Home improvement hacks worth spending reno dollars on in a downturn

Queensland renovators are still turning tired homes into major paydays, but experts warn the days of buying any fixer-upper and relying on a booming market to deliver a profit are over. Against a backdrop of softer house prices and high construction costs, homeowners looking to add value are being urged to prioritise painting, flooring, landscaping and targeted kitchen and bathroom upgrades rather than expensive extensions or major reconfigurations. And for those planning to sell within the next few years, $50,000 could be enough to make a meaningful difference. Queensland renovators are still turning tired homes into major paydays, but experts warn the days of buying any old fixer-upper and relying on a boom market to deliver a profit are over. RELATED: ‘Don’t do it’: Renovations that devalue your home Love it or list it: The true cost of selling vs renovating your home “I’d be looking at external painting, flooring and spending a little bit on the facade,” Tradies Network founder Dennis Boca said. For those with $100,000 to $150,000 to spend, Mr Boca recommended adding internal painting and upgrading either the kitchen or bathroom — whichever was most dated — rather than trying t...