With flowers blooming and a new year all but upon us, now is the time to tackle some do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs and get into the garden during the traditional December and January quiet time, writes Better Bond National Head of Sales, Bradd Bendall.
Improving the kerbside appeal of your home, which includes everything from the garden through to your walls and doors, will add immeasurable value to your abode, and can be done without costing a fortune.
“The return on investment for improving the outward appearance of your home will vary. Almost all (97%) agents believe that home improvements are important for attracting buyers, with 75% considering it “very important” according to a report from the U.S. National Association of Realtors,” notes Bendall.
Financial services companies that arrange bonds in your area will be able to give you an indicative value of what houses are selling for on average.
Small details can make a big difference
In the garden and along the verge, succulents can add a distinctly South African flavour and thrive in the heat with little to no water. Many of these offer red leaves when in direct sun. They are also self-propagating and can easily be grown from a cutting, even for those of us with a reputation for killing plants.
Just bear in mind South Africa’s law stating that anyone can park outside your house: you can’t plant concrete poles or otherwise make it impossible for people to walk or park there. Instead, focus on flower beds against the wall.
At the same time, it may be possible to put in some stepping stones or rockery without impeding pedestrians, and making your kerb look even more attractive.
Take time to observe
However, before you start this process, have a good look at your walls. Walls with unsightly paint detract from the look of your home and can substantially reduce the asking price if you are looking to sell.
If this can be a DIY job, now is a good time to not only paint but also consider a different colour. You may also know an unofficial yet reliable painter who could benefit from some extra income on a daily basis.
It may, however, be one of those tasks that will have to wait for the so-called “builders’ holiday” to end if there is rising damp to deal with. Rising dampness is incredibly destructive to structures and having it fixed properly, by a company that provides a warranty, is important.
Garage and front doors, if street-facing, can always do with an uplift. Here, it’s important to consider the type of finish already on the wood as well as the best product with which to coat it again. Your local hardware store can assist with recommendations. Take a photo with you so that they can give you all the advice you need.
Sanding a door with the appropriate sander, which could be a rotary sander with a mouse sander for corners, is not only satisfying as you make progress – that feeling of achievement – but also a decent way to exercise your biceps!
Get creative with the finer things
Attractive and visible house numbers make your home easy to find when it comes to showings. In a South African context, they are also, sadly, vital in case armed response or emergency services need to be called.
It’s important to ensure that your driveway is also top-notch. If it’s in good condition, but just a little grim, rent a power washer to clean it up. This area may need professional work, in which case weed and do as much as you can. The driveway leads to your home and is a subconscious way of inviting people in.
While you have the power washer, if you have a face brick finish, give that a once over too.
If you live in, for example, a townhouse complex, bear in mind that the outside falls under the Body Corporate’s responsibility. However, you will still be able to varnish or paint a door as long as any aesthetics fit in with the rules, which generally state that you can’t make any changes that don’t match what the overall complex looks like.
You could also always ask for permission to put up an awning, for example. Just remember to keep it clean.
It’s also important to attend Annual General Meetings so you have a say in what happens in the complex, including painting.
All of these activities can both be personally satisfying as well as making your home immeasurably more attractive, ensuring it stands out from other houses when people go house hunting.