Weekend jobs to add value to your home

When we think about renovating our home, we usually turn to areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, as these high-traffic areas tend to be the biggest selling points of a house. However, you don’t need to fork out thousands of dollars to add value to your property. Simple weekend jobs such as painting and updating old fixtures can quickly modernise a home without breaking the bank.

Here are a few low-cost jobs you can do this weekend to boost the value of your home when it comes time to put up that ‘for sale’ sign.

Add a fresh coat of paint

A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life (and extra value) into even the oldest of homes. This is an easy and affordable task that you can tackle over a few weekends to give your entire home that new paint smell. When picking a colour, head into Bunnings and have a chat to a colour consultant – for a small fee, you can score some professional advice about what colours will give you the best result for your buck!

As a general rule, if you’re painting a small room, lighter colours will make it feel bigger. Don’t be afraid to invest a bit of money on some new paint brushes and rollers so that you can achieve a clean and professional finish. Remember to properly prepare by sanding, cleaning, covering furniture and floors, and also to tape around windows and doors before you start.

Add some storage

Think about how you can be smarter with your space and utilise unused areas such as space under the stairs or the attic for additional storage. This also applies to furniture – can that lounge or bed double as a storage box? If you’re handy on the tools, try building a window seat or some floor to ceiling shelving in your living area, which can also double as a feature wall! Investing in some walk-in robes and additional cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms will be a valuable selling point come auction day.

For sale: 27 Roseville Avenue, Roseville, NSW

Give the front a facelift

In real estate, first impressions are important – a renovated facade will add extra value to your home. It will also give buyers confidence in the quality of your home and will generate optimism about its interior. Research from finder.com.au found that 10 per cent of us decide whether we like a property or not within the first few seconds of laying eyes on it, which makes the front exterior one of the most important parts of your home.

To freshen up your home’s facade, get out the pressure cleaner and blast all that dirt, dust and mildew off your driveway and footpaths. Tidy up your garden and update your plants with some new blooms. Keep your colour scheme neutral and don’t add too much of your own personality so it will appeal to a majority of future buyers. Make sure your letterbox and fence are in good condition and update your outdoor lighting so your home looks it’s best day and night!

For sale: 439 Glen Eira Road, Caulfield North, VIC

Put in new doors & windows

Replacing your old doors and windows is a relatively affordable way to add value to your home. When selecting new doors, think carefully about the style of door handles and colour – keeping things neutral and timeless is always the safest bet. Think about installing some bifold doors that open out onto the backyard to showcase modern open plan functionality that integrates indoor and outdoor living. Spending a bit of extra money on your front door will also give your home more street appeal!

For sale: 7 Davies Avenue, Vaucluse, NSW

When putting in new windows, try to maximise the natural light in a room – this might mean customising a window in an important area of the home, such as the living room or kitchen. Make sure these are fitted properly to avoid cold drafts and opt for double glazing to keep the temperature as comfortable as possible year round. Whatever you pick, remember to keep things consistent throughout the house.

Give your floors some love

It’s easy to forget the importance of quality flooring. Think about adding some dark coloured carpets in the bedrooms to add a level of cosiness and luxury. Remember to also think practically – opt for durable materials like timber or tiles in the kitchen and living spaces so they’re easy to clean and maintain over time. 

For sale: 2 Charles Street, Castlecrag, NSW

The weekend project that will add the most value to your home ultimately depends on the current condition of your castle. Regardless of what you decide to do to your home, make sure it’s done to a high standard to maximise your future sale price!

Written by:

Bessie Hassan

Bessie Hassan is a Money Expert at finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything. She regularly appears on national radio, TV, and throughout online publications sharing her best money-saving tips and property advice. She’s passionate about helping Australians make more informed decisions so they can improve their quality of life.