{"id":53634,"date":"2018-10-25T06:01:31","date_gmt":"2018-10-25T04:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/home-improvements-elbow-grease-vs-cash-20181024-2\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T21:12:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T19:12:34","slug":"home-improvements-elbow-grease-vs-cash-20181024-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/home-improvements-elbow-grease-vs-cash-20181024-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Home improvements: elbow grease vs cash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COSTLY renovations might not get you the return you want when you sell your house, so if you\u2019re getting a loan for home improvements consider the smaller, cosmetic changes that will make your property more appealing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost estate agents agree that there\u2019s a ceiling on prices in most neighbourhoods, so there\u2019s a real risk that you could struggle to get your money back on a massive renovation,\u201d says Marlies Kappers, head of marketing at financial services provider, DirectAxis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly true in difficult economic times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal indulgences, such as jacuzzis, are also on the list of no-nos. You might think that champagne-fuelled midnight soaks are the best thing ever, but prospective buyers may see just another hassle that needs to be cleaned, maintained or repaired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ideas about cost-effective renovations and how to go about them from Lindsay Beck, from Pam Golding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Create curb appeal<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the first things to consider is what estate agents call curb appeal. It\u2019s what makes people decide to stop at a show house or drive past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A freshly painted exterior, neat garden and clean windows all point to a house that is cared for and consequently one that\u2019s more likely to attract buyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best of all creating curb appeal generally requires more of an investment in elbow grease than cash. The research is also straightforward: take a drive around the neighbourhood and consider which houses you\u2019d visit on a show day and what makes them appealing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Don\u2019t bite off more than you can chew<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a plan and tackle one thing at a time. This way you can keep your projects achievable and won\u2019t face the situation where you\u2019ve taken on too much, have run out of money and end up trying to sell a house with half-painted rooms or unfinished bathrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Repair before renovating<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping on top of home maintenance and spotting potential problems before they become expensive can be just as important as renovations. A shiny new kitchen may not be enough to offset broken gutters and a green swimming pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Keep it simple<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way towards improving a room and is a lot cheaper than remodelling or breaking down walls. Similarly sanding down and re-varnishing wooden floors is more cost effective than laying new ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small changes can sometimes make a big difference, such as fitting a Perspex or stainless-steel splashback in the kitchen. Also, avoid customised features. They\u2019re generally expensive and require specialist installation. Use off-the-shelf products wherever you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Be clean and tidy<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathrooms and kitchens get a lot of wear and tear which can result in them looking tatty and unhygienic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regularly cleaning tiles and grouting is a chore, but a lot less expensive than having to replace them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same applies to shower floors and remember to look up and check the ceiling for mould. A new shower curtain may cost you a couple of rand, but an old, grubby one could cost you the sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n