Cheap and cheerful will do it

Your budget may be stretched, but a handful of projects that cost less than $150 each can transform your home's look and keep up the all-important maintenance

- TRACIE ELLIS

The soaring cost of living continues to see families trimming their budget. But it's important through these difficult times to ensure that cutting corners now does not cost you significantly more down the track, or is detrimental to retaining the value in your property.

Improvement projects are essential and go hand in hand with home ownership. And vital maintenance should not be overlooked despite the financial challenges. It is important to remember that home improvement plays a pivotal role in ensuring your living experience is enjoyable.

Property prices remain high, and this alone highlights why improvement projects should be high on the family agenda, as they significantly increase the value of your home and your equity in it. You never know when your plans may change, and if a home is in good order preparing it for sale (or for a bank valuation) will not be a major expense involving a long list of onerous tasks.

Not only do improvement projects increase the value of your home, they also enhance its liveability. Maintenance and minor upgrades create a more comfortable and functional living space. Significant projects like an upgrade to a kitchen or bathroom are not necessary during a costof-living crisis - they can wait.

Let's explore some areas where cost-effective projects can improve your property's value while not hurting the budget.

Garage doors

Transforming your garage door with a feature paint is a fun and inexpensive project. Unlike other painting projects (which you tend to regret when you start), it's a small area that you can tackle yourself within a tight budget - while having some fun in the process.

Recover cushions