Italtile: Home Renovation

When it comes to home renos and upgrades, all homeowners want the most bang for their buck.

But how to achieve this? Which finishes are worth investing in and which aren’t?

To help you get the best return on your property, here Italtile shares what’s worth splurging on when it comes to updating your home.

Kitchens

“Yes, it’s a cliché, but there’s a reason why they call the kitchen the heart of the home. A modern, well-equipped kitchen is a major selling point for potential buyers,” says Italtile.

What to splurge on: Sleek countertops, luxury tiles, high-end appliances, nifty storage facilities, clever lighting, good-looking cabinetry and stylish, beautifully functional taps and sinks.

How much should you spend? According to property site Private Property, a kitchen reno should not cost more than 2% of your home’s current value while the team at EasyLife Kitchens places reno budgets at between 5% to 8% of your home’s current value.

Biggest bang for your buck: The easiest and most cost-effective way to update a kitchen is to create a striking backsplash with gorgeous tiles.

Bathrooms

“Gone are the days of basic bathrooms. Today’s buyers are looking for spa-like experiences at home,” says Italtile.

What to splurge on: Luxurious local and imported hand-finished bathtubs, handcrafted sanware, rainfall showers, mosaics and tiles.

How much should you spend? Similar to kitchen reno budgets, expect to spend around 2% of your home’s current value on a luxe bathroom upgrade.

Biggest bang for your buck: If your budget is tight, invest in new bathroom accessories for an instant refresh.

Outdoor spaces

“A beautiful and inviting outdoor area can be a major selling point with potential buyers and can add up to 15% to your asking price, which makes a luxurious upgrade or full renovation one of your best investments,” says Italtile.

What to splurge on: An impeccably maintained swimming pool, a ‘full service’ patio with an outdoor kitchen and a welcoming braai area.

How much should you spend? Outdoor reno budgets differ quite drastically depending on the area you want to redo. Remember, the key is to not overcapitalise – according to Private Property while a larger outdoor space will up your home’s value, adding a swimming pool or landscaping may not necessarily increase your return on investment if you plan on selling quickly. Updating outdoor spaces is a long-term investment.

Biggest bang for your buck: The most effective update outdoors may be underfoot – invest in quality slip-resistant tiles for your outdoor spaces.