9 Smart ways to add R200,000 to the value of your house by the end of this year ...

The best way to increase the resale value of your home is to make it visually appealing to potential buyers.

A few simple remodelling touches is more effective than over-capitalising on structural renovations.

Here are a nine ways to increase the value of your home by R200,000 this year...

1. Security is of vital importance in our high-crime society. In addition to a high wall or fence and burglar bars, you may want to invest in a DIY CCTV kit and an intercom system.

2. Landscaping your garden is the first thing a potential buyer sees. First, decide what style of garden appeals to you – tropical, indigenous, country, Tuscan, ‘Zen’ or classical, for example. Use lots of extras to create your look, such as interesting pots, stepping stones, trellises, mosaic effects, black and white pebbles and sculptures. See some examples of these styles on http://www.renaldoandyzgardens.co.za/  Get creative!

3. A water feature is a must for creating a calm and tranquil garden. Ready-to-install fiberglass or concrete water features cost anything from R200 to R2,000. For exciting samples of water features, garden statues and ornaments, see http://www.waterplant.co.za/

4. A splash pool is a good idea. It's low on maintenance and takes up less space than a larger pool, while still offering sparkling allure to potential buyers!

5. A lapa: South Africans love entertaining outdoors and an entertainment area will definitely add value to your home.

6. A lick of paint: The easiest way to increase the value of your home is to ensure the exterior and interior of your home is properly sealed and freshly painted.

For step-by-step paint techniques to magically enhance your home and a calculator to assess how much paint you will need, see http://www.plascon.co.za/
Make sure your gutters and roof are also in good condition and don’t forget to pay attention to your outbuildings.

7. Remodel your kitchen and bathroom: These two rooms are the most important in terms of increasing your home’s value. Research magazines such as Home Owner and Garden & Home and keep clippings of styles and accessories that appeal to you.
Give your bathroom a fresh outdoor feel by using plenty of lush plants. For dark bathrooms, consider a skylight to create a feeling of open space.

8. Floors: A natural organic feel is back in vogue. If you have tiled floors, ensure they're crack free and touch up the grouting if necessary.

9. A fireplace is perfect for winter and creates a charming and harmonious glow in any lounge.

Get more amazing renovating ideas from http://www.sadecor.co.za/.