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.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Hospital ED new location of interest in measles spread
Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department is the latest location of interest for measles.
Two separate days in the last week were listed on Health NZ’s website on Friday morning as a place where someone with measles was known to have visited.
Poll: Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live?
Conflicting Healthy Homes inspection reports are raising concerns about the consistency of standards meant to ensure rental properties are safe and liveable.
In one recent case, a Cambridge rental property underwent two inspections within a week, with significantly different outcomes. The first, arranged by tenant Sara Lewis, identified multiple issues including mould, vermin, and ventilation concerns. A second inspection, arranged by property managers Harcourts, just six days later, found little to criticise.
Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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33.3% Yes
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66.7% No
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