GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Those who are enjoying some annual leave could spend some of their time doing a few DIY projects to protect the resale value of their home.
"Those who find themselves with nothing to do at home could seize the opportunity to take on some DIY projects that, at the very least, will protect their investment by preventing the need for costly repairs later down the line," suggests Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.
Things homeowners could tackle over the summer break:
Scrub tile grouting
Simply regrouting or scrubbing grouting clean can make a room feel like new and could possibly eliminate the need to retile a bathroom or kitchen backsplash. Try making a paste out of baking powder and water.
Scrub the grout with a toothbrush (use an electric toothbrush to make the job a little easier) and then rinse with vinegar before wiping down with warm water.
Photo: www.thisoldhouse.com
Wash down the walls
Repainting or even just giving walls a scrub down can work wonders at making a space feel fresh and new, especially for those with neutral-coloured walls where dirt and scuff marks show up easily. You could purchase sugar soap from a local hardware store, or try your own DIY solution. Mix a few squirts of dishwashing into a bucket of water. For more stubborn stains, add a few drops of plain white vinegar to your cleaning solution.
Photo: www.paving.org
Upgrade curb appeal
Many sellers neglect the impact of curb appeal. Take the time this festive season to do a bit of maintenance on your home's exterior. If it's looking a bit grubby, repaint the exterior walls. Hire a high-pressure hose to clean up paving or brickwork. Get your hands dirty - pull out weeds and cut back overgrown plants.
Photo: www.craftsyhacks.com
Revamp your closets
Those with power tool prowess could try their hand at upgrading their storage solutions. Many hardware stores sell clever storage solutions that homeowners can install within their wardrobes and kitchen cabinets to better utilise whatever storage space they may have.
Doing so can help make a space feel less cluttered and better organised. It should also help prevent spillages in overcrowded kitchen cabinets and prevent unnecessary damage.
"There is always something that could be done in and around the home for those who enjoy tackling DIY tasks," says Goslett.
"As an added extra to tackling these fun projects, homeowners who invest in their homes should also reap some financial reward for their efforts when they later come to sell."
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