Don’t Move: Improve

Which renovations should you make to your home?

Can home renovations raise the value of your home for selling? ‘As much as we’d like to think that the money we pour into renovations will come back at us in full when we sell our home, that’s rarely the case. ‘However, certain renovations add value immediately, some small and exterior-focused improvements offer better value than larger, challenging renovations,’ states Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa. Craig warns that many clients choose to add lavish features, thinking that it would make their property stand out, but sometimes standing out might actually be the wrong thing to do. ‘What you like might not be what the next owner would want in a home. If you customise your home too much, you are narrowing your potential buyers down to a very niche few, and this could result in your home remaining on the market for years.’ Make sure that your home’s exterior is on par with the rest of the neighbourhood by making minor improvements to create maximum appeal.

Renovating? What is the best return on investment?

• Loft conversion +192% It’s often the easiest, cheaper way to create an extra space in your house. The loft could be used for an extra bedroom, playroom, study or games room, which will immediately add value.

• Going green +65% Revise your home’s energy consumption. Many buyers look at the amount of energy a home saves because of the increase in electricity costs. Install solar heating panels, switch all or a few of your light bulbs to LED/CFLs, fix leaky taps, install water saving shower heads and have a timer installed on your geysers.

• Braai room +80% There are two types of people: those with braai rooms and those still wanting one. A braai room means being able to entertain, irrespective of the elements outside. A small unusable area can easily be altered into a practical braai area. Folding/ sliding doors are also an option, enabling a person to have an area completely open when needed, yet closed when the need arises. •

Decking/patio +133% Buyers see a deck as offering a seamless transition from inside to outside. It increases a home’s usable space – but costs only about half of what it would to build a new room. A well-made deck is something that can add real wow-factor, as well as functionality.

• Landscaping Another area that can add significant value is the garden and the entrance to the house. Neat garden beds full of healthy plants, manicured lawns and well maintained boundary walls or fences all create a good impression of your home, and can be quite easily achieved.

• New bathroom +75% Simple bathroom fixes are a great way to redecorate your home and add value, without having to invest a lot of money in renovations. Refresh the paintwork, deep clean, replace the taps, replace that shower curtain with a glass screen, and invest in a heated towel rail rather than a hook on the back of the door. Let plenty of light in – fit more or bigger windows, or skylights.

• Redecorating +26% Redecorating can make a property look brand new. Add a splash of paint and change the light switches, as the standard white light switches tend to look yellow over time. Rethink window treatments – is the glass sparkling, check that the latches are working correctly. Replace old rugs and ensure all of your flooring is clean and well kept.

• New kitchen +80% Redecorating your kitchen is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Your kitchen has to look up-to-date, clean and functional. Replace countertops, cabinet doors/handles and drawer fronts. Create as much space as possible. Use down-lights underneath the cupboards or in bulkheads to light splash-backs and countertops for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Garage +25% Fit the garage with shelves and cupboard space and replace the garage door. Consider building a flatlet above the garage to create extra living space, or serve as an income generator.

• Security This is possibly one of the most important features for re-sale value. Adding features such as electric fencing, beams and perhaps security cameras or merely upgrading your fencing will create a safer environment for you and for the potential buyer.

Choose the right tiles

The importance of choosing the right tiles for your environment cannot be overstressed. At CTM you’ll find the widest range of tiles, both local and imported, at prices that simply can’t be matched. You’ll also find all the advice and guidance you may need.

Types of ceramic tiles

A ceramic tile is simply a mixture if clays that is shaped and then fired at high temperatures. The tile that results can be glazed, decorated or left unglazed.

Glazed tiles

Glazed tiles come in a variety of colours and finishes – from matte to satin to high gloss, and offer an almost infinite variety of decorative possibilities. Advances in technology have allowed manufacturers to create glazed tiles for both wall and floor application. The raw materials for glazed tiles are selected to make sure the body of the raw tile take well to decoration.

Unglazed tiles

Unglazed tiles have a completely different character and appeal. Their properties make them ideal for different applications, including areas with heavy traffic such as entrance halls and shopping malls, both indoors and out. Unglazed tiles usually have natural colours and a smooth, matte surface, although other colours and textures are available.

Floor tiles

Polished porcelain tiles. This is a tile with an impressive sheen. Because they are manufactured mainly in large sizes, their application is suited to large floor areas.

Glazed porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are a lot more resistant to water absorption than ceramic tiles. The glazing also bonds strongly with the tile body, resulting in an extremely hard and durable tile surface. With such hard-wearing properties, the glazed porcelain tile is an extremely popular choice.

Glazed ceramic tiles

Glaze is the layer found on the face of the tile by firing an applied coating. It creates an impermeable surface, it protects the tile for considerably longer wear, and adds an attractive, reflective sheen to the base colour of the tile.

Find inspiration at this hidden gem

Shopping for tiles? At Tile Africa Empangeni, you’ll find a wide range of tiles, sanitary ware, adhesives, grout and cleaning products. Find inspiration in-store with their beautifully renovated showrooms that features a number of lifestyle displays, showcasing the latest design trends in flooring and bathroom ware for both the home and commercial market. Visit this hidden gem, located at 21 Ngwelezane Rd, Kuleka, Empangeni

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