You’ve probably heard it before: Some upgrades can make your home feel new again, and perhaps even increase its resale value. And while a complete kitchen remodel might be an effective strategy, there are many small home improvements that will elevate your house without breaking the bank.
Here are 11 cheap house upgrades that will have a big impact.
We all know that a fresh coat of paint can breathe life into a room. But what you may not know is that painting your entire exterior can also boost your home’s value — by up to 7%, according to Zillow. If you’re not ready to commit to a full paint job, consider touching up your front door, shutters or trim with a color that matches the rest of your home. It’s an affordable option that makes a major difference, especially since buyers are drawn to well-maintained homes.
Home improvement includes repairing, remodeling, altering, renovating, restoring, modernizing or improving the structure and fixtures of a residential building. It also involves installation of heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, doors, windows and awnings. It excludes the building of a new house, appurtenant structures, fences, landscaping and nonpermanent construction materials.
The most common home improvements include refreshing shower areas, replacing vanities and toilets, laying new tile or countertops, and adding fixtures and lighting. These projects typically yield a high return on investment and won’t break the bank. Luxury upgrades, however, don’t always pay off, especially if they are out of proportion to the rest of the house. For example, adding marble floors to a ranch-style home might not appeal to buyers seeking value and livability.
When budgeting for your home improvement project, it’s important to set savings goals and stick to them. It may be tempting to finance your renovations with a credit card, but be wary of interest rates, which can quickly rise and outpace the cost of the work. Instead, if you have excellent credit, consider a loan from your bank or a home equity line of credit.
Home improvements don’t always require an expensive renovation or a long weekend. Instead, a little DIY work can go a long way toward elevating your space. From painting to re-grouting tile, these easy home renovation projects will make your house feel fresh and updated without costing a fortune.
Whether you’re looking to sell or simply want your house to look its best, these projects will help boost the style and function of your home. The best part? Many can be completed in just a few days.
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change a room. Embrace a bold color like a deep red dining room or try a striped accent wall, and don’t forget to touch up any areas where paint has chipped or peeled over the years.
2. Update the Fireplace
A gorgeous brick fireplace is a key selling point for many homes, so don’t let yours get grungy and stained by soot and creosote build-up. Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth, then use a cleaner specifically designed to remove soot and creosote for a sparkling-clean finish.
3. Install Shelves
Adding extra storage in your kitchen is an easy home improvement project that will help your home work harder and look great. For example, add shelves to a pantry for extra space to store canned goods or install wall hooks for additional pan and utensil storage.
4. Refresh the Stairs
A flight of stairs may serve a practical purpose, but they can be surprisingly uninspiring. Dress up an ordinary staircase with a brightly colored front door, or create an unexpected focal point by adding stenciled designs to the risers.
Home improvement is a broad term that refers to any activity that improves the interior or exterior of a property. This can include anything from painting a room to installing new kitchen cabinets. Home renovations are often considered a great way to increase the value of your home or make it more comfortable for you and your family.
Home improvements are a major investment, so you need to be sure that you are hiring a reputable company. Doing proper research and checking reviews is important. Also, requesting multiple quotes and making sure the contractor is insured are important steps in the hiring process.
The best home improvement companies offer a wide range of services, including bathroom and kitchen remodeling, window installation, patio cover construction, roof and siding work, and more. Some offer financing, which can help you finance your renovation project. However, it is essential to read the fine print before signing up for any financing.
Some of the biggest home improvement companies in the world are headquartered in the United States. Among these are Lowe’s Co Inc, which operates more than 2,200 hardware and home improvement stores across the country. The company also sells garden products and offers DIY advice online. It is expected to gain on rival Home Depot during the lockdown DIY boom, as it will be exposed to customers who want to splurge on projects that can’t be completed by local contractors. It serves about 18 million customers a week in the United States and Canada.
We are a family owned company, dedicated to giving our customers the desired results every time. We are experienced in many upgrades including electrical panel changes, furnace and air conditioning replacements and insulation upgrades. We are knowledgeable in the energy tax credits for Tennessee residents, as well as federal rebates. We will help you decide what upgrade is best for your home and budget.
With 20 years of hands-on remodeling, fixing and improving experience combined with 13 years of writing home improvement content, Lee Wallender is a pro when it comes to improving your living space. He has also spent time working on historic properties and in the federal- and state-level home finance industry.
While DIYers are capable of doing some basic tasks, jobs such as installing new plumbing fixtures, garage doors or HVAC systems require specialized knowledge and, in some cases, state licenses to complete. Professional installation helps ensure your home is safe, efficient and up to code, protecting you from costly problems in the future. In addition, many home energy upgrades are eligible for government tax credits that could significantly reduce your installation cost. Choosing the right contractor is key to getting the most out of your investment.
When it comes to home improvement, the exterior of your property is often one of the first things that buyers notice. This first impression is called curb appeal and it plays a big role in whether or not potential homebuyers decide to request a showing of your property. If they’re turned off by a lack of curb appeal, they may be less inclined to take the time to look past other imperfections such as chipping paint or an overgrown lawn.
In addition to the overall condition of your property, you also want to think about how the landscaping and architectural design of your home contributes to its overall appeal. This is because it gives passersby or people who drive by a quick glance at your property a good idea of what they can expect to find on the inside.
To boost your home’s curb appeal, there are many small projects you can do yourself. You can start with small improvements like repainting your mailbox or adding flowers near the front door and work your way up to more complex renovations that will make a huge impact on the overall exterior appearance of your home.
For larger curb appeal projects, you might need to consider getting a loan or line of credit to fund the project. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a great option because it allows you to access the funds needed to complete your project while preserving your personal savings. You can learn more about how to get started with a HELOC by visiting Point.
Upgrading your home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, there are many easy home diy upgrades you can make that will make a big difference without spending much time at all.
For example, adding crown molding can give any room a modern look, and it’s a simple enough project to do yourself in a day or two. You can also replace dated door handles for an upgrade that’s inexpensive and easy to do.
Another simple update is installing a breakfast bar in your kitchen to add extra countertop space for cooking, eating, and entertaining. You can use a contrasting bench top and vintage bar stools to add a unique look that will stand out. Plus, a breakfast bar is a great way to hide unsightly appliances!
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners viewed their home as their sanctuary—a place to retreat and relax after a long day. But as they spent more time in their homes during the pandemic and endured lockdowns, they may have started to view their homes with a little more critical eye.
Now that we’re on the other side of the epidemic, many homeowners are rethinking how they use their homes, and looking for ways to improve them. But when it comes to renovations, not all projects are created equal. Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the future or simply want to upgrade for your own enjoyment, it’s important to balance cost recovery and homeowner happiness when choosing which projects to tackle.
According to NerdWallet’s research, these are the top home improvement projects for both cost recovery and happiness:
1. Painting
Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home look newer. Be sure to choose neutral, light colors that will appeal to most buyers and don’t forget to remove outdated wallpaper, which can detract from your home’s value.
2. Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom
Adding another living space is an easy way to increase your home’s value and add more privacy for you and your family. But make sure to keep the cost and size in line with the average home sales price in your area. If you’re considering this project, it may be best to consult with a real estate agent before starting to ensure you’re not overspending.
Home improvement shows make it seem like a new bathroom or kitchen remodel can cost you thousands of dollars, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the most worthwhile and effective upgrades don’t even cost that much, according to real estate industry experts.
These small home upgrades are easy to do, won’t eat into your wallet and are sure to add value to your new house.
Paint
Professionals and DIYers alike tout a fresh coat of paint as one of the easiest home upgrades you can do to instantly transform a room’s mood. In fact, it’s so affordable that you can make it a regular habit to refresh the color palette every year or two.
Another way to upgrade your new house without blowing your budget is by switching out standard light switches for dimmer ones that can create a softer, more intimate ambiance in the rooms where you’ll spend the most time. Dimmer switches also allow you to save energy by lowering lighting levels in areas where you’re not using them as often, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Adding pantries in the kitchen can also give your home that luxe feel and offer more storage options, which are highly desirable by most buyers. But be careful not to go overboard; high-end upgrades such as granite countertops and custom cabinets can reduce a home’s resale value.
If you’re building a new home, ask your builder what options and upgrades are available for your floor plan before going to the design center. Many production home builders have set options for each new construction floor plan, while semi-custom home builders can typically accommodate changes to the home’s design, such as moving a room or adding a study or laundry room, for an additional fee worked out at the beginning of your contract.
Whether you’re preparing your home to sell or just want to upgrade for your own pleasure, it’s possible to make big changes without taking out a second mortgage. With some education and planning, these easy diy home renovations will make a significant impact in your living space.
1. Upgrading Shelving
If you’re tired of looking at cluttered countertops, consider adding floating or mounted shelves to your home. This simple project can give you more storage and display space, plus it’s a great way to incorporate a stylish design element into your home. 2. Installing Hardwood Floors
Replace your dated carpet with wood floors to create a modern, yet timeless look in your home. This affordable DIY project will add value to your property and is easier to clean than carpet.
3. Restoring and repurposing Furniture
If you have a creative eye, it’s possible to give old furniture a new life with sanding, painting, or upholstery. For example, Kelin Zhao of Hydrangea Treehouse created a covetable closet from IKEA’s Trofast furniture line with a few simple hacks and some cabinetry-grade plywood.
4. Adding Backsplash
Update your kitchen or bathroom with a backsplash that will add style and functionality to your home. This is an easy DIY project that you can complete in a day or two and requires little-to-no demolition.