Enhancing the value of your beloved home doesn’t have to be as intensive or time-consuming as a full-blown renovation, landscaping project or getting an interior designer through to improve the feng-shui.

Adding value to your home and property can be as effortless as updating finishes or flooring, modernising tired paving or walls and getting on top of the maintenance jobs you’ve been putting off since Christmas.

While it is tempting to head to Bunnings and grab the tools, and of course a sausage sizzle, hiring a professional will ensure the job is done right the first time – and the results will last.

Whether you’re a new home-owner or have been in your home for decades, we look at simple ways to boost the value without breaking the budget, or costing you your sanity.

It is what’s inside that counts

A new lick of paint. It feels like a no-brainer, right? But as anyone who has embarked on the journey of repainting their home will know, the road isn’t always smooth, in fact, it can be quite lumpy and bubbly.

The effort of selecting the right shade and type of paint, preparation, closing and clearing out rooms, numerous coats and ensuring skirting boards and the ceiling is not forgotten, is as time consuming as it can be labour intensive.

Yet a fresh lick of paint is well worth the effort as it will instantly modernise and breathe life into a room without any expensive structural changes.

Unless you have a wealth of time and patience up your sleeve, it is best left to the experts for a flawless result – no bubbles in sight!

Summer loving

Summer is so close we can almost taste the quintessential barbecue and beer combo. So what better way to prepare for the impending high temperatures by ensuring your air conditioning is up to scratch.

Does your energy-draining unit need updating, or perhaps you’ve recently purchased your first home and air conditioning wasn’t at the top of your list of inclusions at the time.

While a fully ducted system throughout the home is a hefty investment, getting a split system with units only in your most-used spaces installed will be a more affordable option to get the best of both worlds.

Kitchen is King

It is the bustling heart of the home where we tend to linger, even when we’re not raiding the fridge. So it makes sense to have the kitchen as functional, spacious and modern as possible.

Optimising or adding storage is a sure-fire way to add value, running cupboards high or from floor to ceiling to utilise as much unused space available.

You can also reface existing cabinets with a neutral shade of paint or new handles for a quick update.

Replacing old, leaky taps or appliances with newer updates, in particular energy-efficient models, will not only add value but keep savings going in the long run.

First impressions count

The frontage of your home is the very first thing people see when they arrive at your abode; from guests, potential buyers and most importantly you and your family.

An attractive, well-kept and functional front yard will have loads of curb appeal, and make its inhabitants proud to arrive home each day.

Updating paving or varnishing decking will immediately lift the area, as will adding some garden beds, mulch or simply some serious garden maintenance.

In Western Australia, we spend a huge chunk of our year outside, so regular handiwork to the outdoor area will maintain its appeal and enhance its overall value.

If you’d like to stop putting off much needed repairs and maintenance around the home, then RAC Home Repair & Maintenance has a team of experienced and reliable trades and services, just a call away. While you’re at it, why not enter their room makeover competition to go into the running for $10,000 to go towards the home repair project of your choice.

source: perthnow.com.au