By Cheryl Neave
“Don’t move… improve” is easier said than done. Home renovations have always been like pulling teeth, an exercise that few enjoy but one that is deemed necessary. While many may view it as an unnecessary cost, a case can be made that the decrease in value of real estate is usually caused by neglecting the maintenance of your property. Therefore, home renovations are important, as a real estate’s value appreciates more if a property is well maintained.
Here are a few renovation tips that I think all home owners should consider going into 2013. Many of the tips are easy DIY, however some require expert attention – select one or two that suits you and your budget.
Keep it natural
While it can be a costly exercise, installing skylights or tubular roof lights will reduce electricity costs in the long run. The more natural light you have in your house, the less artificial lighting you will need, and the less electricity you use. Another benefit, also related to energy use, is that natural light can help retain warmth within a room.
Saving water makes cents
Installing low-flow faucets and shower heads reduce water usage in the home. Some of these can be attached to existing hardware, or entire units can be replaced. Generally an efficient sink mixer uses 30% less water than a regular faucet. Water heaters are also available in energy-efficient models that either use less power to heat water, or are programmed to heat the water on demand.
Flooring
When renovating your floors, consider wooden flooring or adding a wooden patio or deck to your home. Once properly sealed, wooden floors require little effort to maintain and are easy to clean. Wooden and vinyl floors are ideal for people that suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions as well as families with children and pets, as they do not harbour dust or allergens.
Kitchen
Update the kitchen with a fresh coat of paint. Paint is the easiest thing to change in any room, and a new coat of colour will appeal to most home buyers. You can also transform the look and feel of a kitchen in an instant with a smart new worktop and a tile design. Go for a simple worktop, like laminate, which is generally the cheapest and choose bold tiles to create a striking display that will give the illusion of a high-cost design.
Another quick renovation tip is to replace the hardware on the kitchen cabinets. When cabinet knobs and pulls become tarnished, replace them with a modern design to make them look brand new.
Cheryl Neave is the managing director of The Building Centre, a permanent exhibition space, giving members of the building trade (architects, builders and renovators), as well as home owners an opportunity to view available building products before making purchases.
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