Useful hints when renovating residential property

Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties area principal in Durban North and La Lucia, says the first step is to verify the ceiling price for the area in which the property is located. "If the area has a relatively low ceiling, then clients are advised to spend very little on upgrading their homes. If they pursue extensive renovations in an area that does not carry sufficient value, they run the risk of over-capitalising.

"The best and one of the most cost effective ways of enhancing a home is with a coat of paint. Generally, light, bright, sunny homes will attract a higher price than darker homes, so we recommend a paint touch-up to lighten the ambience. It is also important to transform a home into a product that appeals to the widest possible catchment of buyers, and to this end, a neutral palette is advised.

Be creative and save money

"Apart from a coat of paint, important rooms to upgrade are kitchens and bathrooms. This is usually, however, a costly exercise, so it may be preferable to look at creative ways of upgrading without going to a great deal of expense. For example, outdated bathrooms with green tiles will be transformed by simply painting the tiles white. In addition, key items such as taps and toilet seats should be replaced. Removing old basins and replacing them with new, modern basins on pedestals is also a good way to change the feel of the bathroom without having to spend excessive amounts of money."

Reynolds says an inexpensive, but effective way to improve a kitchen is to paint technique old cupboards or replace doors, leaving the actual framework in place. Changing door handles and light fittings can also make a significant change to the look and feel of a kitchen. If budget allows, a CaesarStone or granite counter top speaks volumes and is one of the first things buyers will notice in a kitchen. She suggests rather having a Supawood kitchen with a CaesarStone top than spending money on a solid wood kitchen.

"We generally find that sellers who have gone to great expense to install quality sold wood kitchens and quality solid wood floors do not necessarily reap the benefits of these costs when it comes to selling. People are more impressed by a clean, light, bright home with good flow and open spaces than they are with very expensive finishes. Other inexpensive ways to enhance your home is to keep the entrance - which creates the first impression of the home - attractive with plants and/or decor items," she says.