Whether you’re thinking of putting your property on the market, or you’d just like to make some improvements, there are changes you can make that will boost your home’s worth. Here are seven clever ways to add value to your home.
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1. Increase Your Kerb Appeal
A home that looks good from the street will instantly catch the eye of a potential buyer. Neaten up your flower beds and consider a creative new design as this will give your property a modern edge. Plus, a fresh lick of paint on the perimeter wall is a great way to enhance the appearance of your home.
“Kerbs are becoming more water-wise and lower maintenance,” explains Glenice Ebedes of Grounded Landscaping. “With a carefully considered plant selection, a homeowner can have an attractive, low-maintenance, and water-wise verge garden that is colourful and attracts a host of wildlife.”
Garden, from a selection, Grounded Landscaping
2. Embrace Open-Plan Living
With our kitchens as the hub of the home, dining rooms can sometimes end up becoming an unloved space that rarely gets used. Removing the wall between the two and creating one large, open-plan room, will give you an airy space in which to cook, eat, entertain and relax. A breakfast bar is a great addition, too, as it provides a more casual space for mealtimes.
Kitchen, from a selection, Easylife Kitchens
3. Squeeze In A Downstairs Loo
Add value to your home with an extra toilet! This means no more disruptions during bath time, plus it’s easier for visitors to pop to the loo without trudging through the entire house. Even the smallest of spaces can be transformed, such as an understairs cupboard or utility room, but create a sense of space by revealing as much floor as possible. Mount basins and WCs on the wall, and hang a mirror to make the room seem larger and brighter.
Cotto Space Solution 4 White Close Couple Toilet and Soft Close Seat, R4 499, Italtile
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4. Update Your Window Treatments
While net curtains certainly offer privacy and allow natural light to enter your room, they can look dated. A modern alternative is a smart set of shutters or blinds, which will still allow you to control both light and privacy levels, and reduce external noise, but give your space a contemporary feel.
Roller blinds are extremely versatile. Depending on the fabric, you can choose to let a small amount of light in and protect your furniture, or opt for complete privacy through Block Out fabric.
Indoor Roller Blind in C-Screen fabric, from a selection, Taylor Blinds & Shutters
5. Spruce Up Your Outdoor Entertainment Area
With South Africa’s amazing weather, an epic braai or boma area can really elevate the look and feel of your home. A fire pit will ensure the space can be used all year round; then all you need to do is add your built-in braai, seating, and a few lanterns for light and ambience.
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6. Turn Your Bedroom Into A Boudoir
We spend hours thinking about how to update our kitchens and lounges, while bedrooms are usually last on the list. Show yours some love by giving it a smart new look, with a luxurious headboard and sumptuous bedding for that boutique hotel look. It’s a simple but effective way to add value to your home.
Headboard, R8 999; scatter cushions, R299 each; throw, R1 999; rug, R1 599, all @home
7. Add An Extra Room
If you’ve already extended or converted, or you’re looking for extra space without too much disruption, a garden room or container can be a quick alternative to a big build. It’s a flexible space that can be used as an office, gym, art studio, guest room, or as an annexe to your home.
Compiled by Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst