You’ve been thinking about giving your home a freshen-up for a while, but you cant seem to find the time.

If you have just one spare weekend and you want to make some quick improvements to your home for the highest value-add, these are the areas you need to concentrate on.

Make a good first impression

First impressions count. If you are looking to add value to your house, start with curb appeal. Tidy the front yard by removing any overgrown trees, and spruce up your driveway and front bricks with the help of a pressure hose. You should be able to find one on the cheap by flicking through the local paper, but if you are unable to find an affordable solution, an old broom and some bleach or soapy water will scrub off any stubborn spots.

A new letter box and door handle are quick and cheap fixes that can add to the overall appearance of your front yard.

These are simple fixes that can be made over a weekend and will gain you mega points with neighbours and friends.

A new look

Do you have a spare room that needs a little bit of attention? A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference, but there are a few rules to follow. Neutral colours are perfect if you are not sure what you want to use the room for or are thinking of putting your house on the market in the near future, while feature walls are a great way to add a pop of colour to brighten up a room.

If painting is not your specialty, have a practice run on a less prominent area, such as a wall behind a wardrobe. Once you find your confidence, you’ll be painting like a pro.

Replace fixtures and fittings

One factor that makes a property look tired and old is out-dated or tarnished door handles, light fittings and skirting boards.

By replacing old fittings and fixtures with modern design, you can instantly add life to your home. There is minimal professional knowledge required for these touch-ups, so they can be replaced quickly and easily, with maximum impact.

Your local hardware store is sure to house everything you need. But be warned, prices will vary greatly and it pays to shop around prior to making a purchase and consult with a qualified builder for bigger projects which may require licenses.

These tasks usually do not require large amounts of time and money to complete. They will, however, freshen up your home and add value with very little effort.

Courtesy of Lending Services Victoria

Quick-fix home improvements