DIY tips to add value to your home and keep you busy

Whether you’re planning on selling your home soon, or just want to uplift your current space, we’ve compiled a list of 8 DIY projects to try. Most of these projects can be done with minimal expertise, aren’t costly, and can improve your home’s value while giving you something to do while stuck at home.

If you are planning on selling soon, try to make design choices that would appeal to as many people as possible. For example, opt for the white paint on the walls, rather than the lime green.

1. Replace or update your front door

This is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your home and create a good first impression. You can try to find a door with character or interesting design qualities, and this will help boost curb appeal.

If you don’t want to install a whole new door, consider slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Opting for a bright colour can make your home memorable and eye-catching. When it comes to selling your home, a fun red door can feel welcoming and enticing to potential buyers. Plus, if they aren’t into the colour you’ve chosen, it’s an easy fix.

2. Give your kitchen a mini facelift

Kitchens are typically one of the most expensive rooms in a house to renovate, but you don’t have to spend big or hire experts to improve yours. Here are some ways you can easily improve your kitchen to boost your home value while stuck at home (often with no need for experts!):

• Paint cabinetry: this can help give your space a completely new look. Be sure to clean and sand down surfaces before painting, and use the correct type of paint.
• Add in a tile backsplash: a tile backsplash can create interest in your kitchen and is easier to install than you might think.
• Replace fixtures: consider switching out old handles, taps and fixtures for new ones.
• Update appliances: while installing these might not be a DIY project, it’s a relatively easy way to modernise and increase the value of your kitchen. Remember that some appliances move with the owners (e.g. fridges), while others are permanent fixtures (e.g. stovetops and ovens).

3. Replace fixtures

The kitchen isn’t the only place in the home where you can replace handles and fixtures. In fact, you might like to create cohesion throughout your home by selecting a colour/material scheme for door handles, tapware and more.

Lighting is another area to consider improving upon. Think about choosing energy efficient bulbs and flattering lighting options in stylish light fittings

4. Spend some time in the garden

Not only will gardening get you outside while you’re stuck at home, but working on your garden has the potential to increase your home’s value. Like a front door, a front garden is one of the first things neighbours, guests and potential buyers see when they walk up to your home.

If you get a lot of joy from gardening, you may wish to create something intricate and beautiful. However, easily maintained gardens are often even more appreciated by those lacking a green thumb. Something neat, simple and not water-intensive may be a good idea for Australian homeowners.

You could also consider:

• Replacing the letterbox
• Installing a pathway on the lawn (even stepping stones can be a nice idea)
• Scrub or pressure-wash your driveway clean
• Add in, replace or update the front fence

5. Do a deep clean of your property

This one isn’t as exciting or creative as some of the others, but it’s important to do if you’re getting ready to sell your home. Here are some cleaning tasks you might want to consider doing while stuck at home:

• Shampoo any carpeted floors
• Scrub the insides and outsides of cupboards
• Use a pressure washer to clean the exterior of your home, driveway, and courtyard
• Clean out your refrigerator/freezer and wipe surfaces
• Scrub the grout of any tiled surfaces
• Window washing

These tips make your home more presentable, and possibly can help justify the asking price for an ordinary home.

6. Decorative wall moulding

No, not that type of mould. In fact, if you have any mould (the fungi kind), you should get that sorted out - it could be a health hazard.

However, we’re talking about installing decorative wall moulding as a design feature in your home. Most wall mouldings are like frames, and are often just simple rectangular boxes. If you’re feeling up for it, there are more intricate designs you could try.

There are a tonne of online video DIY tutorials on YouTube that show just how easy it is to make your home seem that much more beautiful and classy. This is a great feature to have in a living room, particularly if you like classic or vintage details.

7. Repaint the home

This may be somewhat of a tired suggestion, but it’s popular for a reason. Refreshing your home with a coat of paint can do wonders for how it is perceived by potential buyers.

Remember that buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so it’s generally best to avoid bright, garish paint colours. Instead, you might want to opt for neutrals, like whites, greys and creams. However, muted colourful tones like sage green and pale blues are trendy and relatively timeless. And in the right space, darker walls can be really effective.

8. Rearrange furniture

This is a good project even if you’re not planning on selling soon. If you’re spending a lot of time at home, you can get bored with how your rooms are set out. Play around with the furniture layout in your home, and see if there are more attractive and effective options. Practices like feng shui can help individuals create harmonious balance in their interior spaces.

And, if you have the money to do so, an interior decorator can be of great value. Many offer their services remotely, so you can communicate through photos and video calls. Depending on your goals, they can help you work with the furniture and decor items you already have, or they can suggest products for you to buy and add to your home.

If the changes that you’d like to make to your home are a little bit more advanced, you may be interested in dipping into your home equity, or even getting a construction loan. Our Home Loan Specialists are here to help you achieve your property goals. Get in touch today!

For more home inspiration, check out these articles:

• 11 home renovation ideas to boost your property’s value
• 10 low-cost ways to make your house feel like a home
• 10 best indoor plants for your home
• 10 common decorating mistakes and how to fix them

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The information in this post is general in nature and should not be considered personal or financial advice. You should always seek professional advice or assistance before making any financial decisions.