Weekend Home Renovation Projects
Summer is here and with the warmer weather people are starting to feel more active – stirring themselves from weekends of hibernation.
For homeowners who are keen to start sprucing up their space a little bit, Summertime is the perfect opportunity with its long warm days. Brights Hardware, a family owned chain of hardware stores based in the Western Cape, has put together a list of summer home renovations and DIY tasks that can be done in a weekend and won’t break the bank.
1. Freshen Up The Exterior
When it comes to homes, looks do count and what’s on the outside matters.
“It’s surprising what a coat of paint can do to transform the exterior of your home,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware. “But before you pick a final colour, try the Dulux 30ml testers which offer a small quantity of paint in a plastic applicator.”
“And while you are up on a ladder why not check how your gutters faired through the wet winter months? Clean out any debris that may have built up her and repair or replace any damaged sections, seal the joins and secure any loose downpipes.”
2. Add Some Curb Appeal
While you are working on the outside of your house why not enhance the curb appeal – after all, first impressions count.
“Some ideas to easily refresh the front of your home include replacing dying patchy lawn with stone chip, creating flower beds, and also purchasing some pots and planting them with decorative trees or flowers to stand alongside the front door.”
“While you are at it, give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a bright colour to compliment your new plants and to really make a statement,” says Luis.
3. Mending Fences
If your home has an old, tired or broken fence or perhaps the vibracrete has cracked panels, then now is the time to mend fences.
Luis advises that having a strong perimeter fence is an important security feature for homes in SA. “There are several different options available for fencing – whether you opt for wood, wire, cement boards etc. And many come in ready made panels/sections that are easy to erect in a weekend.”
4. Install A Fire Pit
With the weather warming up, South Africans will start to spend more time outdoors, and what better way to enjoy a summers evening than by sitting around the (newly built) fire pit enjoying the crackling flames.
“If you are keen to build the fire pit from scratch there are tutorials on YouTube that show you how – not much more is needed other than some bricks and cement,” says Luis. “If you are keen for a quicker solution there are ready made fire pits on the market that can be instantly installed once purchased.”
5. Install a Security System
“Having a home security system in SA has become essential,” says Luis. “These days there are a variety of “plug and play” and DIY alarm systems – including surveillance cameras, perimeter beams, spot lights and more – that can be installed by the home owner quickly and easily to ensure your family’s safety.”
6. Bathroom Makeover
Upgrading a bathroom can be a pricey endeavour if you are wanting to replace sanitary ware and re-tile. If your bathroom is looking a bit tired and outdated there are ways to spruce it up without spending a fortune.
“Bathroom tiles can be painted,” advises Luis. “Choose a suitable quality primer and a good quality paint as well as sealant to go over this. One can also stick vinyl stick-on tiles over your existing ceramic tiles (if they have a smooth finish) to instantly upgrade your bathroom space. Bathroom cabinets can get a lick of paint – whether they are wood or melamine – there are paint products for both new taps, a new shower head, a new toilet seat and a new mirror will also go a long way to freshening up the space.”
7. Kitchen Improvements
Much like the bathroom, kitchens can be given a new lease of life without taking a loan to pay for it.
“Things that can be done in one weekend include painting the walls, painting the kitchen cabinets and replacing the handles, painting the tiles and using vinyl adhesive tiles to create a bold new splash back. Other ideas can include hanging a new blind, replacing the light fixture and installing some open shelving.”
8. Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your home cool in Summer but don’t use as much energy as air conditioners.
“The evolution of the ceiling fan has seen them go from ugly eyesores to designer pieces that can compliment any room,” says Luis.
9. Get Tanked
“If you don’t already have rainwater tanks in place in your garden it is always a good idea to consider this upgrade to your home. There are many different shapes and sizes of water tanks available and in it a relatively easy DIY installation,” says Luis. “First thing to do is check how much space you have and then choose a tank that fits your budget and capacity needs. Ensure the tank is standing on a level and sound surface – ideally one should lay a concrete slap for the tank to stand on but they can also stand on flat level sand surfaces.”
“Then you need to connect the pipes to access your gutter system. Keep in mind that a rainwater harvesting system will use your roof and gutters as a collection point – which takes us back to the first point, ensure that you have clean gutters in good condition.”
“Upgrading your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult 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. 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 home renovations and upgrades. “Whatever you may be wanting to spruce up in your home, our knowledgeable staff members can provide you with all the product insights and information that you need.”
For more visit: Brights Hardware