Expert product recommendations
small windows where you could be maximising on light and air flow with a bigger frame – or even install a set of French doors or a sliding door.
“If your funds are running low, and you don’t have the money to spend on new doors or windows, you can opt for a simple Spring fix by sanding and painting your existing windows and then installing new window treatments such as fresh new curtains.”
The kitchen is the heart of the home and if yours is not giving you good vibes then perhaps it is time for a change.
“If your cabinets are old and dated and budget allows then installing new ones is always a wonderful option and will increase the value of your home as well.
“If budget is a bit more limited then only replacing the counter tops will also give an instant lift.
“However, if you are renovating on a shoe string then painting the cabinets and replacing the handles for something updated and fashionable is a great way to redo your kitchen without spending very much.
“These days there are a variety of paint products available that allow you to paint over melamine cupboards as well,” says Luis.
With the weather warming up, South Africans will start to spend more time outdoors, and what better way to celebrate the arrival of Spring than by creating an outdoor entertainment area for some alfresco dining?
Luis further advises that you can quickly create an outdoor entertainment area by removing old unhealthy grass and laying down paving stones and stone chip – perhaps in the shade of a favourite tree or near to a water feature or the swimming pool.
“String up some outdoor fairy lights or purchase some solar lighting solutions for some instant lighting.
“If budget allows, treat yourself to some new outdoor furniture.
“Otherwise there are paint products available that you can use to spruce up old garden furniture – whether it be metal, wood or plastic.
“Then invest in a portable braai that suits your needs – whether it is wood, coal or gas burning – and invite friends and family around to admire your newly renovated home and new alfresco dining area.
“Upgrading your home doesn’t have to be expensive and it doesn’t have to involve contractors.
“There are a variety of projects for all price ranges and all levels of skill and enthusiasm that can improve your home’s look and feel, and ultimately its value, whether to future buyers or, perhaps more importantly, to you.
“Putting a few of these home-improvement ideas into action will help you get the most out of your home.”
Luis advises that Brights Hardware has on-site experts in all of their stores to provide advice and guidance on any Spring home renovations and upgrades.
“Whatever you may be wanting to spring up your home, our knowledgeable staff members can provide you with all the product insights and information.”
Brights Hardware is a Western Cape-based hardware chain that was founded in 1971 as a general dealer specialising in electrical contracting and repairs.
Brights remains a family business and over the past 48 years has grown considerably.
It now consists of eight stores in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Montague Park, Plattekloof, Uitzicht and a new Brackengate store.
There is also a comprehensive online store available at www. brights.co.za.
Paint to pick
Brights stocks a new products called Dulux Easycare @ R489 per 5L, which is new matt washable and stain resistant technology paint with 15 year guarantee – and it is 20 times tougher than normal PVA.
But before you pick a final colour, try the Dulux 30ml testers which is a small quantity of paint contained in a plastic container with a small roller on it to apply a test patch of paint on your wall.
It sells for only R20 a colour.
Floor it
Brights stocks 8mm laminated flooring at R129 per square and also has new ECO polymer skirting available in various shape and sizes.
When it comes to concrete floor coatings, Brights recommends Alcolin Epoxy floor paint in various colours @ R749 per 5L.
Windows treatment
Brights recommends coating your window frames with topof-the-range Rubbol preservative @ R1 399 per 5L, or use WoodGuard Timba preservative @R559 per 5L.
Products to renovate the kitchen
If there is any mould in the kitchen or bathrooms after winter, use Mould Buster @ R84.95 per 500ml before repainting.
When it comes to painting the kitchen cabinets, Brights recommends Dulux Pearlglo solvent based enamel @ R619 per 5L or Plascon Velvaglo @ R629 per 5L.
To refurbish old garden furniture:
Brights recommends the refurbishment of old metal surfaces with Hammerite coatings at R319 per 1L and for other product surfaces like plastic, polymers, glass, etc, use the Rust-Oleum range of different spray paints to revitalise surfaces to their former glory.
When it comes to the braai surfaces, use Duram NS7 heat resistant paint @R299 per 500ML.