Affordable ways to upgrade your braai spot
The summer festive season is upon us and our calendars are likely to be filled with braais and swimming pool parties. Homeowners who plan to host outdoor gatherings this December could try a few affordable upgrades that could not only bolster their enjoyment of the space but also increase property values.According to Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, an outdoor home improvement project can add to the appeal of the home when it later comes time to sell. “Upgrading the outdoor entertainment area is likely to increase the resale value of the home, but just be sure not to over-capitalise and spend above the ceiling price of the neighbourhood,” he advises.
For those looking for affordable outdoor upgrades that can easily be recouped when it later comes time to sell, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares the below tips:
Wash walls, repaint, or create a feature
The most affordable way to upgrade your outdoor entertainment space is to clean up the exterior of the home. Hire a high-pressure hose and wash down all exterior walls – especially those that are visible from the outdoor entertainment area. If the walls are painted, touch up any cracks and repaint them. Create a feature wall by choosing a bold colour to paint on just one section of the exterior; or, for those who are handy with power tools, a timber-cladded exterior feature wall can also do wonders when it comes to upgrading the look of the space.
Tackle simple maintenance issues
Nothing adds value more than a well-maintained, neat outdoor space. Clean out the gutters and fix any damaged outdoor pipes or drains. Get the roof professionally cleaned and make sure it is in good condition. Use a high-pressure hose to clean down any paving and repair any parts that are damaged. Tackle any weeding and prune overgrown hedges and trees.
Upcycle, recycle, or DIY
Adding a covered patio or outdoor entertainment area can create that much-needed extra space in which to entertain and relax but these additions can be costly depending on what structure you decide to build. For a more affordable solution, find resources to upcycle, such as palette wood, that can be turned into a pergola with trailing plants that grow overtop to create natural shade. You can also make your own built-in fire pit using recycled materials such as an old washer drum. Instead of buying expensive outdoor furniture, add value to the home by building a concrete seating area around the fire pit.
If you do tackle a DIY project, Goslett warns homeowners to make sure that the addition is structurally sound and well-built. “A poorly built structure could otherwise decrease the resale value of the home,” he cautions.
As a final piece of advice, Goslett recommends getting in touch with your nearest RE/MAX Office for some free advice before you tackle any home upgrades. “As experts on the local property market, real estate professionals can let you know if spending money on upgrades will add value or not. They might even have a property in your price range that offers the exact kind of outdoor space you envisioned, which could end up saving you from the hassle of having to do renovations yourself,” he concludes.