Renovating tips that will add real value to your home

Autumn is upon us and now that the heat of summer has said goodbye there’s never been a better time to put some thought into improving the look (and value!) of your home.

Revamping doesn’t have to cost a fortune so if you want to bring a fresh new look to your place, check out our top renovation ideas and decorating tips - we’ll show you how to stretch your dollar as far as possible and still get great results.

Paint 

Probably the most cost effective way to refresh your look is to repaint – it’s an instant transformation that doesn’t cost a fortune and you can paint just about anything. We all know that painting the walls and ceilings can create a brand new look but there are also loads of specialty paints around these days so you can paint your old bathtub, tiles and concrete.  

For a more professional finish – and if your budget allows for it – ask an expert to do the more difficult bits like cutting in or painting the ceiling. You’ll still save money and you’ll get a great finish. 

Flooring 

New flooring doesn’t have to cost a fortune so if your tiles are dating the rest of the house, don’t be afraid to take a look at some of the stick on vinyl options that can go straight over the top of existing floors. You’ll be surprised how far vinyl has come, and you can even use it in wet areas so it’s ideal for bathrooms. 

Kitchens 

Along with bathrooms, kitchens are one of the most expensive items to renovate. But with a bit of smart thinking, you can give your kitchen a room makeover that won’t break the bank. 

If the basic layout of your kitchen is OK and the cabinetry is in good shape, just change out the cupboards and drawers for an instant update. You can even paint your existing cupboards and doors to keep the cost down even further. 

If your laminate bench top has seen better days, head down to Bunnings or the hardware store and pick up some Rust-oleum Countertop Transformations. It’s easy to use, durable and affordable and in just one weekend your old bench top will look like an expensive granite option. 

Even going the DIY route, kitchen renovations can add up though, so if you want to do more than your budget can stretch to, why not check out a mini-loan and find out how easy it is to get some extra cash to make all the changes you want. 

Window Dressings 

Curtains and blinds that are broken, discoloured or just plain ugly really do detract from the look and feel of your room. If you’ve spruced things up with a little paint, our next renovation tip is to smarten up your window dressings. Outlets like Spotlight, Bunnings and Ikea all have readymade curtains and blinds that can make a big difference to the look of your room. 

Decorate 

While it might not be classed as renovating, a little decorating can go a long way. Some scatter cushions on the couch, a nice fruit bowl on the kitchen bench, some eye catching artwork on the walls – you can find loads of inexpensive options to add some designer appeal. 

Check out your local Op Shop for bottles, bowls, platters and pictures – and don’t forget, if you find a great frame but hate the picture, it’s a simple job to remove the original artwork and replace it with something of your own or even your favourite photo.