5 Areas You Should Upgrade Before Selling Your Home

Nov 17, 2023 | Plantation Shutters

Best Home Renovations for Selling — Boost Value with Outdoor Blinds in Perth

Selling a home takes more than just listing it on the market. Buyers need to be convinced to choose your house, which makes strategic improvements to key parts of the home a must. When done well, minor upgrades can lift market value and supercharge buyer appeal across open homes and private inspections.

What to Renovate Before Selling: Quick Overview

If time and budget are tight, focus on spaces that influence first impressions and lifestyle: kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor living (alfresco), and street appeal. Choose neutral colours, durable finishes, and quick wins that buyers can see and feel at inspections.

Definition: ROI (Return on Investment) in real estate refers to the potential uplift in sale price or buyer demand compared with what you spend on improvements.

First Up: Kitchen

The kitchen is always a focal point for potential buyers — it is the heart of the home after all! Upgrading this space can impact the sale, whether that’s minor facelifts or complete renovations. Bear in mind the kitchen can be a deciding factor for buyers when focusing on house upgrades.

Definition: A facelift renovation refers to cosmetic updates (paint, fixtures, handles, lighting) without structural changes.

High‑Impact Kitchen Facelift Ideas

  • Resurface or replace benchtops (laminate or engineered stone for value and speed).
  • Swap dated handles and tapware for modern, matte or brushed finishes.
  • Paint or refinish cabinet doors; re-caulk splashbacks for a crisp look.
  • Upgrade pendant and task lighting to brighten work zones.
  • Refresh appliances with mid‑range, energy‑efficient models if the old ones drag the room down.

Layout Tweaks That Sell

  • Add a portable island or slimline breakfast bar to create social space.
  • Improve storage: pull‑out pantries, corner units, and soft‑close drawers.

Pro Tip

Stick to a classic, neutral palette. Buyers in Perth often prefer move‑in‑ready kitchens with simple, timeless finishes that suit our bright WA light.

Upgrading The Bathroom

No one wants to see an outdated, daggy bathroom, especially not when they’re considering moving in. Bathrooms play a key role in increasing home resale value and can impact its appeal to buyers. While renovations may seem costly, upgrading even a few vital details can boost your overall ROI – as well as sway a buyer’s decision.

Cosmetic Refresh Checklist

  • Re-grout and re-seal to make tiles look new and waterproof again.
  • Replace a tired vanity and mirror with storage‑smart options.
  • Install a clear, frameless or semi‑frameless shower screen.
  • Swap old tapware and towel rails; match finishes for a cohesive look.
  • Improve extraction to prevent mould; add warm LED lighting.
Definition: Thermal comfort is how warm or cool a room feels; better ventilation and smart glazing help stabilise temperatures year‑round.

Focus On Outdoor Living

Sprucing up the backyard, deck, or patio is one of the best home renovations for selling in WA’s housing market. With such a great climate, it’s no wonder Australian buyers are looking for gardens that become an extension of the home’s living space. Make sure to create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional to entice future homeowners.

  • Seating: Create an inviting sitting area; a versatile space ideal for both solitude and entertaining.
  • Greenery: Incorporating plants, shrubs, and flowers brings colour, life, and a natural feel.
  • Shutters and Blinds: Outdoor blinds in Perth bring style and weather protection. Plantation shutters add elegance, energy-efficiency, and value.
  • Lighting: Highlight alfresco areas with warm or solar lighting to extend usability into the evening.

Choosing Outdoor Blinds in Perth: Types & Uses

Comparison: Outdoor Blind Materials & Mechanisms

Type Best For Key Benefits Considerations
Track‑guided mesh Windier suburbs; daytime privacy UV protection, airflow, glare reduction Less clear view than PVC
Clear PVC Rain and winter warmth Uninterrupted views, weather shield Can trap heat; needs careful cleaning
Motorised systems Large openings; convenience Push‑button control, neat finishes Higher upfront cost
Definition: Track‑guided blinds run within side channels, keeping the fabric secure in wind and allowing smooth, stop‑anywhere operation.

Step‑by‑Step: Plan Your Alfresco Upgrade

  1. Measure spans and heights; note posts, gutters, and slopes.
  2. Choose the main goal: shade, wind/rain control, or year‑round enclosure.
  3. Pick fabric/material to suit: mesh for airflow, PVC for clearer views.
  4. Select operation: manual crank or motorised for larger openings.
  5. Colour‑match to your facade and trims for a built‑in look.
  6. Book professional installation for the best finish and warranty coverage.

Perth Case Studies

Suburban Family Home (Alkimos)

A basic patio became a year‑round alfresco with track‑guided mesh blinds, new lighting, and hardy plants. Agent feedback: stronger buyer engagement at home opens and more time spent outdoors during inspections.

Inner‑City Townhouse (Leederville)

Compact courtyard gained privacy with plantation shutters and a bench seat with storage. Result: small space felt bigger and more functional, appealing to downsizers and professionals.

Riverside Unit (Maylands)

Balcony enclosed with clear PVC blinds for wind protection without losing the view. Outcome: more enquiries from buyers wanting low‑maintenance indoor‑outdoor flow.

Create A Cosy Bedroom

For many, the bedroom is the most important room in a home, acting as a personal sanctuary. Small changes like fresh paint, updated flooring, or flattering lighting enhance its warmth. Soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, and throws add texture and comfort.

Buyer‑Friendly Touches

  • Install dimmable warm LEDs and block‑out window coverings for better sleep.
  • Add built‑in storage or tidy open shelves to showcase space.
  • Choose breathable linens and a simple colour palette to feel calm and airy.

Best Home Renovations For Selling – First Impressions

Buyers notice as soon as they walk in the front gate or driveway. Painting the facade, adding greenery, installing new shutters or privacy screens, and refreshing the entryway all improve curb appeal.

Comparison: Quick Curb Appeal Upgrades

Upgrade Average Cost (AUD) ROI Estimate
Painting facade $3,000–$6,000 2–5%
New shutters/blinds $2,000–$4,000 3–7%
Landscaping $4,000–$10,000 5–10%

Entryway Essentials

  • Repaint the front door; update hardware and house numbers.
  • Add a neat path, outdoor mat, and potted plants for a welcoming feel.
  • Check the letterbox and fencing; repair or replace where needed.

Costs & Estimated ROI (Perth)

Every home is different. Use the guide below to prioritise spend that buyers notice most. Figures reflect typical ranges and can vary by suburb, scope, and materials.

Project Typical Cost (AUD) Notes
Kitchen facelift $4,000–$12,000 Painted doors, new benchtop, tapware, lighting
Bathroom refresh $3,500–$10,000 Re‑grout, new vanity, screen, fixtures, lighting
Outdoor blinds (per opening) $1,500–$4,000 Varies by size, fabric, and operation
Exterior repaint (front elevation) $3,000–$6,000 Prep and two‑coat system
Landscaping tune‑up $4,000–$10,000 Mulch, plantings, edging, irrigation fixes

Tip: Set a realistic pre‑sale budget (often 1–2% of expected sale price) and track spend versus impact after each open home.

30‑Day Pre‑Sale Renovation Plan

  1. Days 1–3: Declutter, donate, and deep clean. Book painter and installer dates.
  2. Days 4–10: Kitchen and bathroom facelifts (paint, tapware, handles, silicone).
  3. Days 11–15: Exterior paint touch‑ups; front door refresh; garden tidy and mulch.
  4. Days 16–20: Install outdoor blinds/shutters and new lighting where planned.
  5. Days 21–25: Style bedrooms and living; neutral linens and art.
  6. Days 26–30: Final clean, window wash, and photograph‑ready styling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over‑capitalising: Spending more than your market will return.
  • Ignoring maintenance: Fix leaks, cracks, and sticking doors before styling.
  • Poor colour choices: Keep to light neutrals that flatter WA light.
  • DIY beyond skill: Use licensed trades for electrical, plumbing, and structural work.

Increasing Home Resale Value: Quality Over Quantity

Planning for a few straightforward house upgrades when selling a property can make a world of difference when it comes to standing out on the housing market. Quality, long-lasting improvements not only boost buyer appeal but also maximise value.

Great House Upgrades With Smarter Outdoors

For superior products designed to upgrade your outdoor living space, visit Smarter Outdoors in Perth. Along with warranties, competitive pricing, and qualified tradesmen ready to install, the range of outdoor blinds in Perth and plantation shutters elevate your home’s readiness for sale.

People Also Ask

What adds the most value to a house in Perth?

Kitchens, bathrooms, and alfresco areas drive buyer emotion. Street appeal and a spotless presentation seal the deal.

Should I renovate before selling or sell as‑is?

If small fixes remove buyer objections fast, renovate. If your suburb’s demand is red‑hot, a light refresh and great styling may be enough.

Do I paint before new floors or after?

Paint first, then install new floors, and finish with skirting touch‑ups to keep edges crisp.

How much should I spend on renovations before selling?

Many sellers cap spend to roughly 1–2% of expected sale price, focusing on the biggest visual wins.

Do outdoor blinds need council approval in WA?

Most retrofits don’t, but check your local council and any strata by‑laws before you order.

FAQs — Outdoor Blinds & Home Value

Do outdoor blinds really add value to a home?

Yes, they extend living areas, improve energy efficiency, and increase perceived lifestyle value — highly appealing to Perth buyers.

What types of outdoor blinds suit Perth’s climate?

Track-guided, PVC, and mesh blinds are most popular, offering UV resistance and wind protection suitable for WA conditions.

How much do outdoor blinds cost in Perth?

Prices range from $1,500–$4,000 per blind depending on size, material, and installation complexity.

Are outdoor blinds easy to maintain?

Yes. Wash with mild soapy water, check tracks regularly, and store blinds securely during severe storms for longevity.

Do I need council or strata approval for outdoor blinds?

Often not for simple retrofits, but always confirm with your local council and strata to avoid delays.