Want your home to shine in time for the holiday season? These low-effort, high-impact jobs will make you the host with the most when you entertain this silly season. These seven jobs are quick wins, affordable, and require no downtime, so you can get straight into enjoying the festivities with your loved ones..
Dreaming of a big reno? We get it. The desire to make your home truly yours is natural, but it’s not always in the budget. While the prediction is for interest rate cuts in 2025, those with mortgages and a home to run know not to count their chickens before they hatch.
Budget aside, not everyone has the time or inclination to leave their home while their kitchen gets gutted. Rest assured, there are plenty of quick and affordable improvements you can make this month that will get your home summer-ready without breaking the bank.
You may be able to complete them yourself, but if you’re unsure about the process or you’d like a little help, don’t be shy; call in a trusted tradie.
Feature walls are a simple yet impactful way to freshen up a room. A feature wall is a great way to show off your personality, whether your interior vibe is eclectic, art deco, elegant, or Scandinavian minimalist. Choose a wall without a window and get creative. Muted neutrals, bright and bold colours, or patterned wallpaper make for beautiful, eye-catching feature walls.
You can do this job yourself, but if you’re unsteady on a ladder, unwilling to tackle those pesky edges or don’t want to spend the time prepping surfaces and researching the best paint, it’s probably best to call in a pro. By hiring a painter to take on the job, you can relax knowing your wall is in good hands.
Painting is reported as the number one DIY job gone wrong by Aussie homeowners. Find out how to avoid a DIY disaster of your own, and cruise into holiday-mode stress-free.
You might be surprised at how much lighting affects not only how a room looks but also how you feel in it. If you’ve been considering a lighting change, this is your sign to hire a tradie and get the job done. Consider installing smart lighting to save energy, or assess what kind of lights would really make your space pop. Whether you prefer an extravagant chandelier or an elegant pendulum light, the options are almost endless.
You’ll need to hire a sparkie for any wired lighting you want to install or change, as doing your own wiring is illegal in Australia. That’s not to say there aren’t lighting changes you can do yourself, though.
You can install LED strip lighting yourself, and if you’re thinking of adding a standing lamp or two, nip to your favourite homewares shop and DIY this job in a few hours.
Quintessential summer experiences include lazing by the beach, chatting with friends long into the night, attending the cricket…and getting bitten by mosquitos.
Consider installing fly screens on your doors and windows to keep these unwanted visitors away. A fly screen lets you keep your windows and doors open in the evenings and overnight without waking up covered in bites. They’ll also keep cockroaches, spiders, moths and other creepy crawlies at bay.
You can DIY a simple fly screen, but it could be worth getting a professional to install more complex types of screens.
Give your kitchen a new vibe while saving time and money with a new splashback. If your splashback has seen better days, it might be time to upgrade. Depending on the type of material you choose, you can DIY a new splashback if you’ve got the tools and skills.
If the thought of chipping away at old tiles makes you want to run and hide, you can always call in a trusted tradie.
Kitchen splashbacks come in a range of materials, including glass, metal, tile, acrylic, and laminate, or you can opt for a budget-friendly paint version. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even consider options like cork.
Get the kids outdoors (and out from under your feet) and enjoying hours of fun with outdoor play equipment. With school holidays around the corner, outdoor play equipment will be a lifesaver. Imagine sipping your coffee while the kids run wild in the fresh air, all in the comfort of your backyard. Choose from options like trampolines, tree houses, or cubbies.
Plenty of DIY options are available, and the kids could even chip in and help you set it up. If you want peace of mind knowing the play equipment is set up safely, use hipages to find a handyman (or woman) near you.
If you’ve always secretly suspected you might have a green thumb, this one’s for you. What better way to spend a weekend than building and planting a vertical garden? Whether you want to plant showstopping flowers or delicious veggies, a vertical garden is an excellent option if you’re tight on space but love a leafy aesthetic.
If you don’t have a balcony or backyard, don’t worry. You might be able to plant a vertical garden indoors, though you should consider your new plant babies’ UV needs before beginning.
Ok, your guests are less likely to see and admire this one, but you certainly will. There are options to suit almost every style and budget, from framed, semi-frameless, or completely frameless.
Whether taking an everything shower or enjoying a cheeky shower beer, your bathroom will feel like a new oasis of calm with a new shower door.
A professional should install shower doors. They may not need a licence for it, but double check before you hire a tradie through hipages, and remember to invest in a squeegee to keep your new shower door streak-free and shiny.
Get these jobs done in time for summer, and your place will look fresh and vibrant for the holidays.
Just like these quick wins will make your home the #1 hangout spot this summer, hipages is the #1 place to connect with tradies trusted by our community of homeowners.
Get quotes for your jobs, get a trusted second pair of hands to help out, and relax.
Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, there are numerous ways to transform your outdoor area into a stylish and inviting space. With a little creativity and plenty of elbow grease, you can get your space looking great for entertaining guests.
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With a few thoughtful tweaks and updates, you can create a home that feels warm, comfortable, and guest-ready—any time of year.
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