A quick tidy up, or should you splash out on renovations before you sell?

QUANTIFYING the value renovations might add to your home is not an exact science, but homes that are in poor condition, or very dated, inevitably lead potential buyers to think renovations are unavoidable, and they may subtract from the asking price, says Mike Greeff, chief executive of Greeff Christies International Real Estate.

He says many homes are sold on the strength of their kitchens and bathrooms. These are by far the most important rooms in a house on which to focus if you are considering renovations before listing a property for sale.

“When it comes to bathrooms, a clean, retiled space with attractive sanitaryware will go a long way towards creating a good impression. But if you are planning a complete overhaul you should take advantage of the situation, and put some thought into going with the latest trends. Many of these are evident in the new developments,” says Greeff.

Bathrooms integrated into the main bedroom living space are popular, with toilets separate. When it comes to flooring, quartz carpets are popular because they can be used anywhere in the house as they are hard-wearing and low maintenance.

Greeff says that pebble mosaic and vinyl are also a good option as they look attractive and feel comfortable underfoot. Ceramic tiles remain a popular and cost effective option. Neutral colours are most appealing, and you can bring in colour accents with towels.

“When it comes to finishing touches, most sellers can take a tip from spas, which offer a luxurious ambience and invite one to linger in the space,” says Greeff.

Tips for creating a spa-like feel in your bathroom are:

● Display clean fluffy towels in neatly folded piles or roll them up and stack in a basket.

● Choose attractive soap dispensers, and consider dispensing shampoos and bath gels into stylish containers.

● Avoid clutter on bathroom surfaces – pack away cosmetics and lotions.

● Scrupulous cleanliness is non negotiable. Surfaces should gleam and the room should smell fresh. Try an invigorating fragrance like lemongrass, mint or green tea.

● There are a number of plants that do well in the humid atmosphere of a bathroom. Orchids, bamboo and peace lilies are just a few. Surround your plants with an array of pebbles.

“For kitchen renovations, you should bear in mind that open plan kitchens are the most appealing, but a separate scullery and walk-in pantry are both very popular,” says Greeff.

“If the kitchen is a separate room, consider enlarging the space, if possible, to include a breakfast nook or a farm style home kitchens.”

“A small kitchen herb garden on a windowsill suggests potential to would-be buyers and adds freshness to the kitchen atmosphere.”

He says green or energy saving features are clearly a good bet, as most of them are perceived value adders due to obvious long-term savings. Sound investments include solar panels, gas hobs, effective insulation, boreholes, well- points, rain tanks and roof lanterns for natural air flow and cooling.

“A lack of security features such as burglar bars and an alarm system will also detract from perceived value, so when evaluating a property, an experienced estate agent with a thorough knowledge of your suburb is likely to factor in all these elements to come to a realistic selling price,” says Greeff.

“Request a listing of recent sales in the area. This will give you exact prices a square metre of homes comparable to yours. If your renovation plans are going to place your home in a price bracket way beyond the going rate, you’re likely to be overcapitalising,” says Greeff.

He says that whatever you decide to do, your home must be in a state of good repair. Even a dated property will sell if it’s neat, but it helps to be a step ahead of the buyer, and this means presenting your home in the best light. He says the absolute basics before any home is listed include the following:

● Keep gutters clear of leaves, particularly during autumn, and ensure that downpipes are unblocked and draining properly. Sagging gutters must be repaired.

● Loose or creaky timber floors can be an indication of a faulty or dropped sub- floor structure and must be replaced or repaired.

“Apart from achieving your listing price you also want the sale to happen as soon as possible, since having a property on the market for an extended time is likely to result in a drop in value as sellers get increasingly desperate and buyers more opportunistic. Swift sales are largely attributed to a winning combination of correct pricing and appeal and there are a number of ways to tap achieve this.

● A new coat of paint is essential. Opt for neutral tones to maximise universal appeal.

● Remove dated and soiled fixtures like awnings and bin old, rusty or broken garden furniture.

● Replace old light fittings and never leave naked bulbs on display – they create a depressing aura of neglect.

● A functioning fireplace is appealing, so lay fresh firewood or pine cones in the grate to prompt potential buyers to visualise a cosy scene. Alternatively, you can retro-fit a gas fireplace.

● A clean spacious area makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own furniture in the room. Clear away clutter, and if possible, remove a piece or two of furniture from cramped rooms – this can create the illusion of space.

● Hire a home stager – someone who will style or stage your home with rented furniture and objets d’art, with the specific purpose of increasing its appeal to potential buyers.

● Convert any extra rooms to bedrooms – this adds perceived value.

“An attractive garden almost always gets potential buyers through the front door,” says Greeff. “Don’t let your garden be an afterthought. Budget for it and allow some time or you’ll find yourself spending a fortune at the nursery in the rush up to a show day.”

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