Full-on, down-to-the-studs home remodels can cost thousands of dollars, and if you’re anything like us, the thought of shelling out that much money makes you wince. The good news is that it’s still possible to give your abode a noticeable facelift without going broke-it just requires a little creativity. From adding waterproof flooring to installing a basic shelf, add some of these affordable home upgrade projects to perk up your property.
7 Affordable Home Upgrade Projects:
1. Freshen Up the Kitchen.
Have a big, bulky water cooler in the kitchen? Get rid of it and free up valuable space for a decorative item or functional appliance addition. Add a filter to the kitchen faucet to provide fresh drinking water whenever necessary. It uses your normal, incoming tap water as a source so there’s no need for water delivery to the cooler. If your cabinets are outdated, paint them gray or glossy white and add new hardware for an instant update.
2. Shelves to the Rescue.
If you’re always searching for a spot to store items, install shelves to make your walls functional areas in any room. If you are used to installing shelves around the house, then go ahead and give it a go. At least this saves you time and money, instead of having to call in additional help. You might as well put your skills to use and what better place to do it than in your own home. With the right tools and equipment at hand, such as Brad nailers, wood board, nails and wood glue, you’re more than ready to install your new shelves and add a new feature to your home. The living room is perfect for decorative displays while the kitchen provides space for extra dishes and mugs. Install the shelves yourself, but be careful when you are doing this.
3. Update the Flooring.
Make your floors look brand new by getting carpet professionally cleaned or sealing and polishing hardwood floors. Seeing as there are many types of flooring available, I’m sure you would want to choose the best one for your home, especially if you are hoping for an improvement. With this being said, it may be worth checking out a site similar to https://www.ronneal.com/blog/home-flooring-materials.html to make a positive change.
Additionally, if you have some problem areas that just won’t get clean, a solution may be to add rugs that match your decor. They add depth and comfort to hallways, bedrooms and living rooms.
4. Use Greenery.
We love the idea of including living things as part of decor, and with potted plants, you’re also bringing the outside in for added texture and visual interest. Houseplants like pothos, aloe, and spider plants are easy to care for. Plant them in cute pots and enjoy the invisible benefit they provide: they actually filter the air slowly as they transpire for gasses.
5. Turn into a Barista.
When you’re looking for an effortless way to spruce up your kitchen, simply add a new small appliance. Toaster ovens and coffee machines are popular choices, especially if they’re glossy stainless steel. Even if the kitchen isn’t as updated as others in the neighborhood, the small appliances steal visitors’ eyes as they walk through the home. Appearing updated to potential buyers is part of the home staging process. Just remember to keep the rest of your counter organized and free of clutter.
6. Dress up the Windows.
Complete window treatment overhauls could be out of the budget, but consider adding accents to change the look. Windows with blinds could use shades or drapes to soften the frame edges, for example. Sheer white curtains add a touch of elegance to an otherwise standard window. Match any treatments to your indoor decor for the best results.
7. Lead them Indoors.
Don’t be afraid of installing lighting on your front walkway. Low-voltage lighting uses only 12 volts, making the placement and connection process safe for most homeowners. Alternatively, you could use solar lights. String the lighting between the sidewalk and home to lead people to the front door on dark nights. Hide any wiring just below the soil. The glowing light looks like a complicated installation with visitor safety in mind.
Although a brand new kitchen or an additional bedroom is a valuable home project, allow your budget to dictate your improvements. Altering even the smallest details pleases buyers when it comes down to the final purchase decision. Make affordable home upgrade projects your goal to see significant value growth in your property. If you have a bit more disposable income, it might be a good idea to check out Crestron Lighting. They have some fantastic home automation features. My friend told me that they recently had some of their lights installed and it really made her home.
This was a guest post for you from Tim Smith over at Modernize. Tim Smith writes for Modernize, a website dedicated to helping homeowners build their dream homes. Prior to becoming a writer, Tim worked as a contractor. Besides writing and lots of DIY Home Improvements, Tim enjoys cooking and spending time with his 3 kids.
