8 summer DIY projects that will boost the value of your home

The sun’s out and the days are longer, making summer the ideal time to get cracking on DIY projects that will add value to your home. “Even small changes can go a long way to not only increasing the value of your home; they could also save you money in the long run,” says Carl Coetzee, CEO of BetterBond.

Top tips to refresh your home:

1. Spruce up your outside deck area. Get rid of splinters and replace broken boards.
2. Declutter your home and get rid of unwanted items such as unused linen, faded cushions, and broken furniture.
3. Paint can have a significant impact on spaces in and outside the home. Introduce a colourful feature wall in a communal space, and experiment with wallpaper to create interest. Fill cracks and remove the dirt from high-traffic spaces. Make the most of the warmer weather to give the exterior of your home some attention. Repaint tired-looking window frames or use a contrasting colour for your front door or garage.
4. A change of season is the ideal time to flex your green fingers. Planting flowers and shrubs along the driveway will add instant curb appeal. Waterwise plants such as spekboom look beautiful and are good for the environment. If you are short on space, cultivate a vertical garden.
5. Install solar as a renewable alternative to electricity. You don’t have to invest in a full solar system to experience the benefits. By installing an inverter, battery, and a few solar panels you could run essential household appliances during load shedding if enough solar power has been stored. There are various solar solutions, and the return on investment - which includes lower electricity bills and reduced reliance on the grid - could be considerable.
6. The kitchen is the heart of any home so if you have any cash saved for renovation, start here. Even a small-scale kitchen remodel can return more than 71% of the cost of the work. The kitchen can be a key selling point of your home, so repaint your kitchen island, replace or refresh your cabinets, and update appliances if your budget allows.
7. Make the most of unused spaces. If you have an outside unit that is being used to store gardening equipment and bicycles, consider revamping it into an income-generating cottage or a work-from-home office.
8. Deep clean surfaces, patios, and windows. Wipe away dust and residue from air vents. If you have a braai or outside cooking area, make sure this is clean and ready for the new season. You could consider investing in a fire pit or pizza oven if your family enjoys entertaining outdoors. If you don’t have the time, or energy, to tackle an outdoor cleaning, hire a professional service such as SweepSouth.

“We have seen an almost 20% increase year-on-year in building loan applications, and many of these will be homeowners wanting to renovate or upgrade their homes,” says Coetzee. “If done properly, a revamp will not only improve the look and feel of your home now; it will be a sound investment.”