9 tips that will maintain and grow your property's value.

There can be little doubt that a clean and neat house sells faster and achieves a better price.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can ensure that your property not only retains its value but grows in value.

Start with the areas most used such as the kitchen. Ensure the kitchen cupboards are thoroughly scrubbed at least every quarter. The stove and cooking areas should be cleaned weakly to avoid grime building up. Ensure the extractor is also cleaned and the filter replaced every 6-12 months depending on the make.

Tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms must be cleaned monthly and the grouting touched up when needed, especially if it is a white or light colour. Sanitaryware should be kept clean, and the taps cleaned and shined to prevent tarnishing.

Bedroom wardrobes and any other cabinetry such as in a study should be scrubbed every six months to remove any stains and dirt. Consider putting fresheners in wardrobes, especially those used for storage and linen.

Carpets should be steam cleaned at least annually and all stains removed. Carpets should be replaced every 5-15 years depending on the quality of the carpets. Wooden floors should be cleaned and maintained as prescribed by the installers to retain its value.

Tiled floors should be steam cleaned at least annually with special attention to the grouting which should be touched up from time to time to ensure it retains its appearance and does not distract from the floor.

Broken tiles, taps, hinges or handles should be replaced as soon as needed. Air-conditioners should be serviced annually (or more often depending on the make). If you have a fireplace or built-in braai, it should be thoroughly cleaned at least monthly and painted or refurbished as needed.

If you spot any mould, it should be cleaned, and the areas treated as soon as possible. The same for any cracks. If you find any structural cracks or issues, call in an expert immediately and get it repaired to avoid further or secondary damage.

Always invest in the best quality paint that you can afford and ensure it is washable. The interiors of your home should be painted every 3-5 years depending on the quality of the paint. The exterior should be painted every 5-10 years.

Boundary walls should also be maintained, cracks repaired and painted every few years. Check that gates are in good working order, especially gate and garage door motors.

Broken roof tiles should be replaced. If there are leaks or cracks, these should be repaired as soon as possible. If you have wooden windows and exterior doors, these should be sanded, treated, and sealed regularly. Older homes or those in wooded areas may also need to be fumigated annually.

The swimming pool should be cleaned and maintained weekly. The sand should be replaced every 3 years. Most pools need resurfacing every 8-10 years to keep them well-maintained. Also ensure the coping around the pool is well maintained and any cracks repaired.

Here are some of the favourite DIY home improvement ideas:

Kitchen facelifts

Kitchens are renowned for their impact on the value of a home, and clever updates in this area can give a lot of bang for your buck. Concentrate on external surfaces like countertops and cabinet doors, which are easy to refurbish without professional help.

Cabinet doors

Modern buyers definitely prefer light and bright kitchens and repainting old, dark cabinets a lighter or more modern colour can really open up a space.

Solid wood cupboard doors can be sanded down using a palm sander before painting, while melamine cabinets need to be primed with a special primer before they'll be ready to paint. Remember to remove the doors from the cabinets and take off all the handles and hinges before sanding and painting. Use a foam roller with a water-based enamel paint for the smoothest and long-lasting finish.

Countertops

Great countertops make a big difference to both a kitchen's appearance and the cooking experience. Granite, Caesarstone and marble counters are always crowd favourites, but they do cost a fair bit and need to be installed by professionals. Timber and Formica are much more approachable and affordable for the DIY family and can be just as attractive if they're chosen and installed well.

When selecting a Formica finish, it is  recommended avoiding dated options like faux granite or marble.

Modern wood grains and minimalist textures give the best results. A square edge profile rather than the traditional quarter-round also adds a more contemporary flavour.

For the more adventurous DIYer, there are also options like casting your own concrete countertops. Just keep in mind the general style of your home, and make sure your countertop choice enhances its surroundings.

Your garage

Garages may not seem like the most important part of a home, but homeowners can add a lot of value to their property by turning them into more functional spaces.

Garages are often underutilised. They're ideal spaces for adding extra storage - something that is very important to a lot of buyers and can often accommodate a mini workbench or laundry area with a little planning.

While adding a laundry corner to your garage would require a plumber, storage is an easy weekend DIY for the handyperson in your home.

You can buy ready-made cupboards and shelves from your local hardware store, but budget conscious DIYers can also try second-hand websites to find old kitchen cabinets to mount along their garage walls.

For those with less available space, hanging storage may be a better option. Try pegboard walls with hooks for holding everything from bicycles to lawnmowers and secateurs.

Update outdoors

Garden spaces are still very popular with buyers, but a bigger emphasis is being put on ease of maintenance.

Water-hungry lawns and labour-intensive plant beds are falling out of favour, but outdoor entertainment areas are in high demand. Homeowners with a flair for DIY could do well to combine these two trends by adding paved or gravel sections to their garden, and possibly a pergola or a built-in braai.

While paving may be hard work, it is DIY-friendly, as is the basic brickwork required for a simple braai. Construction plans for braais and timber pergolas can be found online, and all supplies are available at your local hardware store.

Remember, low-maintenance doesn't mean bare of all greenery and life - try to at least keep a border of plants or creepers, and definitely preserve any mature trees.

Restyle your bathroom.

Bathrooms may be tricky to totally revamp as a DIYer, but small updates can make a big difference here. Try a fresh coat of paint on your walls and ceilings and replace old-school towel rails and accessories with more modern versions. You can also refinish your bathroom cabinets or replace your vanity entirely. Adding a few stylish mirrors or display shelves can be a great idea as well.

Retiling makes a huge difference, but it's a pretty big DIY. If you're not up for a project of that scale, you could consider refinishing your existing tiles using the specially formulated tile paints that are now available.

If you do decide to paint your tiles, just remember to follow the instructions very closely. For the best finish, avoid areas like shower enclosures that get wet on a regular basis.

Extract from Property 24