Home improvement ideas that are easy on your budget

Whether you're looking to sell or rent out your home, or just crave a refresh, home improvement can bring a welcome change. With COVID keeping people indoors, Deloitte's latest State of the Consumer tracker finds people are taking on more home improvement projects than ever before. There's no reason cost should hold you back; the smallest change can have the biggest impact. De Lucia Group looks at affordable ways to transform your space.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Yes, you've heard it a million times, but painting your home is a quick way to make a dramatic difference. There's no need to go crazy; painting even just one room or door is a great visual upgrade. Neutral shades help property buyers and renters better imagine your space as their own. These shades will also create a classic look and conjure up a soothing atmosphere. 

Budget-friendly tip: Use a paint calculator to find out exactly how much you need. You can download an app or use an online calculator. This will usually ask you to input room dimensions, paint coats, and coverage to get the exact amount needed. 

Swap out old fixtures

Outdated fixtures across your household can impact your home's appeal. Whether it's light fittings, door handles, or towel bars, a simple change will elevate your home from drab to fab. Besides being easy enough to replace with a DIY YouTube video, many of these fittings will be within your means.

Budget-friendly tip: You can find fittings in cheaper materials and paint them to look fancier. Plus, you can be strategic. A large light fitting may be expensive, but grouping inexpensive smaller fittings together can create a similar effect.

Double your storage space

There are plenty of empty corners and walls in your home going to waste. They hold the potential to give you some much-needed storage space. Installing simple floating shelves, peg board walls, and under-the-stair cupboards are easy ways to make more room for all your odds and ends. 

Budget-friendly tip: These storage elements can easily be picked up affordably. To enhance their ability, add some cheap baskets to your cart to make your storage neater and more effective.

Turn a cupboard into a new space

If you're staying indoors and wondering what to do with a small space, look at your cupboards with fresh eyes. These can be wonderful places to install a fold-out bar or pull-out 'cloffice' (closet office). To make it work, use floating shelves, add a pop of colour to distinguish the space, and leave enough space to slide in a chair or bar stool. Don't forget to add a lamp so you can whip up drinks or get work done at night.

Budget-friendly tip: Space will be an issue with this set-up. The trick is to think vertically and install cheap rods and hooks to keep everything you need within reach.

Create curb appeal

When you have visitors, your property should send a welcoming message. That's where curb appeal comes into play. Adding low maintenance plants and trees is always a winner, and can be affordably done by visiting a nursery. You can even have friends share cuttings from their gardens. Where paving is too expensive, use pebbles and shale for a chic statement. Little touches like painting your house sign, installing a new mailbox, or adding solar-powered lighting will also boost your exterior's appearance. 

Budget-friendly tip: Be smart at a nursery or garden centre. Look for markdowns, invest in perennials, and buy seeds instead of fully grown blossoms if you're not in a rush.

With attention, you can truly spruce up your property. If time or effort is an issue, consider handing the reins to professionals. De Lucia Group has a team of property management experts ready to assist. From gardeners, landscapers, painters, electricians, to handymen, we have a network of everyone you need to get your home improvement project sorted. To get started, send a message to De Lucia Group, call Michael De Lucia directly on 082 493 1089, or email michaeldl@delucia.co.za.

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