How to renovate your home on a budget before you sell

If you’re thinking of listing your property for sale and want to do some renovations to get top dollar, the good news is you don’t have to break the bank. There are so many options available to help you improve your property. So, here are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most from your money.

Ask a friend

After living in the same property for many years we can often become blind to the problem areas in our home.

A tired carpet or outdated blinds might go unnoticed to you, but you can be sure that when it comes time to sell, these things will stick out like a sore thumb.

This is where an ‘honest’ friend can be invaluable. Ideally, you want someone who will bring a critical eye to your home and not be afraid to let you know all the things that might need some attention. A weather-beaten old letterbox might serve its functional purpose but for prospective buyers, it could offer a poor first impression. Often it’s the honest friend with ‘fresh eyes’ that can help bring these opportunities for improvement to our attention.

Jazz up your interior

Did you know that interior styling can increase the sale price of your property by 6%? On a $500,000 home that’s $30,000. But how can you get the ‘look’ without overspending?

When it comes to styling, you can spend a little or a lot. If you’re on a budget, don’t let this stop you as it’s never been easier to find low-cost home accessories.

In fact, you no longer even need to buy new. Sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and eBay have some unique pre-loved items, at a much lower price bracket. Op shops are also a great place to pick up low-cost items and often sell new items donated from department stores.

If you don’t want to buy furniture, there are companies like Brush Interiors in Brisbane that offer quality second-hand rental furniture at lower price brackets. A few cushions, new blinds and a statement vintage piece could be all you need to transform your home to achieve a higher sale price.

Increase your curb appeal

The exterior of a property often gets overlooked during renovations, but this is the first thing people see.

If you’ve decided to renovate, and are still in the pre-planning phases, make sure you set aside some of your budget to improve your streetscape.

You might find that you’re able to change things to improve the liveability and useability of your outdoor spaces, which could improve its appeal to buyers.

Paint it up

Did you know the average cost to paint one room (such as a living room or bedroom) is as little as $65.80? Painting can breathe new life into a property and the best part is you can do it yourself.

If you’re not a very confident painter there are ways to improve this. Painting companies like Taubmans offer short video tutorials on YouTube that provide you with tips for every stage of the painting journey. You can also download step-by-step instructions on the  Taubmans website  to refer to when painting.

Whatever you do, don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to painting. While it can be tempting, it can also equal disaster – so don’t skip the prep as you’ll regret it later. This lick of paint is an investment in your property, so you want to do it properly.

At the end of this process, you’ll be amazed at how different your property can look just by adding a few accessories and painting. Hopefully, the end result will generate greater interest in your property and a better price when it comes time to sell.