Page 10 - Designing Ways 254

TRADE WINDS

preferences aside and focus on current
home trends. Kitchen and bathroom
revamps can be costly but make the
biggest impression on potential buyers.
“Renovating kitchens and bathrooms
show the best return on investment,” says
Tucker. Look at improving the cabinets by
replacing or repainting them, and putting
in long-lasting easy to clean counters,
fresh hardware, sinks, backsplashes,
warm and practical floors and efficient
and eco-friendly lighting.
First impressions count, so put some
money aside to create an appealing
garden – minimalist, indigenous
where possible, water wise and low
maintenance gardens are the current
trend. If you have a green thumb, you
as this is going to be costly and time- And if you need, get references before
consuming to fix,” shares Tucker. committing. Contractors are great for can do this yourself, or hire a landscaper
any structural changes like doors and if the budget allows.
Secure your funds windows, and they have knowledgeable Paint the boundary walls and home’s
Once you know what you can afford on building regulations, but if you like exterior in a colour popular with
to invest and have found the property you can appoint yourself as the main homeowners now – do some research
you’d like to buy, you will need a bond contractor and rely on professional input in your neighbourhood or speak to
originator, like MortgageMe, to help from your subcontractors. Always be your local paint shop to get their advice.
you to secure a loan. They can also offer aware of hidden costs and decide on the Another immediate upgrade is new
advice on how much you can spend on most important upgrades to transform flooring, with vinyl plank flooring
renovations to gain the profit you’re after the house. popular in many homes nowadays due to
when you’re ready to sell. its great appearance, wide variety of styles
Acquiring a loan for a second home you Be aware of home trends and affordability. dw
plan to flip is a little different to acquiring When you start renovations and
one for a home you intend to live in and redecorations, rather put your own www.mortgageme.co.za
some of the procedures may be a little
different, which the MortgageMe support
team will guide you through. Keep in
mind that if you live in your flip, you
will only pay one mortgage and finding
finance may be easier. By doing this you
can also take your time renovating and
save money in the long run by finding the
right contractors.

Assemble a dream team
You’re not going to want to go into
this on your own, however appealing the
cost savings may be. A team of experts
will make the journey less laborious and
possibly more cost effective in the long
run.
Look around for reliable and
competent subcontractors in the form
of builders, architects, electricians,
plumbers, painters, handymen and
landscapers, and get many quotes to
compare prices. Get recommendations
from friends or neighbours who have
used these subcontractors before.

10 Issue 254 • dw