Budget-friendly Home Updates – Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or just want to upgrade, there are a number of affordable home upgrades that make a big impact. Here are our favorite budget-friendly home improvements, from quick DIY (DIY) projects to small investments with big returns.
Renovating walls and floors is one of the best ways to transform your living space. These surfaces cover a large area of your home, so even small changes can make a big difference. Here are three inexpensive ways to update your walls and floors.
Budget-friendly Home Updates
One of the most cost-effective ways to update your home is painting. A new color can completely change the look and feel of a room, making it look cleaner, brighter and more modern. This is a DIY project that you can complete in a weekend without any labor costs. If you plan to sell, choose a neutral color for appeal, or add an accent wall if it better expresses your personal style.
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If replacing your flooring isn’t in the budget, consider painting it. This works especially well on wooden floors, but can also be applied to concrete. For a unique look, paint a light beige and white pattern to update the space without the expense of refinishing or replacing the flooring.
Crown molding or refinishing adds character to your home. While wood is a popular choice, there are cheaper options such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or foam that are easier to install and better resistant to moisture. In areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, PVC crown molding is a good choice. Remember to paint the moldings before installing for a smoother finish.
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and updating it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are three budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen a new look:
New cabinets can be expensive, but you can get a new look without completely replacing them. One of the easiest and most affordable upgrades is to replace the body hardware. New knobs and pulls can modernize the entire kitchen. You can paint your cabinets if they need more of an overhaul.
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If your kitchen is looking drab due to dark cabinets, a fresh coat of paint can transform it. As long as the cabinet frames and doors are structurally sound, you can replace them with elbow grease and paint. Start by cleaning the cabinets thoroughly, then give them a light sanding before painting. Choose a light color to brighten up the space and make it appear larger.
Many households have switched to bottled water due to concerns about the quality of tap water. However, an under-sink water filtration system is a more economical and environmentally friendly solution. These systems are relatively easy to install and deliver clean, great-tasting water straight from the tap. This upgrade will not only save you money on bottled water in the long run, but will also be an attractive feature to potential buyers if you plan to sell.
Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to home renovations, but small upgrades can go a long way.
Updating your bathroom fixtures is a quick and easy way to give your space a new look. Replace old faucets, shower heads, towel rails and cabinet pulls with modern, matching pieces. This simple change can make your bathroom more harmonious and modern. Consider changing the color of the chrome to brushed nickel or matte black for a more contemporary look.
Easy Home Improvement Projects For Less Than $150 :
Installing a ventilation fan in the bathroom does more than eliminate foggy mirrors and odors. It also helps prevent moisture-related problems like mold and mildew growth, which can be expensive to remove and can be harmful to your health. A good fan will keep your bathroom dry and fresh, thus protecting your home for a long time. Although we recommend professional installation, this upgrade is still quite affordable and can significantly improve the functionality of your bathroom.
Over time, grout around the tub, shower, and sink can discolor or begin to peel, allowing water to seep behind tiles or under fixtures. Removing the old caulk and installing a new bead is an easy and inexpensive way to decorate your bathroom and prevent water damage. For best results, choose a high-quality, mold-resistant sealant. This simple task can make your bathroom look cleaner and well-maintained, which is especially important if you plan to sell.
By updating your home’s lighting, you can drastically improve its ambiance and functionality. Start by replacing your old light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. They not only use less energy, but also provide better lighting. Installing well-placed outdoor lights can increase safety and reduce curb appeal. To save energy, look into solar-powered outdoor lighting options.
Ceiling fans are a great investment for summer and winter. In the warm months, they create a cooling breeze that reduces the load on air conditioners. In winter, they can be turned upside down to circulate warm air and create cozy rooms. Installing a ceiling fan is a fairly simple DIY project, especially if you’re replacing an existing light fixture. Energy savings from less HVAC use can quickly offset fan costs
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Internal blinds are a stylish alternative to curtains or blinds. They create excellent light control and privacy while adding an architectural design element to your windows. Shutters are particularly effective at keeping out drafts in winter and heat in summer, which can reduce energy bills. While custom shutters can be expensive, there are more affordable, off-the-shelf options that you can install yourself.
A well-maintained landscape is one of the best ways to increase curb appeal. Start with simple things like trimming back overgrown shrubs, adding fresh mulch to garden beds and planting colorful flowers at the entrance. Consider installing inexpensive landscape lighting to bring out the best features of your home at night. For a cohesive look, make sure your lawn is well maintained and consider adding some potted plants to your porch or entryway.
Your front door is one of the first things people notice in your home. If you have a wooden door that has seen better days, finishing it can make it the center of attention. Start by removing the old varnish or paint, then sand the surface level. Apply a new coat of stain or paint and finish with a protective clear coat. This project can usually be completed in a weekend and will give your entryway a fresh, welcoming look.
Dividing perennials is a great way to increase the beauty of your garden without spending a penny. Many popular perennials, such as daylilies, can be divided every few years. This not only gives more plants, but also helps control their size and revive growth. The best time to divide most perennials is in late summer or early fall. This simple gardening technique can help you create a lush, colorful landscape on the cheap.
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Efficient storage and functional spaces make any home more comfortable, and you don’t need major renovations to achieve them.
Adding storage doesn’t have to mean a major construction project. Look for unused spaces in your home, such as under the stairs or in awkward corners, and consider how you can turn them into suitable storage areas. It can be as simple as adding shelves or as complex as building custom cabinets. For example, a window seat with built-in storage can be a comfortable place to read and a place to store seasonal items.
Built-in bookshelves add space and character to the room. They are especially effective by the fireplace or in the home office. While custom fitments can be expensive, there are more affordable DIY options. Consider using pre-made bookshelves and adding trim to give them a built-in look. This project can increase your storage space and add value to your home.
Utility rooms like laundry rooms and mud rooms are often overlooked, but re-flooring them can make these spaces more useful and stylish. Vinyl tiles are an inexpensive and durable option that is easy to install yourself. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can create an individual look.
Easy Bathroom Updates — Aratari At Home
Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks and DIY smart projects from our experts straight to your inbox. So, you are thinking about selling your home and want to get the maximum return? The good news: It’s almost always better to avoid major renovations and focus on small but important upgrades.
While every interior designer, screenwriter, and realtor has their own list of favorite renovations to do before selling, here are BREL’s top 10 budget-friendly renovations to increase value:
Let’s talk about curbing. According to a Michigan State University study, landscaping can increase a home’s value by 5-11% and shorten the time it takes to sell. If you don’t have the budget to hire a professional: mow the grass, manage the weeds, clear away the dead leaves, get new low-maintenance plants to fill all the gaps in your garden (we love hostas), mulch everything (we love mulch!) and trim any overgrown shrubs and hedges . A few containers filled with colorful flowers can also make a world of difference.
Your front door is the first thing buyers see when they walk into your home, so you’ll want to spend some money improving it.