Johannesburg - Spring is officially here and as the weather improves many people will start to give some thought to refreshing their homes with some upgrades, renovations and home improvements.
It is also a time of the year when more people start to think about getting their homes ready to go on the market or to host gatherings as the weather warms up. But before you before you embark on a little remodelling, here are some home improvement myths to help you from Orlando Luis, the CEO of Brights Hardware, a leading independent hardware retailer.
Myth 1 – All the money spent on upgrades will be recouped when you sell
“There’s a common misconception among homeowners that they can add the full cost of any improvements made to the price tag of their home when it’s time to sell but unfortunately, this is not always the case,” Luis warned.
He explained that if homeowners overcapitalise on their home renovations, they run the risk of either overpricing their house when they do decide to sell, causing it to sit on the market for too long, or they run the risk of losing money.
“Also keep in mind that everyone has different tastes,” he said. “If, for example, you decide to build an elaborate home gym that takes up a huge amount of space, you may find that buyers view this as an imperfection rather than a selling point.”
Luis suggested focusing on spaces or features that matter, such as converting to energy-efficient solutions, bringing in more natural light, and enhancing your home with durable yet easy to maintain finishes that allow for easy customisation.
Myth 2 – building/planning permission is optional
“Permission from your local municipality to do building work and renovations on your home may seem like a massive pain but it is essential,” Luis suggested.
He said that skipping the permission step and being found out could result in homeowners facing fines and maybe even being forced to undo the work altogether.
“So, however seemingly small the scale of a project, always reach out to your local building department to find out if the work needs permits,” he said.
“Remember, if you sell, buyers will also want to know a completed project was compliant. Un-permitted work can be an expensive deal breaker.”
Myth 3 - Repairs are cheaper than replacement
Luis explained that sometimes, repairing or patching a job with a temporary fix will often cost you more in the long run. “This is especially true when doing a repair won’t fix the whole problem and can lead to further damage and endless costs.”
“For example, perhaps the water pipes in your home are ageing, or the electrical wiring is showing signs of wear and tear. If something goes wrong, such as a major leak inside the roof or walls, or an electrical fire, you are looking at damage that will cost far more than getting the problem repaired correctly in the beginning.”
Myth 4 - Pools are guaranteed to add value
“This myth can sometimes be true, but also consider that adding a pool may over-capitalise the home, plus you do need planning permission to add a pool,” said Luis.
“Swimming pools also require a lot more time and maintenance than most people think, and potential buyers may not wish for the hassle of a swimming pool when you decide to sell one day.”
Myth 5 – It’s important to have a home that follows design trends
Luis said that it might be tempting to take the latest Pinterest home trends and the current colour forecasts and incorporate them into your home by repainting and redecorating.
“Just be aware that trends come and go and you may soon be bored with your new look. Plus, when you want to sell, buyers may not be keen on your tastes.”
Luis suggested making inexpensive changes – like new cushion covers and area rugs that are easy to change back if you want.
Myth 6 – If you have cracks then there must be structural issues with the house
Luis advised that cracks in the walls aren’t always a big issue. “Most are just the result of seasonal expansion and contractions and can be repaired and painted over with ease. If you have very large cracks then it is best to call a structural engineer to check it out.”
Myth 7 – Going green means high expense
“It’s true that some ‘green’ home improvement products can be more expensive than their traditional counterparts, but it’s not always true. In the long run, going green will save you money on heating, cooling, and electrical bills,” he said.
Myth 8 – Cheap is cheerful
“Sometimes this is true as perhaps you can get away with a cheaper countertop in the kitchen or a cheaper tile on the floors but be careful when using cheaper items such as plumbing and electrical supplies and building materials – bottom-of-the-range items can be poorly made and you may be in line for costly repairs or replacements down the line,” cautioned Luis. “Take time to review the related warranties and guarantees of the products before you purchase.”
Myth 9 - DIY always saves money
“DIY is wonderful, but sometimes you should not tackle a project yourself,” Luis warned.
“‘Things like major roofing projects, certain electrical repairs and upgrades, and structural work may need the expertise of a professional. If you make a mistake, it could come back to haunt you down the line with expensive repairs being needed, or the compromised safety of your household.”
Myth 10 – Home renovations and upgrades always cost a fortune
“There are many home improvements and renovations that can be done on a shoestring budget,” said Luis. He explained that clever products like vinyl stick-on tiles and paint that covers melamine, for example, make it possible to change your home without spending a fortune. “Meanwhile, new handles on kitchen cabinets, new taps and some new lighting are further ideas of changes that can be made at lower cost, which have a big impact.”
Luis said that Brights Hardware has on-site experts in all its stores to provide advice and guidance on building and renovating.