If you’re planning on selling your property or just want to increase the aesthetics on your home, here are a few DIY ideas that won’t break the bank:
1. Improve kerb appeal – take a look at your home as though you were a stranger driving up. How does it look? How is your front lawn? Could it do with some fertilizer or weeding? Do you have a front garden? You can add a lovely burst of colour with some flowering plants that are relatively cheap from your local garden centre or hardware store. Could your front door do with a coat of paint? Could the house do with a good wash with a gurney?
2. Is the entrance to your home appealing and welcoming? Could it do with a coat of paint or some kind of storage?
3. What other storage options do you have in your home? Is every cupboard overflowing? Do you need a good clean out or additional storage?
4. Lighting – you want your home to be bright and inviting during the day and warm and cosy at night. Do you need to switch a few light fittings or change light bulbs to a softer light? Could your curtains or blinds do with a spruce up?
5. Mirrors – they give the illusion of space and also reflect light. Do you have space for a beautiful framed or backlit mirror? Could you replace a picture with a mirror?
6. Ceiling fans – they’re a great addition without breaking the bank. They can look tropical and also create much needed airflow.
7. Do you have a home office or could create one? There is high demand for home work space.
8. Kitchen and bathrooms are always big selling points, but they are also expensive areas to renovate and usually need skilled labour. Are there little things that can be done – like new door handles, taps, towel holders, shower screen and mirror, paint the tiles, replace the kitchen backsplash, paint the cupboards, change the sink, add plants? What can you do to improve the look and functionality without breaking the bank?
9. Do you have an outdoor dining or relaxing areas? If not, could you create one? If you do, how does it look? Could you do with some new furniture, potted plants, shade?
10. How do your floors look? Could you pull up carpet to reveal beautiful floorboards (or floorboards that could be beautiful with some sanding and polishing)? Could you replace carpet with floating floorboards? Would a rug change the whole look and feel?
The secret is to look at your home with fresh eyes – and if you find that a challenge, ask a friend over who doesn’t hold back with their opinions. You don’t have to take on all their ideas, but they might have some tips.
Also, don’t get in over your head. If you think something is beyond your skill level, it probably is – but you might have a friend or neighbour or someone you can hire and you can be their cheap labour for the day.
Make sure it’s fun. Keep the jobs achievable and within budget.
