Reserve Bank has recently and very kindly given us a little more money to spare. But instead of blowing that on things you might not really need, how about paying it into the bond anyway, to faster reduce that debt, or – perhaps even more usefully – add valuable, affordable upgrades to your home that will subtly increase the sale value? There are many ways to enhance your home that are simple to effect, as well as subtle and enriching without the expense of physically renovating, and without breaking the bank in the process.  

Something as simple as a coat of paint in modern colours can enhance any area of your home, both inside and out. Quick and easy replacements such as new cabinetry knobs, light fixtures, taps or pot-plants can go a long way to giving your home a fresh look while greatly improving your sense of wellbeing. Eighty percent of ideas require no major alterations or high cost.

Exterior tips

• Update a patio with a coat of waterproof, non-slip paint on old slabs, tiles or brickwork, add some outside art, a couple of easy chairs, colourful cushions, string lights, and a trellis for roses – and you have a new ‘room’ to your home. Just be inventive. Add a pergola extension with columns and you have really added value to your house.

Image Source: Desert Domicile

• Get some advice on landscaping your yard or garden. Staff at garden centres will be happy to oblige. There’s no need to go to great lengths to improve the look of your garden – a few of the right shrubs strategically placed for colour, perhaps a tree, a swing couch and features such as a fountain or bird bath can make a vast difference.

Image Source: DIY Buddy

• Extend a small patio area with a wooden deck – an upmarket look that offers loads of opportunity for ‘dressing up’.

Image Source: Yello SA

• Install attractive lighting in your garden and driveway for added security and appeal.

Image Source: Homebnc

Interior tips

• Paint: Perhaps the most obvious, but a dash of new paint can make the world of difference – especially if you use clever colour choice from the latest ranges. Trim in complementary shades works wonders – white being the most effective in bringing out subtle new shades on the walls. And don’t forget furniture – you can bring new life to an outdated piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint.

Image Source: Behr

• Open-Plan: Today’s choice is a floor plan where the kitchen, family room and dining area share one open space. How can you do this without tearing out walls? Get rid of large, dark furniture – or if there are pieces you are attached to, paint them in warm, off-white tones as this will help them to ‘disappear’ in the room, giving the illusion of a larger, more open space.

Image Source: Pinterest

• Mirrors: Another trick that gives the impression of open space, is mirrors. Mirrors when placed opposite windows reflect light into the room and make the room seem bigger. 

Image Source: Pinterest

• Lighting: A poorly lit room looks small, dark and cramped, while a brightly lit room appears open, airy and welcoming. You don’t necessarily need to get in an electrician – rather browse the shops for interesting table or floor lamps. If you do want to install ceiling recess lights, etc., then the affect is worth the cost, creating a brighter, more modern look to your home.

Image Source: Pinterest

• Windows: While the view might be good, you have to consider the impact of a window on the room as a whole. New curtains can transform a room – and you can choose from drop panels to gauzy sheers, to minimalist with chic bamboo. Growing in popularity are American shutters which give a stylish look while providing good security.

Image Source: Pinterest

• Wallpaper: Back in fashion! The new wallpapers come in amazing patterns and graphics that will make your room look like you hired an interior designer (and spent a fortune). These wallpapers are fully removable by simply peeling them off (without harm to the wall underneath) and most can be reused.

• Flooring: Away with those old carpets! And bring in fresh new designs and textures. Or, even better, go the new wooden floor look by polishing up the old wood floors (parquet or Oregon pine can look fantastic!) and adding colourful rugs – or splash out and install any one of an array of new wood looks in colour and design. Doing one room at a time will slowly transform your house without costing a fortune.

Image Source: Pinterest

Livingrooms and bedrooms

Installing a new fireplace with upmarket heating such as biofuel can work a magical change in your lounge. New light switches can give a subtle fresh look to any room. Likewise, crown molding, new curtains and a couple pieces of new artwork can transform a room from dull to bright and interesting. For a romantic touch, swap an old light fixture for a small chandelier.

Tip for sizing a chandelier: Room width + Room length in feet = chandelier diameter in inches.

Image Source: Dear Lillie Blog

Kitchens and bathrooms

Your kitchen: Often the key selling points in a home are the kitchen and the bathroom. If you renovate just those areas alone, you will be adding the biggest portion of value to your home right there. But a full renovation in either space can run to hundreds of thousands of rands. And there are ways to do it differently.

• Nothing dates your kitchen and bathrooms more than old-fashioned, worn and dirty handles. There is no excuse not to update all your cabinet and door handles when it is really so simple to do. There are numerous finishes to choose from such as bronze, brushed nickel, aged copper, and shiny stainless.
• Tiling your floor can cause major upheaval and cost. Consider the cheaper alternative of vinyl flooring/tiles – available in a range of colours, patterns and styles. And not that difficult to replace if you grow tired of it or would like a fresh update.
• New wooden or granite, or even glass countertops are one day’s work by professionals, and won’t break your budget.
• Recessed lights are excellent for providing light and aesthetic appeal.
• And of course, repainting your cupboards can bring about a warm, clean look to your kitchen.

Image Source: Buzzfeed

Your bathroom:

• New light fixtures, vanity cupboard, taps and shower curtain, combined with fresh accessories such as floor mats and towels, can take any bathroom from dowdy to wow.
• Don’t forget a new toilet seat – inexpensive and quick to install – as well as decorative transfers for wall tiles, and even a towel heating rack – plus a new coat of colour or even wallpaper for the walls – and hey presto! Your renovation is done!
• And there’s no need to tear out baths and sinks. Re-glazing can give these items a completely new look. 

The Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa.

Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise, eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense.

Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market. 

Find us at: www.leapfrog.co.za