There’s something about summer that inspires a change in scenery, whether that means getting out of the city for the weekend or changing the scenery in your own backyard. Getting the most out of your spaces and turning them into the best areas possible is ideal in an environment like Sydney where space can be scarce. That’s where the subject of home improvements come in: what should you do, where should you put it, how will it help? It can seem like a daunting task to begin with, but we’ve got a few ideas to get the ball rolling:
For the Family
There’s nothing better than great quality time at home during the holidays, but, on the other side of the coin, there’s nothing worse than being stuck at home with nothing to do. Instead of keeping the kids holed up inside playing video games, make sure they get their recommended daily intake of vitamin D and encourage them to spend more time outdoors. Installing a pool can offer so much to your outdoor entertainment areas – you can swim laps in the morning then splash around with the kids in the afternoon!
For the Entertainer
For the socialite in you, having an appropriate space to entertain is ideal – whether it is used for cocktail parties, afternoon barbecues, birthdays or whatever other occasions demands an event – any excuse is a good one! An outdoor deck is relatively easy to install and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye after a good staining, making it the ideal place for your events. If you feel like the sun gets a little bit much, then it’s also a good idea to consider a patio awning to provide a bit of shade when it’s needed. Finish the space off with a smattering of outdoor furniture and some plants and you’ve got yourself an outdoor entertainment area you’ll never want to leave!
For the Environmentally-Conscious
Being green doesn’t stop at learning how to wash your dishes efficiently and remembering to turn off appliances when they’re not being used, though it’s a good place to start! You can further reduce your carbon footprint by installing green-friendly appliances such as solar paneling, a water tank or a flow-controlled aerator for the tap. You can also make improvements such as using reclaimed wood or salvaged lumber for any extensions you may be making, or installing eco-friendly wood flooring like Brazillian Cherry or White Tigerwood, which are both harvested from well-managed forests with renewable resources.
For the Seller
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, there’s nothing better you can do pre-auction time than spruce the place up from top to bottom. Sure, it’s time consuming, but it basically pays for itself by the time you hear ‘SOLD!’ Remember, beauty starts from the inside, so assess that first. For example, renovating a kitchen will add roughly $100, 000 to your home, so get it done right and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank. When you’re done fixing the interiors, it’s essential that you give the exterior a face lift too, as that’s the first impression prospective buyers will get of the house. If done properly, a lick of paint here and a manicured yard there will improve your home’s worth by anywhere from $40, 000 to $100, 000, which definitely makes the time invested worth it.
For more information on how to better improve your property for maximum profit come market time, click here.
Meta: Feeling like a change of scenery this summer? Check out our hot home improvement tips here.
