Being stuck at home 24/7 is not everyone’s idea of pure bliss, especially when you’re considering renovating, but we’re all trying to make the most of it.
Here are seven ways you could improve your home and start a mini renovation whilst you’re in isolation.
Been thinking of starting a renovation at home? Now’s the perfect time to get planning. Picture: Getty
1. Learn about renovating
Have extra time up your sleeve? Watching Netflix or Stan? Get on top of where to start with renovations by watching some of the greatest renovation shows out there.
Here’s a list of our favourite shows right now:
- Love it or List it Australia – Foxtel
- Selling Houses Australia – Foxtel
- Fixer-Upper – Nine Now
- Grand Designs Australia – Foxtel
- Flip or Flop – Nine Now
- Tidying Up with Marie Kondo – Netflix
- Realestate.com.au’s YouTube channel
Or why not enrol in an online course; the awesome Three Birds Renovations have a free taster-class ready for you to sample right now via The Reno School.
2. Get the paintbrush out
Giving your place a fresh lick of paint can really up your game if you’ve ever thought about selling. Or even if you just want freshen up the space whilst you’re working from home.
Many paint companies have started to adapt to social distancing rules, too, offering drive-through paint collection zones or mail-out options for samples if you haven’t got your heart set on a colour yet.
Now could be a great time to get that paint job done you’ve been putting off. Picture: Alan Richardson
Don’t forget if you’re spending a lot of time indoors and not getting much outdoors time, the smell of paint can be hard to deal with. We suggest painting one room at a time, using a low volatile organic compound paint (VOC) – or you could simply google ‘Tricks to remove the smell of paint’ for lots of different ways to mask the smell.
3. Start the planning process
If you’ve thought about doing a big renovation but have put it off due to lack of time, now might be the perfect time to consider what changes you could make while you’re spending more time at home.
Observe what spaces you’re using most, how the light works in each room, the things that bug you and the things you can’t live without. Make a list and use this as the starting point to discuss your plans with a draftsperson or architect.
Get to know the space before you pick up the sledgehammer. Picture: Getty
While it’s still possible to have draftsperson or architect come over and measure up, if this isn’t necessary at the moment, use this time to start your research so you’re prepared when you can book these meetings in. In some cases, you can send existing drafts/plans for someone to work off and get the ball rolling.
4. Marie Kondo your home
You’ve probably all heard about the magic or reorganising your life the Marie Kondo way.
Essentially the philosophy is to get rid of the things that don’t bring you joy or that you don’t actually use or need.
Start in one room, pull everything out of your drawers, cupboards and closets and put them into a big pile and start sorting.
5. Build out your home office
With many of us adapting to a life working from home, experts say this won’t be the end of it. So if you or your partner are WFH home during this pandemic, chances are this could be more permanent.
It’s important to treat your new “office” like it is your own business; maintaining the highest health and safety standards and making it personal.
Try to treat your home office like it’s your permanent place of business. Picture: Getty
You can still order items online so have a look for an office chair with the right back support and an adjustable working bench so you can stand and work to minimise sitting all day. Don’t forget to make it personal, too – consider adding a plant, pictures and art or positive quotes to motivate you.
6. Get outdoors
Often the outside areas of our homes are the spaces we pay the least attention to when we’re busy. Trimming hedges, removing weeds and planting a herb garden are things we often don’t get around to doing.
Take the opportunity now to spend some time outside (don’t forget to slip, slop, slap) and tidy up the garden.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden shed, it’s important to keep it organised. Picture: Getty Images
Now is a better time than ever to grow some herbs or start a veggie garden; you can order kits online or click and collect.
If you’re in an apartment, it might be time to consider a smaller herb garden or indoor plants to bring the outdoors in.
7. Upcycle your furniture
This can be a great project to get the kids involved with if you’re struggling for things to do to keep them occupied.
If you have an old chair, TV cabinet, coffee table or shelf; think about some way you could revive them. There are loads of ideas on Pinterest and YouTube; simply research ‘upcycled furniture’ for some inspiration.
Often painting older timber furniture in a new colour can bring an item back to life. If you have old terracotta pots you could get the kids to repaint them and then use them to teach them about planting herbs or flowers.
*source Rechelle Combes
Posted on realestate.com.au on May 27, 2020