The perfect time to get your home in check - winter's coming

You're full into your summer. That braai is sizzling. The aircon is on full blast. You've made more trips to the beach than you can count. Good for you. But now with the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, you are suddenly stuck at home. Of course, every crisis offers opportunities and this enforced lockdown gives you the much-needed time and wonderful opportunity to get ready for winter.

The frosty season can be a challenging time for home improvement. Now's the perfect moment to sort out your home - and improve its value - while the fair weather and your energy levels are on your side. Here are tips to get you started.

Paint your home pretty

It's a tried-and-tested strategy. By slapping on a fresh coat of paint, you can make your home look modern and cared for. The experts give neutral, light colours the thumbs up. However, if you're set on a darker shade, try Pantone's Classic Blue. It's a versatile colour that will drop jaws as an accent wall.

Mould, be gone!

In winter, it's not just cocoa-guzzling guests you'll be infested with. After a warm and humid period, your home may be a hotspot for mould. Get your gasps out of the way. You can simply use a solution of chlorine bleach and water to remove it. For tougher specimens, there are plenty of specialised products available, including our favourite, Mould Buster.

Stop the drip drop

Whoever said winter showers are romantic has never been inside a leaking home. Worn or damaged shingles, loose nails, or corroded roofs can create unsightly stains on your walls. You can temporarily fix it with a 12-by-12-inch piece of galvanized sheet metal flashing. Then call in a professional to replace shingles and secure your roof. Ensuring that all gutters are cleared from leaves and dirt before the Cape Town rain season arrives can save you lots of money and heartache and make you the handy hero at home. Easy peasy.

Give your pool some TLC

During winter, your pool may turn cloudy. By getting your pH levels in order, you can keep your pool crystal clear. Simply add enough hydrochloric pool acid to get a pool pH of between 7.2 and 7.8. During the lockdown, working from home overlooking your sun-splashed pool will keep the holiday vibes going. Add the occasional not-so-virgin cocktail and let the creativity flow!

Say bye to old silicone

The simplest changes can be the most dramatic. Exhibit A: silicone caulk. By stripping away the old ones in your bathroom and kitchen, it'll give them a much-needed makeover. Pull out the caulk with your pliers, clean out the area, and then spread a new sealant. It's a fresh look that'll turn your space into a winter wonderland.

Remove the "kitsch" from your kitchen

Look around your kitchen. Are your cupboards chipped or not closing properly? Is that stained sink an eyesore? Houston, we have a problem. Make time before winter arrives to add a sparkle to your home's heart. Update your cupboards and replace your sink. On a budget? No problem. Repaint your kitchen cupboards, add modern cupboard handles, and fix those hanging cabinet hinges. It's small steps to big jumps in your home's value.

Spruce up your garden

Why does your garden even matter? Two words, friends: curb appeal. A manicured patch can make your home all the more appealing. Tame your jungle by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and de-weeding flowerbeds. As you head into chillier weather, consider adding winter-friendly shrubbery and a fire pit for cosy gatherings.

Winter is all about hibernating indoors with a good book or your favourite movie. By putting in the home improvement effort now, you'll spend that time in a home you adore. In fact, a home that will also attract potential buyers. For more home improvement advice, talk to RED Properties today.