From the Ground UP presenter Jake Tyson’s shares his top tips for DIY renovating with Your Investment Property magazine
Do:
Consider the front entrance to your home
Often people overlook the entrance to their homes, including the front steps and porch, the front door and opening hallways. This is the first part of the house that people see, so it’s very important to make this area look good. If this is redone and given a welcoming feel, you’ll be surprised with the value it adds to the home!
Do:
Undertake small remodels to the bathroom
A dated, unattractive bathroom is enough to turn anyone off buying a home. Little changes can make a big difference in this area, and can be relatively inexpensive. Getting a new vanity, tiles, toilet, as well as features and faucets can update the bathroom without costing too much. Many of the changes can be done yourself, saving on costs.
Do:
Change lighting fixtures
It seems so minor, but changing light fixtures in your home can really transform its look and feel. It is a simple, inexpensive task that can create value.
Do:
Undertake remodels to the kitchen
Similar to the front entrance, the kitchen is often a focal point of the home. Updating the kitchen could be something as minor as re-laminating the cupboard doors or installing new taps. You can also bring in a new benchtop, which you can put on yourself. Again, small changes can alter the look of this area in a big way, and create a great deal of value as well.
Don’t:
Try and do plumbing yourself
I am a big believer in DIY renovations – it can save a lot of money. However, don’t try and take on tasks which are too complex – such as plumbing. A lot of people try this, and end up causing damage to their homes and creating more costs. Changing taps is fine, but leave the underground plumbing to the professionals!
DIY guru Jake Tyson regularly features on TV shows both in Australia and the US. He is the managing director of Redback Tools and runs a building consultancy between television commitments.
