7 tips for modernising your home

Modernising your home gives it a whole new appeal, brings it up-to-date with the current market and can increase its value. Does your house feel a bit flat and tired? Are you trying to sell it? Or do you just want to bring it into the 21^st century? We’ve put together some ideas for modernising your home and where to find the best help to do it.

1. Give your house a lick of paint and a facelift

Painting your house is the simplest way to give it a facelift, whether it’s on the outside or the inside.

Adam Brown from Legion Building Solutions suggests going for a drive in your neighbourhood and seeing if there is a common trend or something you particularly like or dislike about houses in your street. This way, it will give you an idea about whether your house will look the best (or the worst) in the street.

Always head to a genuine paint shop as the staff are well trained, know what is currently trending and can set you off in the right direction in terms of preparation and colours. Don’t be afraid of neutral colours, as you can use your own personal style and flair to give flavour to any room.

You can also change the look of your home’s exterior by changing the materials used on the house, going “green”, adding decking or pergolas, or changing the layout on the inside of your home.

2. Recycle, reuse and save money

You can save money by doing some things yourself before a builder even turns up. You can source second-hand materials like windows, doors or timber – there are great second-hand and salvaged goods yards in and around most cities.

3. Go green

Another great way to modernise your home is to ‘go green’. This can add both value to your home and save you money in the long term. Going green includes things like installing water tanks, solar panels, sensor lighting and top-grade insulation.

4. Out with the old….

Adam also advises that the old 50mm cornice is quickly becoming passé as more cornice options become available. “The ultra-modern square set cornice is popular and will continue to stay that way for a long time to come. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of textures both inside and outside the home. It creates interest and an unusual look that will set your home apart.”

5. Give it some value!

Modernising your home gives it a whole new appeal, brings it up-to-date with the current market and can increase its value.

If you are working with an architect or draftsman – or you are just clever with space yourself – you can also minimise dead space and maximise the living area in your home, which again adds value. Space is quickly becoming a rare commodity – especially if you live close to the city.

6. Choose a great tradesman

It can be hard work choosing a tradesman to work with, but one of the most important tips is not to choose a tradesman just because he’s the cheapest! Pricing is certainly a factor when making a decision, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Some other things to look for in a tradesman are:

• Can they show you their qualifications?
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have a good reputation?
• Do they have insurance?
• Do you feel comfortable with them?

Posting your job on Service Seeking can be a great first step to finding a good tradesman.

7. Sometimes, you are going to need a professional

Only a professional should ever remove asbestos. Under no circumstances should asbestos removal be attempted by anyone who is not properly qualified. If you are attempting to renovate your house yourself and suspect asbestos (or even if you don’t!), don’t hesitate to call in a professional. It can be a life-or-death situation.

Another thing to be careful of is cutting into or trying to remove structural beams. Leave this kind of work to the professionals as well!

You wouldn’t be the first person to think they can sand their floorboards back to be polished, only to do it wrong and end up having to rip up the entire floor! If you are unsure of any part of renovating, put the job on the Service Seeking and get a professional to do it.

About Author Nikki Teller

Nikki Teller runs The Write Calibre, a business that evolved as she realised there was a considerable gap in the market for seriously creative, inspired and original online copywriting. Nikki’s legal secretary background helped shape the high standard of her proofreading and editing skills, and she further developed these talents while completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism and Public Relations). She has spent time freelancing as a copywriter in the UK and now contributes regular features to The Australian Writer.