(Home) makeover myths and mistakes to avoid

Myth: Any improvement or renovation adds to the value of a property. 

Fact: Not quite. Wall-to-wall carpets throughout, a hot tub in the lounge or a fireplace in the bathroom is in fact not to everyone's taste and could count against the seller of a property when it comes to putting it on the market. 

So what then does value, and what if you really, really want a hot tub in the lounge?

"The best reason to undertake property renovations and improvements is because those living there want it and enjoy it. But of course the question of value always comes up because a property is a big investment and a significant asset," says Bernie Muller, Principal at Leapfrog Edgemead. She believes there is a fine line between renovating to satisfy your needs and preferences, and renovating with the goal of adding value that will positively impact the selling price, should you put the property on the market. 

To this end Muller says there are a number of renovations that almost universally add value, and then a few that are best considered circumspectly. 

Yes, the kitchen

It comes as little surprise that the kitchen is the prime candidate for a makeover. "Kitchens sell homes. Most of the time it is as simple as that. It's the heart of most modern homes and, arguably, the most high-volume spaces in a house, so it's understandable that we want it to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing," Muller says. 

A kitchen that adds measurable value to a property is one that achieves the right balance between practical and pretty, irrespective of size and style. 

Ideally kitchens should be renovated every ten to 15 years, just to account for wear and tear. Kitchens suffer heat and moisture and sharp objects, which becomes evident in the finishing after about a decade. Even the layout becomes dated as new trends take root and reveal a different way to utilise this space. 

But also the bathroom 

While the bathroom is hardly a gathering place, it is still a place that tends to impact a buyer's decision quite profoundly. 

Much like a kitchen, it needs to be functional, practical and of course it helps if it is aesthetically pleasing too. 

"Very few people regret a bathroom renovation. It's a space that takes a lot of strain in the form of heat and moisture, and so the fittings and finishes do wear down over time. Similarly, no buyer is going to say no to a nice bathroom, but they may turn their nose up at one that is dilapidated and/or outdated," Muller shares. 

Storage galore 

People rarely say no to more storage, or the clever use of space to maximise the liveability of a home. Whether it's building a garage because there wasn't one, or enlarging an existing one is unlikely to be met with resistance from potential buyers. 

Similarly, space-creating interventions like adding a pantry, scullery, laundry room or even a flatlet to the property are certain to add significant value to the overall property. But Muller points out that one should always consider that type of property, and whether the addition or renovation makes sense for the typical buyer profile of that kind of property. "Adding a large pantry or a walk-in wardrobe to a one-bedroom townhouse is unlikely to have the same impact in terms of value-add as it would if those things were added to a four-bedroom family home in the suburbs," she says. A trusted property advisor will be able to offer guidance and advice in this regard as they have a keen understanding of what buyers are really looking for. 

Safety first 

It's an assumption that we can safely (!) make - we all want to feel safe in our home. As such, things like safety gates, burglar bars, perimeter fencing and security tech for the home all add value. 

"There are so many options and styles on the market these days that you also don't have to compromise on aesthetics when it comes to choosing burglar bars or other physical security for the property. It's a good idea though to go for something as 'neutral' as possible if selling the property is an eventual consideration. This helps ensure it's to more people's taste," Muller says. 

Think twice 

There are always exceptions, but Muller recommends thinking more carefully about the following: 

• Too much wood

• A swimming pool 

• Too much carpeting 

• Fireplaces

It's not these are completely off-limits but rather that it tends to be associated with a lot of maintenance (in the case of wood) and a lot of money (the cost of keeping the pool running). Similarly features that can seasonal appeal only can be quite divisive. 

If in doubt, reach out to a trusted property advisor who will be able to offer useful insights into market trends and what sellers really value - and are willing to pay for.