/ 12 December 2013

DIY for beginners

Diy For Beginners

Before you get started

  • Before you approach a DIY project make sure you have the time and money to complete it. There’s nothing more unsettling than living in a home with half-finished paint jobs, missing doors and mismatched tiles because you ran out of steam or cash.
  • Put a budget and timeline in place. A home improvement might be what you need for a bigger renovation.
  • There’s no shame in calling an expert for complicated tasks. Rather ask for help than cause expensive damage.

7 Small home improvement tips that make a big difference

  1. Create a brand new first impression by changing your front door handle or house number signage. Replace weather-beaten doors and spruce up the entrance area with some greenery. Welcome visitors with large potted plants with plenty of foliage and they may never leave.

  1. Show your kitchen some love by replacing cabinets, faucets and lighting fixtures.  As the heart of the home, it should be a warm space bursting with life. If you make just one change, create an eye-catching splashback  (a wall feature above your sink or stove top that protects the wall from kitchen messes).  On a tight budget? A colourful appliance or two from Game will brighten things up.

  1. Fall in love with your bathroom by turning it into a home spa. Consider regrouting your tiles and replacing cracked ones. Simply changing the toilet seat, basin or faucets can also work wonders.  Visit Tile Africa for inspiration in the form of tiles, taps, toilets and accessories. Make finishing touches in the form of fresh fluffy towels and scented candles from @Home. Just add bubbles and music and relax.

  1. Nothing  makes a bigger splash than a new coat of paint.  Painting your entire home can be costly and time consuming. Instead, opt for an accent wall that contrasts with the other three walls.  You can also paint the ceiling trim a contrasting colour for a nice effect. Visit Jack’s Paint to see ranges from Dulux, Plascon and Panache.

  1. Spruce up old carpets with a professional clean and hide warn-out or stained spots with a beautiful rug.  If family life means your carpets get dirty quickly, it might be worthwhile investing in a carpet cleaner from Hirsch’s.

  1. Deck out the dining and lounge areas with new lighting fixtures and eyecatching art to create a warm vibe. A dimmer switch is a great way to create a cosy atmosphere while adding art to your walls can change the mood entirely.  Look for budget-friendly prints from @Home.
              
  2. Clear the clutter by putting up shelving or redoing closets. This will make your home look more spacious and modern. Be ruthless and get rid of what you don’t need. You can even make a bit of extra cash by selling it to Cash Converters or Cash Crusaders.

Tackle one room at a time and before you know it you’ll have a brand new home.

Need a bit of help? Apply for a RCS Loan​ and make your home improvement a reality.