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Improve your home and add value

Posted on May 23, 2024

Whether you’re looking to make the most of your home’s potential or you’re thinking of relocating and want to give your home a makeover before you put it up for sale, we’ve rounded up some affordable ideas to enhance your home. Remember, not all renovations are the same, and it’s important to take all costs into account before making any home improvements.

Kerb Appeal

There’s a saying that says ‘You only make one first impression.’ Tidying up your property’s front doesn’t just make you feel better when you come home, it also makes you more attractive to potential buyers and increases the value of your home. Painting your front door or fence, replacing broken path stones, and adding some window boxes or cheap-coloured bedding plants will make an immediate difference. A great tip is to take some exterior photos before you get started, as you often don’t notice things when you’re used to seeing them.

Improve your floors

Fixing or updating your flooring is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. It can change the way you or potential buyers look at your home. A new carpet or laminate in a high-traffic area can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your hallway or kitchen. The cost of a new floor varies depending on the size, the room and the material, so it’s important to know the full price before you order. Fitting your laminate floor yourself can help you save money, and there are plenty of helpful tips online for achieving a professional finish. If you’re looking to update your flooring without breaking the bank, you can also give your existing carpet and floors a deep clean – a professional deep clean will not only make your carpets look brighter and cleaner, but it’ll also leave your home with a fresher smell. You can hire a professional carpet cleaner to give your carpets a deep clean or rent a machine to do the job yourself. Another way to update your floors on a budget is to add some fluffy or coloured rugs for an instant impact.

Lighting some love

When it comes to low-cost home improvements that can change how you see your home, new lighting is key. Good light fixtures and a few extra lamps can add a lot of style and character to your home – all you have to do is make sure they match the rest of your property. Add lamps to dark corners to create cosy areas and add bright lights to show off your home’s features.

Refresh your kitchen

A complete kitchen remodel can be very expensive. Experts say that simply replacing your kitchen rarely adds more value than it costs. But by making a few small improvements, you can make a huge difference. For example, replace or paint cabinet doors or handles, put in a new DIY splashback, and declutter sides and cupboards. All of these small improvements can make your kitchen look and function much better for a fraction of the price of a full kitchen remodel. Read our Blog on “Declutter your Kitchen, Bathroom and Bank Account” to get started on decluttering.

Declutter your Kitchen, Bathroom & Bank Account

Improve your bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to refurbish, second only to the kitchen. Whether it’s updating your blinds, repainting or giving your bathroom a top-notch deep clean, a new sink and/or toilet will make a difference without breaking the bank. A few well-chosen colour-coordinated accessories and/or plants in the bathroom can also add a touch of glamour. Replacing the bath and/or shower, on the other hand, is where the cost begins to climb, so if you are thinking of completely redoing the bathroom, make sure you create a budget, and work out how much it is going to cost.

Bedrooms ready to sleep

If the bedrooms could use a bit of a refresh but you aren’t looking to invest a ton of money into the process, don’t worry, as there are so many amazing ways to improve the space on a budget. While beautiful, fabric-covered headboards can be expensive. If you’re handy, it’s worthwhile to make your own to save money. Use a staple gun and the fabric of your choosing to craft a stylish headboard. Or if you already have a headboard, drape some fabric over it to give your headboard a new look.

Wallpaper can often cost quite a bit, so if you love the look but can’t commit to covering all four walls of your bedroom, why not opt for the next best thing—a mural/featcher wall? Also if you just have builder-grade light fixtures, switch them out for something that fits the style of the room. To save some cash in the process, have a look at secondhand stores, websites, or Facebook Marketplace to find a bargin.

Another way to improve bedrooms, is to use flowers and plants. While leeping fresh flowers on hand is always nice, but expensice, dried flowers and grasses are a cost saver in that you only have to purchase a bouquet once, and can add some hight and texture to your space.

Would a loft conversion work?

A loft conversion can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your property. It’s often the simplest way to create an additional bedroom, which immediately pushes your home up the next price range or allows you to remain in your current home. There are many factors to consider when considering a loft conversion, and it’s a good idea to check with your local Planning Office first. A loft conversion doesn’t come cheap, but the value or space added to your home could far outweigh the costs.

Don’t forget your Garden!

An attractive, well-maintained and well-planned garden will not only make your garden more attractive for sale, but it will also improve the way you use your outdoor space. Creating or updating your patio or deck is a great way to create a beautiful space for entertaining and relaxation. You could create zones with different materials and plants to add interest. By visiting the reduced section of your local garden centre or asking friends and relatives for cuttings, you can save money when it comes to buying plants. You could also add some colour by combining colourful planters and by investing in a small water feature

Garden Ideas on a budget

Need help with the cost?

Affordable Home Improvement loans from us could help you save money on your new project. Your loan repayment can include a down payment, so when you pay off your loan, you’ll have saved money! For more information and to apply online, visit our Home Improvement Loan page.

Home Improvment Loan