Sprucing Up Your Home for Sale: A DIY Guide on a Budget
Are you planning to put your home on the market? Do you want to achieve the right market value without breaking the bank? Well, you’ve landed on the right blog post! This guide will walk you through several cost-effective ways to prepare your home for sale. Remember, for every $5,000 a buyer needs to spend on upgrades or renovations, they will expect a decrease of $9,000 in the sale price. So, it’s crucial to strike a balance between improving your home’s appeal and not overvaluing it.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, this guide is perfect for you. You can handle most of the tasks we suggest. However, if you’re not confident in your skills, consider hiring a competent handyman to coordinate, advise, and execute the work.
Sprucing Up the Decking
Do you already have timber decking? If so, it’s time to give it a makeover. A good hose down and a light sanding can work wonders. To add a touch of colour, consider applying a water-based stain like Cabots Merbau. This will instantly transform your decking.
If you don’t have any decking, consider installing a small to medium-sized one. Shade it with a couple of outdoor alfresco-style umbrellas and decorate with large potted plants. This will instantly add appeal to your outdoor space. A handyman will charge about $380.00 per square metre to supply and lay new Merbua decking. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can save a lot by doing it yourself.
The Garden: A First Impression Maker
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter a lot. A well-maintained garden can make a significant difference. Mulch the garden beds, trim the edges, aerate your lawn, and apply a healthy dose of fertilizer. Don’t forget to repair and paint any picket fencing. Make sure your garden gates are operational and secure.
Refresh the House Exterior
Is your eaves water-damaged or mouldy? Washing it away with bleach and hosing it down can do the trick. Apply a stain blocker to block out stains and apply 2 coats of standard white ceiling paint. Get rid of any cobwebs. These simple steps can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal.
Interior Floor Coverings: A Fresh Start
Carpets may need replacing or a good shampoo. However, the trend now is clip-lock hybrid flooring. This type of flooring is not only stylish but also easy to maintain. A mid-range selection will cost about $40.00 per square metre.
The Walls, Ceilings, and Doors: A Fresh Coat of Paint
Sugar soap marks and stains can be patched and touched up with matching colour. To achieve a colour match, use a Stanley knife to cut a 4cm square into a wall. Then, using a heat gun, soften the paint and scrape it out with a very sharp chisel. Take the sample to Bunnings paint department and they will match very close. Patch and paint any water marks on ceilings. Make sure all door knobs are secured and doors in good condition. If any are water damaged, it will pay to replace them. A flush panel door from Bunnings will only cost you $48.00. These are easy enough for a DIY to hang and paint. Or, a handyman will charge about $450.00 to hang and paint.
The Kitchen: A Fresh Look
Consider installing new oven and hot plate. If the bench tops are in reasonable condition, just make sure the silicone sealants are intact. New cupboard doors can be purchased from Ekitchens for as little as $135.00 depending on the type of Laminex. They can come with hinges and handles already installed and hanging is easy. Apply the similar approach for bathrooms. This will make your kitchen look new again.
Air Conditioning: A Necessity
It is advisable to have a split system installed in living areas.
These are the bare essentials for preparing your home for the market. Your real estate agent will be able to delve into greater detail for you. Now, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and start sprucing up your home for sale? We hope this guide has given you some great ideas on how to do it on a budget! Happy DIY-ing!