2021 has been a long year full of uncertainty and chaos. We have had to adapt the way we do things, and we have had to stay home a lot more than we have ever before. There are probably things about your home that didn’t bother you in the past, but now you realise that maybe the layout of your kitchen doesn’t really work, or you would like stacking doors so you can extend your living space.
We seem to always think a renovation is exorbitant – but what if we told you that it is not as expensive as you think? With the help of Kandua.com, South Africa’s largest marketplace for vetted renovation pros! Why don’t you start 2022 with a bang, and bang down that wall, rip out those tiles, or paint that bedroom? A general handyman would be able to assist with most of these jobs.
Before you embark on a renovation, make sure you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want so that you can communicate clearly with your contractors to get the best results. The next step is to set a budget. It is easy to get carried away and spend a bit more for that bathroom tap, and a little extra for the paint – but it adds up so quickly and can become quite stressful when you realise you have spent thousands more than you had in mind.
Renovations need to be thought through carefully so you can, one day, get the biggest return on your investment. We got some Kandua.com experts to list their top home improvements that pay off in the end.
1. Kitchen
The heart of the home, you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don’t go overboard. Don’t overcapitalise! You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house, or the neighborhood. A budget-friendly way to upgrade your kitchen could be to get a handyman to make new cupboard doors.
2. Bathroom
Bathrooms are an important part of a home. If there are not enough bathrooms or if they are very outdated, it will be a big turn off to potential buyers. Updating bathroom amenities and fixtures or adding an additional bathroom if you have the space can really increase a home’s appeal. Wallpaper is making a huge comeback and using it in your bathroom is a huge trend for 2022, just make sure you use a splash-proof option. A wallpaper pro will be able to assist with this.
3. Outdoor Space
South Africans love to entertain outside, so an outdoor deck/patio that extends the living area could add additional value. Stacking doors are a great way to really open up a room and bring the outdoors in. Whether you have a built-in braai, or a gas braai, why not create the perfect workspace around it so you can prepare your meals and still enjoy your guests without being stuck in the kitchen. A handyman would be able to help with this.
4. Security
Security is high on the priority list for potential buyers as it plays a significant part in keeping you and your family safe. Whether or not you have a security system installed, there are many actions that just about anyone can take to make their home more secure, so go ahead and invest in the electric fence, security cameras and beams.
Once you have decided what work needs to be done, and you have set a budget, you can embark on the most important step – hiring the best contractor for the job. Kandua.com has a list of vetted, background checked professionals all over South Africa, and the platform is super simple to navigate. You can get up to 5 quotes in 1 minute or less. All you need to do is:
- Answer some questions about the job
- Share your contact details so no more than 5 Pros can contact you directly
- You’ll be contacted with quotes or a request for more info by affordable, experienced and trusted Pros
- Read their online reviews
- Choose the contractor that best suits your requirements and then invite them to view your home to discuss the details of the renovation.
