A living room.
Looking to add value to your property without draining your bank account? Whether you’re hoping to sell or simply want to enhance your home’s appeal, small, strategic upgrades can make a big difference.
From simple cosmetic changes like fresh paint and updated light fixtures to creative space expansions and DIY projects, there are numerous ways to increase your home's value affordably.
Brendah Gitonga, an architect and founder of Silk House Collection, shares cost-effective renovation tips that can elevate your space without breaking the bank.
She also delves into how you can maximise existing areas and add modern touches with minimal expenditure, proving that thoughtful, budget-friendly upgrades can transform your home beautifully and efficiently.
What are the most cost-effective renovation projects that can significantly increase a home’s value?
A fresh coat of paint instantly transforms spaces—whether you choose crisp whites, warm neutrals, or bold accents. Small upgrades like swapping cabinet handles, door knobs, or light fixtures can also modernise your home on a budget. Lighting is key; replacing harsh overhead lights with warm, layered options like lamps or pendant lights creates a cozy atmosphere.
For kitchens and bathrooms, surface makeovers are game-changers. Use contact paper to refresh countertops or cabinets, paint old tiles, or try peel-and-stick tile covers for a quick facelift. For flooring, mkeka wa mbao (vinyl wood-look flooring) is affordable, easy to install, and gives a warm, stylish look. Laminates are another great option for revamping tired floors.
Are there affordable ways to extend a house?
With a bit of creativity, you can add functional space without spending alot. If you have a flat roof for example, transform it into a rooftop lounge with a simple pergola made from steel or treated wood. Add seating, potted plants, and some cozy lighting, and you’ve got the perfect chill spot or dining area.
You can transform your rooftoop into a relaxing chill spot or dining area.
Alternatively, consider an urban garden. Raised planters or vertical garden walls are perfect for growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers—a sustainable and practical addition that’s great for your home and the environment. Verandas are another goldmine for extra space. Enclosing them can create a home office, playroom, or sunroom. If a full enclosure isn’t feasible, adding blinds, latticework, or stylish screens can turn them into semi-private retreats that blend indoor and outdoor vibes.
For more creative solutions, think cantilevers. Steel cantilevers are ideal for tight plots, allowing you to extend rooms or create cozy spaces like reading nooks without altering the ground floor layout. They’re modern, sleek, and can be constructed quickly. Don’t overlook your backyard.
A gazebo can be a versatile addition—a tranquil retreat, outdoor dining area, or even a creative studio. Using local timber and budget-friendly materials like shade netting or polycarbonate roofing keeps costs low while maintaining style. Remember that the key to affordable space expansion is working with what you have and thinking vertically as well as horizontally.
How can homeowners renovate kitchens and bathrooms—two high-value areas—without overspending?
The key is working with what’s already there and focusing on smart, impactful updates. Stick to the existing layout. Moving sinks, showers, or toilets can quickly rack up costs, so I focus on surface-level improvements instead. For cabinets, a fresh coat of paint works wonders. I usually sand them down, apply oil-based or water-based enamel, and swap out the old handles for something modern.
For the kitchen, consider painting the cabinet doors and installing new modern handles or knobs.
It’s a simple change, but it makes a huge difference. Countertops can also get a facelift without going for high-end finishes like granite. Laminate boards or wood-look contact paper are my go-to options—they’re budget-friendly and easy to apply. And if I want to give the walls a stylish touch, peel-and-stick backsplashes are a lifesaver.
I’ve found some great options at places like Tile & Carpet Centre or local hardware stores. When it comes to cleaning and reviving surfaces, I’ve discovered a few effective, budget-friendly hacks. For rust and stains, WD-40 is amazing for taps and metal fixtures, while a paste of vinegar and baking soda works wonders on stainless steel and ceramic.
For stubborn rust, use sandpaper or wire wool with great results. Tiles and grout can also get a fresh look with the right cleaners. For grout lines, mix household bleach with warm water or use a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda combo for a non-bleach alternative. A grout brush or even an old toothbrush works perfectly for scrubbing.
Changing the showerhead is one of my favourite tricks—it’s such an upgrade for a small cost. Modern rain showers or water-saving options are available at supermarkets or local hardware stores. Adding simple bathroom accessories like towel racks, soap dispensers, and shelves instantly makes the space feel polished. You can also swap old mirrors for more contemporary designs and add warm LED lighting, like wall sconces or under-mirror strips, to give the bathroom a luxurious feel. And for a touch of comfort, fresh shower curtains, bath mats, and matching towels never disappoint.
What of basements and attics?
You don’t always need to build out to create more living space—sometimes the smartest and most affordable thing to do is make better use of what’s already there. Take the attic, for example. Instead of letting it collect dust, why not insulate it properly and transform it into a cozy extra bedroom, a reading nook, or even a home office?
A few touches like good lighting, light-coloured paint to make it feel more spacious, and low-profile furniture to work around the sloped ceiling can completely change its purpose. Basements, though not as common in Kenya, also have great potential. With just basic finishing—waterproof flooring, decent lighting, and neutral paint—you could turn one into a lounge, an entertainment den, or even a rental unit. And it doesn’t stop there. Everyday spaces around the house often hold untapped potential. For instance, if your dining room isn’t used regularly, it could double as a home office or study area.
Garages are another goldmine for repurposing. Most are underused, but with a bit of insulation, proper flooring, and windows for ventilation, they can become stylish offices, home gyms, or studios. Even unused corridors or dead-end corners can be repurposed. Fitting them with built-in shelves, desks, or cozy reading benches turns them into practical storage areas or compact workstations. The trick is to look at your current layout with fresh eyes and ask yourself, "What space isn’t really serving me, and how can I flip it to add more value or function?" You might be surprised by how much more your home can offer without adding a single square meter.
Which structural or design upgrades offer the best return on investment without costing you big?
If you’re looking to boost your home’s value without spending a fortune, focusing on structural and design upgrades that enhance space, light, and curb appeal can work wonders. For instance, opening up the layout is a game-changer. Imagine knocking down a non-load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining area—it instantly creates a more spacious and modern feel.
Plus, it allows for better natural light flow, and that “airy” vibe is something everyone loves. Consult a professional to ensure it’s safe and worth the effort. Speaking of light, natural light is everything. If a room feels dark and boxed in, why not cut through an external wall to add a new window? The difference it makes is incredible. More light means a brighter, bigger-feeling space, which automatically adds value. If you’re upgrading windows, aluminum or uPVC frames are excellent choices—they’re sleek, secure, and improve insulation while replacing those old steel casements.
The garage is the most under-utilised space in a home. With a few inexpensive adjustments, it can make a good home office.
Then there’s the façade—the first thing people notice. Curb appeal is so important, and the good news is you don’t need to rebuild to transform how your home looks. Consider plastering over old masonry. It gives the house a clean, uniform look. Or use textured finishes like Wall Master or Marmoran. They’re durable and instantly modernise your space. And let’s talk about Mazera stone cladding. It’s such an elegant touch, whether you use it in bands or full height around entryways or columns.
Combined with a well-chosen colour palette—think timeless neutrals or earthy tones with bold accents on doors and trims—it gives your home that premium, high-value feel. Oh, and here’s a bonus: small details like a modern front door, updated outdoor lighting, or even adding a simple porch overhang can completely change the first impression of your home. These upgrades don’t just make your home look better; they make it feel better to live in. That emotional appeal is what gives you the edge if you ever decide to sell or rent it out.
How can homeowners use DIY renovations or small upgrades to enhance their home’s functionality and value?
DIY renovations and small upgrades may seem like minor undertakings, but when approached thoughtfully, they can significantly enhance the functionality and value of your home. Take vertical space, for instance. Most Kenyan homes have so much untapped potential when it comes to walls. Installing open shelves or floating units above desks, in kitchens, or along corridors can instantly declutter your floor area, plus it gives the illusion of a taller, more spacious room.
You can do this with locally available timber, brackets from your hardware store, or even repurposed pallets. And when space is tight, multipurpose furniture is the real deal. Imagine a bench that doubles as storage or a coffee table with hidden drawers. You don’t even need to buy new pieces—sometimes, a weekend DIY project like converting an old chest of drawers into a bathroom vanity or TV console can completely refresh your space.
Smart storage solutions are another lifesaver. Baskets, under-bed boxes, and wardrobe organisers help tame clutter without breaking the bank. I love the idea of using hooks behind doors, pegboards in the kitchen, or even magnetic strips for knives and tools. These small additions make everyday living so much more efficient. For larger projects, built-in cabinetry might be out of reach for some budgets, but floating cabinets or repurposed crate shelves are affordable alternatives that get the job done.
Then there are cosmetic updates that have surprisingly big visual returns. Repainting old furniture is a classic—whether it’s your dining set, a bed frame, or cabinets, a coat of matte black, crisp white, or a bold accent colour can breathe new life into tired pieces. And don’t underestimate the power of details like sleeker curtain rods hung closer to the ceiling (it makes your windows feel taller) or updating light switch covers, knobs, and fixtures. These tweaks may be small, but they have an outsized impact. Sometimes, though, the magic isn’t in adding something new but in rethinking what’s already there.
Try rearranging your furniture for better spatial flow. It’s incredible how a quick layout rethink can improve daylight penetration, enhance circulation, and create new zones like a cozy reading nook or a functional work-from-home corner with just a chair, lamp, and small table. And, of course, don’t forget your walls.
A bold feature wall with paint, contact paper, or wallpaper can turn a bland room into something striking. If you’re feeling adventurous, textured finishes like wall paneling or faux brick cladding can be done as a DIY project with just basic materials. The bottom line is, DIY doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means crafting something personal, purposeful, and practical. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can transform your home into a space that’s not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
For those looking to sell, what last-minute, low-cost improvements can make a home more attractive to buyers?
Declutter, deep-clean, and depersonalise. Add neutral-toned curtains, update lighting for warmth and repair any visible defects. Scented diffusers or fresh flowers also help during showings.
How can landscaping and outdoor improvements boost a home’s appeal on a tight budget?
Transforming your outdoor space doesn’t have to be expensive. Start by maintaining a clean, well-kept lawn—trim grass, remove weeds, and edge flower beds. If you lack grass, decluttering and sweeping can instantly refresh the space. Add simple pathways with stepping stones, paving blocks, or even DIY options like broken tiles to enhance structure and keep mud in check. Create inviting seating areas with a bench under a tree or a small bistro set.
Use potted plants, hanging baskets, or low-maintenance greenery like succulents and crotons to add life and colour. Repurpose old containers for a creative touch. Solar garden lights are affordable and easy to install, adding ambiance without wiring.
You can also repaint gates, railings, or flower pots to refresh surfaces, and consider functional upgrades like a DIY fire pit, vertical garden, or a small pergola for added appeal. These small, thoughtful changes can turn your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional retreat.
