Summer renovations to increase your home's value!
Want to turn your home into a high-value property? Get professional advice from our free eBook: The three elements of a low maintenance, high-profit property. Here are some simple, easy and quick ways to renovate your home this summer.
1. Wall colours matter
Avoid painting your walls white or black—one will show the dirt and the other any imperfections in your wall or ceiling. Instead, consider using patterned walls.
Wallpaper is becoming fashionable again and can really help your home look fresh.
2. Make the cleaning easier
Does anyone really enjoy vacuuming or cleaning in low, hard to reach places? Why not consider switching out your bathroom essentials for wall-mounted alternatives.
A wall-hung toilet and elevated sink will not only make cleaning easier but can create space and give the bathroom an entirely different context. For the ultimate easy-clean, install a drain in your bathroom floor so you can hose the floor down.
3. Consider changing surface tops
Changing both kitchen and bathroom surface tops are easy ways of giving your house a different feel. However, keep in mind that choosing a single colour will highlight imperfections, dirt and dust. Patterned surfaces are a great way of avoiding this. Natural stone countertops such as granite or quartz are good for this, but these are very heavy materials, so make sure your cabinetry can support the weight!
If you’re after an industrial look, consider stainless steel—it’s practically indestructible. The only downsides are that some chemicals can stain it, and it can dent if something heavy is dropped on it.
Plastic laminate is another long-lasting homeowner favourite, especially for those on a budget. It’s lightweight too so it doesn’t need sturdy support under it like granite or quartz do. However, it can be scratched and sometimes burned if you’re not careful.
4. Change the flooring
If your current floor is covered in furniture scuff marks, stains and claw indents from the family pet, it could be time to consider a more durable option. This could range from bamboo to natural stone or laminate, or vinyl, and while each has their benefits they also have their limitations.
Stone may be a great addition to your kitchen and bathrooms, but be aware that some types of stone, such as marble, will wear quicker than you might expect. Likewise, porcelain and ceramic tiles are a bathroom and kitchen favourite. While they’re not as tough as natural stone, they’re less porous, which makes them quick and easy to clean.
Where do you think sells the best sausages?
Through all the tumult of existence, one thing remains unchanged - the makings of a good sausage.
Frankton Butchery owner Jim Ashton reckons people are looking for something reliable and they find it at his Commerce St store, whether its 15kg-worth or a single snarler.
What do you think of this new housing option?
A program to move people out of rentals and give them a sense of security with housing has been launched in Te Awamutu.
Twenty new two bedroom townhouses on Ohaupo Rd are available to buy at $291,750 - less than half the market price.
The catch is - you don’t own the land but hold a 100-year lease.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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83.6% Yes
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14.2% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below!
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