Upgrade Your Home for Little Cash
For many, the idea of home improvements can bring a sense of uneasiness. Between costly or lengthy projects, updates can often seem like they’re not worth the hassle. Not to fear, these cost-effective home upgrades can easily be done on your own and can also increase the overall value of your home—a huge win-win!
Paint the kitchen cabinets.
New cabinets can be costly. On the other hand, a few coats of paint can transform both your cabinets and the kitchen itself for less than half of the cost. Simply remove the doors and hardware, sand, and paint a color of your choice.
Replace hardware.
Weathered cabinet handles can drastically age your room. Swap out the hardware in the kitchen and bathroom for more modern knobs and handles. Local hardware stores will have a variety to select from.
Update light switch plates.
Did you know that you can replace a light switch plate for less than a buck?
Add moldings to walls.
By having the proper tools, DIY molding is truly relatively simple. You can choose from two popular types—panel molding and crown molding, each will give your house an elegant ambience.
Give the outside of your home a facelift and increase “welcome” in curb appeal.
A thought-out pop of color can take the outside of your house from drab to fab. Simple do-it-yourself projects like repainting your front door, adding new shutters, and planting bright flowers in window boxes can add a welcoming effect. Updates like adding trim to flower beds, modernizing outdoor light fixtures, and repainting your mailbox will not only be easy on the eyes, but will also increase the overall curb appeal.
Revamp indoor light fixtures.
Instead of spending your money on a brand-new fixture, perhaps consider giving your current one a makeover. Transform the fixture cover either by adding a fresh layer of high-heat paint or replacing the glass.
Repaint walls with neutral colors.
Although bright colors are fun, a neutral palette can make your home feel fresh and clean and act as a blank canvas. Try to stick to timeless colors—cream, gray, and tan. The paint store will gladly advise what neutrals are “in”.
Frame your bathroom mirror.
Does your bathroom have a plain plate-glass mirror? By adding decorative baseboard trim around it can make a world of difference.
Hang curtains high and wide.
Help a small window out! By hanging drapes high and wide, this will give the illusion of a larger window, along with making the room appear more spacious.
Add visible storage.
What is better than extra storage without having to open either a door or cabinet? Floating shelves are both a simple and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Give your register grilles a fresh look.
Since a return air vent is a necessity, why not make it look its best? With just a quick trip to your hardware store for a can of paint, you’re able to transform an eyesore into something that’s worth looking at.
Have questions on improving the marketability of your home? Contact Barb to get some ideas.