Finding the best combination of value-adding and lifestyle-enhancing upgrades to your home isn\u2019t always easy \u2013 particularly on a budget.<\/p>\n
Property expert, Tony Clarke, from Rawson Property Group provides professional tips on the most effective upgrades for the average home.<\/p>\n
\u201cClever renovations don\u2019t have to be hugely costly affairs,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cSometimes a few cosmetic changes can have just as much impact as a complete gut and replacement, and knowing where to spend and where to save can make a big difference to your bottom line.\u201d<\/p>\n
General Updates<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe simplest and most cost-effective upgrade you can do isn\u2019t actually a renovation at all,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cIt\u2019s more of a surface update and refresh of your existing fixtures and fittings, and can have a surprisingly big effect on the overall feel of your home.\u201d<\/p>\n Clarke suggested a more modern colour palette for your walls – neutral tones like greys are very popular – and repainting ceilings and trim. Swapping out any dingy old light fittings, switch plates and plugs for more contemporary alternatives is also a great idea.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have stippled walls, investing a little bit more to get them re-plastered also makes a big difference,\u201d said Clarke, \u201cas does refinishing wooden floors or replacing worn-out tiles and carpets.\u201d<\/p>\n Kitchens & Bathrooms<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cKitchens and bathrooms are the most likely areas to add value to your home while also adding value to your day-to-day lifestyle,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cThis makes them a popular choice for home renovations, and they can be worth spending a little more on \u2013 but be careful not to go overboard.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Clarke, many kitchens and bathrooms benefit tremendously from simply having their countertops and cupboard doors replaced, with new taps and appliances adding extra bling if budget allows. If your layout or fixtures are beyond saving, however, a more complete overhaul may be required.<\/p>\n \u201cOpen-plan kitchens are extremely popular, so if you are doing a full refit in that area, knocking down a non-loadbearing wall or two could be a serious improvement,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cLayout improvements are also more likely to add value than that expensive, imported marble you\u2019ve been eyeing.\u201d<\/p>\n While quality is imperative, Clarke points out that premium, imported fittings and finishes are only really necessary in high-end luxury residences. For the average home, a well-regarded local brand will be just as effective at half the price.<\/p>\n Light<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cModern aesthetics are all about light and space, and the right windows can really make a home,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cA lot of older houses still have relatively small, steel or wooden windows, and replacing these can have a huge impact on interior spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n While aluminium is the most popular, low-maintenance option, Clarke also recommended investigating uPVC if budget allows.<\/p>\n \u201cuPVC windows fitted with double glazing are an excellent energy-saving addition to a home, and have the added benefit of blocking a lot of outside noise, creating an oasis of calm indoors,\u201d he said. \u201cDouble glazing isn\u2019t particularly common in South Africa yet, but with climate change and energy conservation becoming a necessity, it could be a very smart way of adding value to your home.\u201d<\/p>\n Flow<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOpen-plan living areas with a good indoor-outdoor flow are a key component of modern design,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cIf your home has lots of separate living areas, like enclosed dining rooms, kitchens, and lounges, you may want to consider breaking through a few walls to open up the spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n While these kinds of renovations tend to be more disruptive and expensive than others, they can make a dramatic difference to the enjoyment of your property, as well as its appeal to future buyers. They are also less expensive than building on new additions, and can have just as much of an impact on your functional, available space.<\/p>\n However you choose to improve your home, Clarke reminded owners to keep the average style, finish and price of other houses in your area in mind.<\/p>\n \u201cNobody wants to be mediocre,\u201d he said, \u201cbut even if your home is far more luxurious than any of your neighbours, you\u2019ll still find your eventual sales price capped by the local averages. To avoid falling into the trap of overcapitalising, focus on creating a beautifully-maintained home that conforms to modern standards within your neighbourhood. Your wallet will thank you today, and your buyers will thank you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n You can rent-to-own property in South Africa \u2013 this is how it works<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Is it worth it to furnish your rental property?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on property<\/h3>\n