Whether you’re considering selling or renting out your home next year or in ten years, these value-add home improvements will have potential buyers and renters clamouring for another look. No matter the size of your budget, you can add value to your home with projects big and small.
If you’re ready for a big change, why not gut the whole thing and start from scratch? A brand-spanking-new kitchen has the potential to transform your home completely. When renovating this room, consider the longevity of the materials and maximise the room’s function with a thoughtful layout.
Kitchen renovations are expensive, but they can add significant value to your home. The average kitchen renovation costs between $30,000 and $50,000.
There are jobs you can’t DIY, like plumbing and electrical work, so leave the planning and execution of your kitchen makeover to the professionals and hire a kitchen builder.
If a complete reno isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. You can do plenty to add value to your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Some simple improvements you can make that will give your kitchen a whole new vibe include:
These smaller projects will set you back anywhere from a few $100s to several thousand, depending on what kind of appliances you choose and the material of your splashback. A new kitchen island can cost anywhere between $150 and $2000.
There’s a bit here you could DIY. Exceptions include connecting gas for a new stovetop or oven, which you must leave to a licensed plumber.
Nobody likes a grungy shower. If yours has seen better days, it might be time to upgrade. There are plenty of options to choose from, but if you’re looking to add value to your home, it’s worthwhile investing in a stepless walk-in shower.
Stepless walk-in showers are ideal for those with lower-body mobility limitations, meaning you’re expanding your pool of potential buyers further down the track.
Whichever choice you go with, make sure to grab a squeegee to keep it looking fresh.
What’s it going to cost?
A new shower can cost anywhere from $400 to $4000. Do your research on the best kind of shower for your bathroom before you commit to a particular model.
The best option for anything in your bathroom is to get a tradie onboard. They’ll have the right licenses and permits to execute work in your bathroom – and make sure your shower is still waterproof by the end.
If you’re really determined to do some bathroom DIY, make sure you check what regulations on bathroom renos might apply in your state.
Smaller bathroom improvements have just as much value-add potential as big-ticket items like a new shower. Consider these options, most of which you can do yourself on a free weekend.
A new shower door will cost between $300 and $700, while a new vanity will set you back between $300 and $2000.
If you’re re-grouting or painting your bathroom walls or tiles, you can go nuts in the DIY aisle at Bunnings. However, if you’re installing a new vanity, you’ll need to hire a tradie for the job.
Opt for a custom built-in wardrobe. The extra storage will maximise your room space, and you can choose doors that suit your room’s vibe. Consider mirrored sliding doors or warm wooden panel doors; both are classic options that will age well.
Depending on your choice of materials, the size, and other specifications, a custom built-in wardrobe will likely cost between $1000 and $5000.
You’ll want to get a pro on board for a job this big. Hire a qualified carpenter and relax knowing you and your wardrobe are in good hands.
For more budget-friendly upgrades, consider these options:
New blinds or curtains cost between $50 and $200 per window. Calculating the final cost of paint for a room can be tricky, so try this handy paint calculator to avoid any nasty surprises at the checkout.
Yes, you can! Follow our beginner’s guide to painting a room, and your walls will look spick-and-span in no time. You can put up new curtains yourself, but we’d recommend getting a blind installer in to manage the installation of your blinds.
Open-plan living is here to stay. A licenced builder can add value to your home by knocking down walls and opening up a kitchen and patio, kitchen and living room, or living and dining room. Your home will feel more spacious with fewer walls, and you’ll let in more natural light.
What’s it going to cost?A builder is the best person to give you an estimate on what opening up your space will cost you, so use our directory of trusted tradies to find a builder today.
Unless you’re a licensed builder yourself, we’d leave this one to the pros.
The dining and living area is a great place to re-vamp your lighting. Install downlights and spread light throughout the space for a cosy feel.
You’ll need a licensed sparkie to install downlights throughout your living and dining area, which will cost you around $80-$120/hour. For a DIY job, you can quickly and easily change your lighting by installing your own LED light strips.
One big-ticket item that can make a world of difference to the value of your home is new flooring.
This job is worth hiring a professional for, as you’ll want to ensure it’s done to the highest possible standard. Whether you like the warmth of floorboards, the durability of lino, the softness of carpet, or the edginess of concrete floors, there are options for everyone.
If there’s money in the budget to spare, consider underfloor heating, too.
The range for new floors varies widely depending on the type of flooring you like. Check out these resources for more on how much you can expect to pay for different types of floors:
Leave this one to the pros. Find a flooring expert to take you through the process and advise you on how to get the most out of your new floors.
If you’re fortunate enough to have outdoor space, your options to add value are virtually limitless.
Consider these options:
Upgrading your home not only makes financial sense, but you’ll get more use out of your space as well. If big-ticket changes aren’t in your budget right now, consider making smaller changes over time, and before you know it, your home will have a whole new feel (and be worth a whole lot more).
If you’re handy with a set of tools, you can likely DIY some of these upgrades. For the rest, call in your trusted tradies.
