4 DIY Renos To Get Your Home On The Market

Every spring brings two things to Toronto: Canada Blooms and the National Home Show. Every year, the National Home Show seems to get bigger and better and it always brings some great inspiration and help from the experts who attend. This year was no different.

Several of the expert speakers inspired the audience and shared some very valuable tips when it came to home renovation. There are many ways you can maximize your home renovation budget, according to the experts.

Michael Upshall's "A Comprehensive Guide to Renovating" reminded people of the importance of calling your insurer before you start a major renovation project. You want to make sure you are now insuring your home for not only its current value but the value the renovation will add. You can never be too safe or too careful.

I also spoke with Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault and Glen Coyle who reminded me of some simple ways you can maximize your home reno budget, whether you are renovating to sell your home or you're just tired of the way your home looks. So what do the experts suggest?

Paint

When you paint rooms yourself, you can add colour or give a room a totally new look with a couple coats of paint. If you are getting your home ready to sell, remember that neutrals are your best bet as they appeal to the majority of buyers. If you are creating a better space for you and your family, remember that you can paint anything - not just the walls. Leigh-Ann reminded me that "most people don't even think about some of the things you can paint".

Expand your thinking when it comes to paint: floors, chairs, tables, cabinets, even doorknobs can be spruced up with a new colour. You simply have to do your research on which paint works best for each surface. Paint goes on sale regularly, so watch for sales once you have picked your brand and colour.

Fix the Fixtures

Simple things like changing out fixtures can go a long way. You will want to get rid of any brass and oak if you are looking at selling. By changing out doorknobs on cupboards, drawers, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures you are updating the look of the room without spending a lot of money.

Lighting Goes A Long Way

If you have dated lighting, you may want to change it out. Newer light fixtures can be more energy efficient, which saves you money in the long run. At the Home Show there were many examples of great lighting. The proper lighting can set the mood for the entire room.

Staging is Key

If you are getting ready to stage your home for selling, Leigh Ann reminded me of the importance of simplifying things as well. You want to create a sense of as much space as possible. "Yes your dining room table may sit 12 but you only want to have 6 chairs around it". This simple trick gives the illusion of space, especially if you add a small pop of colour to the centre of the table.

Both the National Home Show and Canada Blooms always give families great inspiration and ideas that can be incorporated into your living space. You simply have to look at the inspiration and then think creatively and do what you can on your budget. Remember that a little change can make a big difference.

If you complete your home renovations and decide you love it so you don't want to list it, remember to contact your insurance provider. Upgrades and renovations increase the value of your home which means you'll have to update your policy. The last thing you want is out of date insurance coverage in case of an unforeseen event.

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