Raise your home's value this summer with renovations

There are few constants to life in New Zealand, elements of our society that make us who we are. It may be a cliche, but generally Kiwis love their rugby, long summer afternoons and BBQs on the beach, and renovating their houses. While not unique to New Zealand, the cult of DIY has spread across our nation, to the point where it's an almost fundamental part of owning a home. In fact, the New Zealand Herald reported in March 2015 that Kiwis spent $1.5billion on fixing up our houses in the previous year alone according to Statistics New Zealand.

Aside from being a way for Kiwis to put their long-ingrained culture of ingenuity to use, there are legitimate financial reasons for renovating. Next time you're thinking about selling your home, take a look around for any potential new projects that can add value to your home.

Insulation across the nation

The best addition you can make to your home, and one of the first things you will probably be asked about when your house goes up for sale, is insulation. While we do enjoy some great summer weather in New Zealand, by mid-June most parts of the country will be huddled around the heat pump or fireplace.

While not unique to New Zealand, the cult of DIY has spread across our nation.

The good news is, there's really no excuse not to insulate your home, even if your financial situation isn't particularly good. The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's Energywise scheme offers free insulation to low-income households or people with health conditions related to cold and damp. If you don't qualify for totally free installation, the scheme also involves other discounts and payment options to assist you in keeping things warm.

Create that fabled indoor-outdoor flow

A particular favourite project of Kiwi renovators is the backyard deck. In summer, we love getting out of the house, firing up the BBQ and knocking the top off a few cold drinks, and there's no better place to do that than your own deck, especially if you've built it yourself.

Building a deck is not exactly a small job, which is why getting it done before selling your home can attract a lot of attention from eager house hunters. Before you get started, be sure to check up on your local council regulations, as there may be some restrictions on the size and height of a deck you're planning to build.

Making it a summer project is perfect, with daylight savings time giving more sunlight hours each day. Plus, if you get started early enough, you'll have plenty of the season left over to make good use of the deck yourself. Think of it as warming up the spot for prospective buyers.

There are plenty more DIY projects you can find around your house to add value, from small cosmetic tweaks to full-on construction projects. Don't be afraid to get creative; with so many houses for sale you can do a lot to make sure yours stands out from the pack.