1. Make a plan
Before undertaking any home improvements, it’s important that you have an overall plan – and a vision! If, for example, you’re undertaking lots of different fixups across various rooms, you need to consider the overall effect. Unless you want a mix of styles and materials, we suggest you stick to a unified vision. It will help make decisions easier, and you’ll end up with a timeless design.
If your vision is looking a little bit more expensive than you’d budgeted for, you don’t need to sacrifice your plans. With a home improvement loan from MyFinance, you can tick off everything on your list and more with flexible repayment plans and competitive rates. So, let’s get your house in order today!
2. A fresh lick of paint
Painting your home doesn’t just make it look good, it also offers protection, value and personalisation.
When it comes to purchasing your paint, it’s important to get a realistic estimation of how much you’ll need, so you can buy it all at once. It's also a good idea to buy high-quality brushes, roller covers and painter’s tape too, so that you end up with a good finish.
But before you start painting, you’re going to need some sandpaper and a little elbow grease. With any painting job, preparation is key. All cracked, flaking, or peeling areas need to be lightly sanded, and potentially filled/plastered, otherwise, the weight of the new paint will pull the old paint loose. If done properly, painting prep will pay big dividends in your final result.
Once you are ready to start painting, the one thing most DIY painters can agree on is that it’s a lot harder than it looks. We think these three paint application tips will help put you on a path to success:
- Use a primer.
While paint-primer combinations are fine if you already have a smooth surface, if there are any issues with the surface, it’s always best to go with a separate primer. - Paint from top to bottom.
After you’ve cut in the edges with a brush, use your roller to apply paint from the ceiling downward. - Let the roller do the work.
Today’s premium paints flow on easily, so you don’t need to apply too much pressure. Be sure to use an extension pole, so you can reach the largest area with the least effort - and without straining your back!
Of course, if that all sounds too much like hard work, you can always hire a professional painter!
3. Blinds and curtains
New blinds and curtains are another effective way to modernise your home. Whether you choose blinds or curtains is a matter of personal style. Blinds are sleek and stylish and offer good practical solutions, but curtains will give you more creative options and are easier to install.
Decoratively, blinds and curtains can help set the tone for your rooms, but they can also help conserve energy. Did you know approximately 30% of household heat gets lost through your windows? Additionally, replacing old blinds and curtains with newer ones can improve the safety of your home, particularly if you have young children.
4. Bathroom fittings
Home improvements don’t just have to look good, they can also help you make savings in ongoing water bills. Installing water-saving faucets and showerheads is a great home improvement idea that will save you gallons of water use. If you have a regular toilet, a two-button dual-flush toilet is a sensible upgrade that will use only a fraction of the water compared to your old system. Upgrades like these are not just functional though. Faucets, showerheads, and toilet designs are also a great way to modernise your bathroom design.
5. Stylish shelving
Organising your home and creating a comfortable living atmosphere helps to organise areas of the house and avoid clutter. So, if you’re struggling to display your favourite photos, ornaments or books, it might be time to add some clever shelving in an unused space. This home improvement hack is a great way to improve the overall look of a room and increase the aesthetic value of your home.
Just make sure the shelves are level and mounted to studs in the wall. Remember, books and framed photos are heavy!
Now that you've made your home smarter, cleaner, and more visually appealing, it's time to start saving money on energy! Read our blog about solar panels and their advantages.
DIY is a great way to add value, get exactly what you want, and learn new skills. Finishing a home improvement will leave you with a strong sense of achievement and maybe even soothe your souls.
So, try out these great home improvement hacks to keep your home looking nice and shining!