It’s the summer holidays and a time to relax, but if you’re a DIY enthusiast you know there’s only so much sitting in a deck chair you can do before the urge to break out the toolbox becomes overwhelming.
There are countless small chores around the home to dive into with the sun on your back and radio’s cricket commentary droning away in the background.
If you’re thinking of selling, and wondering about how to add value to your home in a coming summer or early-autumn sale, then perhaps focusing on improvements for the kitchen and bathrooms is the smart play.
These spaces, more than any others, can influence a buying decision and make the difference between a swift sale or pleasing auction result, and having to spend additional time and money to find a buyer.
If you’re lucky enough to have a luxury home, any experienced agent will always advise you to commission professional tradespeople.
For an entry-level home or investment property, getting some paint under the fingernails or sawdust in your hair can be a worthwhile investment.
Below, we’ve put together some home improvement ideas for the kitchen. They can be done on a tight budget, and they’re the perfect challenge for an idle summer’s day.
Replace silicone – Constant exposure to water can turn kitchen silicone black and ugly. If left untouched, it will break down and water will leak behind your benchtop and rot away the wood or chipboard. So scrape out old, dirty or mouldy silicone around your sink and where the benchtop meets the wall. Apply fresh, smooth anti-mould silicone. This tiny, detailed task instantly improves hygiene and makes the benchtop look sharp and meticulous.
Quick brush up – A complete colour change revitalises any kitchen. Dedicate time to properly cleaning the doors and then sanding them lightly. A P180 grade sandpaper is ideal. This is a low-effort DIY project with an incredible return on visual appeal. If selling or renting the property soon, select a neutral colour.
Splashback upgrade – Peel-and-stick tiles or panels can be applied directly over your existing wall surface for a massive, DIY-friendly aesthetic change. Installing a splashback covering in this way is super-easy and cheap. Give yourself an extra square metre or two of material in case you need some practice. Use a damp sponge to push air out of any bubbles. Go slowly.
Handle it – Head to your local retailer and see if you can find some new handles to give your kitchen cabinets a visual lift. When you take away the old handles, will you be able to install the new ones without ugly screw holes showing? It’s a real consideration. You may need to do some patching. This project is a small investment that dramatically updates the style of tired cabinetry.
Benchtop bonus – If you have a timber benchtop, sand back minor scratches with a P180 grade sandpaper and apply a fresh coat of food-safe oil or sealant. Regular maintenance restores the warm, natural look of the timber, eliminating signs of wear and tear.
Finishing touch – Install simple wooden trim or moulding along the ceiling line and against skirting boards. This adds a sense of custom craftsmanship and makes the kitchen feel more finished and high-end.