Homeowners and consumers who are making an informed decision to invest their bonus or 13th cheque in their property will reap the benefits in the near future.
If you are not going on an extended holiday, this is the perfect time to leisurely plan home improvement projects and shop around with your partner.
"A few simple upgrades or additions to a home can make all the difference and you don't need to break the budget to improve the appearance of certain rooms. This is particularly true for the kitchen and the bathroom that are considered to be the most essential rooms for improvements and remodelling," says Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager for Tile Africa.
The bathroom is one of the first rooms scrutinised by potential buyers and frequently visited by house guests. Outdated fixtures and grubby tiles will definitely not add value to your home nor impress prospective buyers or guests.
An economical way to bring a touch of style to a tired looking bathroom is to add an attractive piece of furniture, such as a vanity or a new wall cabinet. These are relatively straightforward to fit and replace and can help give a bathroom a fresh new image, without the expense of replacing all the fittings.
"Another option is to replace outdated tiles," says van Niekerk. If the bathroom is in relatively good condition, add a mosaic border or a column of contrasting tiles to give the walls an instant design lift. Installing up-to-date fixtures such as a basin, full set of taps and a showerhead can renew the look considerably.
"For the kitchen, countertops may be to expensive to replace, so why not opt for a decoratively tiled splashback behind the sink, stove or work surface for a creative and colourful look? Change the taps and sink to give the kitchen a brand new design without the expense and hassle of redoing the whole room."
"Look at your current bathroom and kitchen and plan how a few changes can improve the value of your home and your life. Fixtures for bathrooms and kitchens come in a variety of styles that will reflect your personal taste. Choose elements that will make a statement and echo the design-style of your home. It is not only satisfactory to improve the bathroom and kitchen in your home, it is an extension of an investment in yourself and the future," she concludes.
Readers' Comments Have a comment about this article? Email us now.
