Categories: Electrical, Flooring, Interior Design, Landscaping, Painting, Plumbing, Renovation,
Planning to give your home a makeover before selling? You’ll want to ensure it boosts the value of your property without pushing you over budget. Check out these 35 expert tips from our collection which cover projects that could increase worth, as well as ideas on how you can avoid costly mistakes like ‘overcapitalising’. With so much helpful advice available at hand, getting prepped for sale couldn’t be easier.
Free home improvements projects
1. Get home improvement advice
Before you start putting your hard-earned money into home improvements, take the time to get some expert advice. Consulting a pro in this field can give you great ideas and an accurate estimate of what it’s all going to cost – many will even provide quotes for free! If that doesn’t work for you then why not see a local real estate agent who could help with helpful tips on which renovations are worth their weight in gold…and might even increase your property value too.
2. Get inspired
Unleash your inner designer and get creative with your home renovation! Explore ideas through a range of free resources, such as Pinterest boards or dedicated bloggers – then make it come to life with a mood board. For some inspiration along the way, don’t miss out on TV shows like Selling Houses Australia, The Block or Grand Designs for endless possibilities when redesigning your space.
3. Home renovation planning
Planning is key to ensure your renovation project goes off without a hitch and stays within budget. Start by laying out what you want done, then shop around for the best deals on materials and labour – collect at least three quotes but don’t be afraid to go higher if need be! Tracking all of this in an organized spreadsheet will make it easier to stay up-to-date with progress along the way, plus help avoid any costly surprises down the line. Keep in mind that certain permits may also have to be approved before work can start – failing to do so could end up being quite expensive (or worse). A little bit of research now saves a whole lot more later.
4. Embrace DIY
Unleash your inner DIY enthusiast! Doing labour-heavy jobs like painting, clearing out your garden and ripping up carpets yourself can save you some major cash. And it’s a great excuse to get friends or family involved – in exchange for free beer & BBQ of course! Just keep safety top of mind by leaving tricky tasks such as electrical work or building renovations to the pros.
Home renovation tips: $100 – $500 budget
5. DIY paint your home
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home before selling, a fresh coat of paint is an easy and budget-friendly way to do it! Test out some different color choices on swatches or test pots – sometimes colors can look completely different in person than they do online. When you settle on one (or two!), get those prepping tools ready for painting – quick tip: gather up friends who are willing to help so that this project will be done before long.
6. Mirrors
If you’re looking for an easy way to make a small space feel more spacious, mirrors are your ultimate lifesaver! When strategically placed in key areas around the room they can create the illusion of extra square footage and bounce natural light throughout so that it feels brighter and bigger.
7. Roller blinds
Sprucing up your window coverings? Roller blinds are a great way to go – both budget-friendly and stylish. With an array of designs and colours, you’ll have no trouble finding the right look for any space! Just be sure to measure carefully before investing in anything new – neutral shades tend to sell best when it’s time to move on.
8. Let your inner green thumb out
If you’re ready to transform your garden space, spending a few hundred bucks can take it from dull and unremarkable to spectacular! For those with limited time on their hands, embracing water-wise native or succulent plants is an ideal solution – providing beautiful blooms without the burden of day-to-day maintenance. Get planting for big-bang results in your outdoor oasis!
9. Pressure clean
Unlock your home’s potential with a pressure clean! Spend just two hundred dollars on a new washer to totally transform the look of everything from driveways and paths to walls, pathways and paving. Let go of years-old dirt and revitalize all your outdoor surfaces – hire help if you need it; say hello to freshness in no time.
10. Clean your garden
Does your backyard resemble a wild, untamed jungle? Don’t worry; with just a bit of pruning and trimming, you can have the garden of your dreams! Not only will it look great from the inside but also from the outside – giving potential buyers an amazing first impression.
Home renovation tips: $500 – $1,000 budget
11. Timber shutters
Want to add a touch of sophistication and insulation to your interiors? Consider installing timber shutters! These classic window treatments come in many styles, colors, opening options—even widths. And if you’ve got windows outside the standard size range – no problem! Just go for custom-made; just be aware it’ll cost more.
12. New vanity
Revamp your bathroom design without breaking the bank! A simple change of your vanity can make a huge difference in creating an entirely new atmosphere. If you’re lucky, plumbing arrangements may even allow for a wall-mounted version – perfect for adding space and style to any room! Just remember that moisture resistant materials are best suited when selecting this type of furniture.
13. Tile splashback
Transform your kitchen with a beautiful and affordable tile splashback! Ceramic tiles start at just $35 per square metre, making it one of the best value options around. They’re easy to install too – you could have them up in no time! Just be sure that whatever colour or design you pick won’t put potential buyers off when the time comes.
14. Energy efficient homes
Upgrade your halogens to LEDs for improved energy savings and a modern look! Say goodbye to high-energy bills, and hello to stylish lighting that’ll impress any potential buyer. LED strips are also the perfect way for task lighting in areas such as underneath cabinets; their low power usage makes them easy on both your wallet AND interiors.
15. Hire a handyman
Have a million and one odd jobs around the house you’ve been meaning to get done? Get your list ready and make it happen! Your go-to person for any small DIY task is definitely a handyman. From pressure cleaning that driveway, hanging artworks, assembling furniture or painting – they can take care of all those household niggles. Just be aware that their services don’t include electricals, plumbing & building work (regulated areas). As far as costs are concerned expect to shell out roughly $50 an hour depending on where you live.
Home renovation tips: $1,000 – $2,000 budget
16. Hire an interior designer
If you’re planning a cosmetic renovation, why not consider getting an interior decorator or stylist on the job? Not only do they have great taste and know what styles will appeal to potential buyers – some offer free consultations for your house! And with their insider knowledge of trade prices, you could even save money while remodelling. It’s worth noting that designers’ hourly fees vary from $100 up – more ‘in-demand’ ones may be double (or even more) than that though.
17. Glass splashback
Revive your kitchen with a splash of colour! Transform the space by installing an easy to clean glass painted splashback at a competitive price. With prices starting from just $380 per meter, you can make sure that your new look stands out for all the right reasons.
18. Shower screens
Does your bathroom have a dated, bulky shower screen? Splurge on an upgrade and transform the entire space with something sleek! With semi-frameless or frameless options available from as low as $1K you can create that modern, open look. Get ready to appreciate all those extra inches of breathing room – just what home buyers are looking for in this day and age.
19. Laminate flooring
Get the timeless look of hardwood flooring without breaking the bank! Laminate is just as durable, and can be installed quickly in floating boards. Plus it’s only around $55 per square meter for installation including an acoustic underlay – so you get great style at a budget-friendly price.
20. Paint your roof
Instead of replacing a roof that’s in good shape, consider giving it some TLC with pressure cleaning and painting! This budget-friendly option can save you thousands while still creating an impressive visual impact.
Home renovation tips: $2,000 – $3,000 budget
21. Air conditioning
In hot and humid Queensland, airconditioners are practically a requirement. So if you’re selling your property here in the tropics, it’s likely that buyers will expect to see one installed! Opt for reverse cycle units which can both cool down or heat up – perfect for those sweltering days as well as chilly nights. Bear in mind though: make sure the unit is powerful enough (measured in kW) to cover the necessary area – an 8kW model should do nicely and cost around $2,100 plus installation fees of roughly $700 depending on how much work needs done.
22. Home staging
If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s as simple as listing it. You’ll want prospective buyers to be wowed when they walk through – and that won’t happen if you haven’t updated furniture or decluttered! Did you know a professional staging service can help? Investing in a stylist could add 10% value onto your property – so take some time for those calculations and see what makes sense for YOU.
23. New engineered stone benchtops
When it comes to the perfect kitchen benchtop, you can’t go wrong with Caesarstone. This stone or engineered material gives an elegant and timeless feel that mimics natural stone but without all of the pesky maintenance requirements – plus for a better price! From $380 to $560 per square meter (depending on finish), Caesarstone will leave your home looking like something out of a magazine while being more durable than its counterpart, granite making its starting point at around $600 per square metre.
24. Outdoor paving
Is your patio, driveway or pool area in need of an upgrade? Consider outdoor paving! It’s the perfect way to bring life and style back into these areas. Plus, it won’t break the bank — concrete pavers are surprisingly affordable at just $50 per square metre for basic designs; however if you’re looking for a more luxurious look try natural stone like granite or travertine (from $70 per square metre).
Home renovation tips: $3,000 – $4,000 budget
25. Hire a professional painter
Don’t let a lack of time, patience or know-how keep you from transforming your dream home – hire an experienced painting professional! A pro brings in all the essential tools for jobs big and small; think exterior painting on double storey homes that might require scaffolding. Plus, they take care of details like prepping surfaces to ensure top quality results.
26. Timber pergola
If you’re looking to add a bit of pizzazz and style to your backyard, look no further than building a pergola! Whether open or roofed, this structure will act as the focal point for all outdoor activities. Plus with its charm and character it’ll be sure to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your home instantly – especially when opting for treated pine at just $3k! And if that’s outta budget there are kits available too.
27. Study nook
Create your own dedicated work space for maximum productivity with a study nook! All it takes is some smart planning and the right features. Think custom cabinetry to optimise storage, functional desk surfaces that make working from home easier – maybe even add in comfortable seating or an inviting colour scheme. Get creative and turn any property into an inspiring spot to get things done.
28. Kitchen cabinetry
Transform your cramped and inefficient kitchen with the help of modern cabinetry! Soft close drawers, deep storage options, clever inserts – all designed to make life easier. With well constructed materials suited for humidity-prone environments, you’ll soon be cooking up a storm in style every day.
Home renovation tips: $5,000 – $10,000 budget
29. Install new windows
Are your windows looking a bit worse for wear? It might just be the right time to consider replacing them with something new. That way, you can enjoy better insulation and more natural light in your home than ever before! Not sure what options are available? We recommend PVC or aluminium window frames – they look great while also being incredibly durable (no rot!). Installing replacement units is no small investment though; budget at least $5K+ taking into account factors like type of opening and number of panes replaced.
30. Remove an internal wall
Are you looking for ways to increase the value of your home? Consider knocking down an internal wall and opening up a modern, open-plan living area. Buyers love this thoughtful approach when it comes to communal areas like kitchens and dining rooms! However, before you start swinging away with that sledgehammer – always consult a structural engineer first about any load bearing walls. Plus make sure to hire professional help from experienced builders who can carry out all the work safely.
31. Solid timber floorboards
Investing in solid timber floorboards for your home may be a significant expense, but it will definitely pay off if you’re looking to make an impression on buyers. With its luxurious look and warm cozy feel that can’t quite be matched by other materials, the value of hardwood floors is undeniable! Consider going with floating floorboards too; they offer fast installation while being able to handle scratches better than laminates usually do. Prices vary per species so get ready – because elegance doesn’t come cheap these days.
32. Install decking
Make your outdoor entertaining area stand out from the crowd with a deck! Transform any sloping block into an attractive, accessible space that you can enjoy. Build it to last using solid hardwood timbers – Jarrah is always popular here in Australia and offers a range of shades ranging from rusty reds to lighter or darker browns. Hire someone experienced for this project (it’s worth the investment) and plan on spending at least $300 per square metre for quality timber materials.
Home renovation tips: $10,000+ budget
33. Bathroom renovation ideas
If you’re looking for a convenient way to increase the value of your home before putting it on the market, look no further than renovating your bathroom! We’ve all become used to luxurious spas and swanky hotel bathrooms – any prospective buyers are sure to expect their own at-home spa experience. Of course updating your bathroom can be expensive, but that’s an investment worth making if you want them hooked from first sight when they come round for viewings.
A bathroom renovation project requires careful budget consideration. Depending on the size of your space, get ready to invest in refreshing tiles and fittings – likely resulting in a minimum spend of $10K+. Don’t forget about labour-intensive tasks like laying down new flooring or tile walls which can take up much time! Lastly, make sure that you factor costs for professional tradesmen such as plumbers, tilers and electricians into your final tally.
To save your hard-earned money, don’t move around any plumbing – it can get pricey! A great way to stay within budget is by opting for ceramic wall or floor tiles. When shopping items like a freestanding bathtub, try searching out replicas of famous brands; this could help you keep costs low while still achieving the look and feel you want.
34. Full kitchen renovation
Did you know a renovated kitchen can help entice buyers when it’s time to list your home? To get the most bang for your buck, look into durable and affordable materials such as laminate benchtops or off-the shelf cabinetry. If high end features are expected in certain homes, those should be taken into consideration too! Seeking out some money saving tips? Make sure all plumbing remains where it currently is—moving them requires multiple trades which can really add up over time. Kitchen renovations may cost anywhere from $10K+, depending on size and material selections.
35. Home extensions and additions
When it comes to selling your property, you can add real value if yours is the only one offering unique features like an ensuite bathroom or a double garage. In fact, having just one extra bedroom in the right street could result in an increased sale price of up to $100k!
Before you take the plunge on that new extension or addition, make sure there’s a real need for it in your community. Consider talking to an experienced local estate agent – they can offer insight into what features buyers are searching for when looking at homes like yours. And remember: any major renovation project requires a licensed builder who is well-regarded and has tackled similar projects before! Do some research ahead of time so you know all the details before getting started.
