If you’re a first time home buyer or a seasoned renovation wizard, the options for what you can do to upgrade your home are truly endless. The trick is to know which projects will provide the most value for your money, which can be completed on the budget you have, and which are realistic within the time you have available. Learn quick and effective things you can do in your own home with several home improvement projects from simple DIY endeavors to larger renovations.
Start with a Plan
Before getting started with a home improvement project, you first want to make sure you have a clear plan. Having a clear picture of how much work is involved, your budget, and the time you realistically have to devote to it will help avoid throwing money and stress at a project that is larger than life. It’s also useful to prioritize tasks by need. If your roof is leaking or your plumbing is outdated, for instance, those should take priority over cosmetic changes, like installing new wallpaper or landscaping.
Go digital: Use digital tools or apps to plan home improvements. You can collect ideas on platforms such as Houzz or Pinterest, and project management apps help organize your tasks.
Do it Yourself (DIY) Projects that Make a Little Difference
If you want to upgrade your home on a budget, begin with little home improvement projects that can yield big results. Here are some ideas:
Paint Walls and Trim: A new coat of Home Improvement paint can be one of the most inexpensive ways to refresh any room. Choose neutral tones for broad appeal to future buyers or make a statement with accent walls to pep things up.
Add New Light Fixtures: Swapping irregular light fixtures or adding new lighting can dramatically shift the mood of a room. Install dimmer switches for adjustable lighting to set the mood.
Upgrade Hardware: One easy and affordable way to modernize your home is by replacing dated hardware like cabinet handles, faucet knobs and doorknobs.
Decorative Wall Treatments: Wallpaper or accent walls can transform the look of a room. You might also consider peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is relatively simple to put up and take down.
Tip: Do work in rooms with the biggest impact, such as the kitchen, living room, or bathrooms, so you get the most bang for your buck.
And the same can be said for a kitchen — the heart of the home.
The kitchen tends to be the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most common places people renovate. So here are a few ideas to update your kitchen without a gut renovation:
Cabinet Refacing or Painting: Refacing or painting cabinets is more cost effective than bringing in entirely new cabinets. You can also replace the knobs and pulls with new fashion.
Countertop Refresh: Old countertops can be replaced with granite, quartz, butcher block and more. For a more budget-friendly option, laminate countertops come in modern finishes that mimic much costlier materials.
Smart Appliances: Installing energy-efficient appliances can enhance your cooking experience and lower yearly energy costs. Think smart appliances, which let you control your kitchen from anywhere.
Pro tip: If a full renovation isn’t on the table, make a list of smaller changes that would have a big impact, such as replacing old light fixtures or painting.
Button Bathroom Revamp: Creating a Spa-Like Retreat
Another area of focus on home improvements is bathrooms. A simple upgrade can transform any bathroom into a spa-like getaway, improving your everyday experience in the space. Here are some ways to get started on your own:
Regrout Tiles — This one is for the reality television junkies: if your tiles look old and dirty, regrouting your tiles is the easiest way to freshen up your bathroom. This it an inexpensive way to make your tile floor or backsplash look better.
Update Fixtures: New faucets, showerheads and towel bars can make a bathroom look sleek and modern. Choose water-saving models to minimize your environmental impact.
Add Storage: More storage never goes amiss, especially if your bathroom is tight on space. Floating vanities, wall-mounted shelves, or over-the-toilet cabinets are great options for maximizing storage space.
Put in a New Mirror or Lighting: A strategically positioned mirror or a new light fixture can significantly improve the mood of your bathroom. Big mirrors give small bathrooms a sense of space.
Tip: Try something like a rain shower head or a heated towel rack to achieve that luxurious, spa-like feel.
First Impression Counts — Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing that visitors and potential buyers see, making curb appeal an important aspect of home improvement. To enhance your performance, here are several straightforward upgrades:
Landscaping: Begin with care of your lawn and planting that is complimentary to the style of your home. Just adding a few flowers, a shrub and perhaps even a small garden can make your yard appear more inviting.
New Front Door: A front door is a major element of visual appeal in regard to your home. Pick a door that accents your exterior, and give it new life with a coat of paint or new hardware for extra appeal.
Pathways and Lighting: New walkways, a porch swing or decorative lighting set a welcoming tone. Solar lights alongside your path can provide a lovely ambiance without the high electricity bill.
Paint or Stain the Exterior: A fresh Home Improvement coat of paint can refresh a home’s exterior. If the siding on your home is looking tired, a fresh coat of paint or stain can greatly enhance curb appeal.
Pro tip: Remember to clean gutters, trim bushes and ensure the driveway is clear to give your home a well-kept appearance.
Energy Efficiency: Saving Money and the Planet
Energy-efficient upgrades to your home help shrink your carbon footprint while also cutting utility costs over the years. Increase energy efficiency: There are many simple and low-cost ways to gain energy efficiency in a home.
Add Better Insulation: Good insulation in your attic, walls and floors can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, saving on energy bills.
Energy-Efficient Windows: If you live in an older home with drafty windows, replacing them with energy-efficient double or triple-glazed windows will dramatically improve your home’s insulation.
Smart Thermostats – With smart thermostats, you have the ability to adjust what temperature your house is set from your phone. This makes it easier to keep a better temperature with less energy.
Install solar panels: Solar panels can be expensive upfront, but they can save you a lot of money in energy costs in the long run, and they can help increase the resale value of your home.
NOTE: Start with smaller energy-saving efforts, such as switching to LED lighting or programmable thermostats, before investing in larger projects such as solar panels.
The Finishing Touches: Making It Your Own
After the big upgrades are out of the way, you can go ahead and furnish and decorate your space. This will help make the home feel cozy and inviting by adding your personality. Consider the following:
Statement Furniture Pieces: Pick a statement furniture piece, like a bold sofa or quirky coffee table, as the anchor of your space.
Unique Wall Art: Hang up pieces that represent your personality and taste. Those personal touches create that homey feel.
Textiles and Soft Furnishings: Cushions, throws and rugs will add warmth and comfort to any space.
The Bottom Lines
Home improvement is a satisfying means of improving your living space, whether you’re hoping to increase function, style or energy efficiency. Focusing on manageable projects and optimizing your budget and time can lead to meaningful changes Home Improvement that enhance your quality of life and your home’s value. It is worth having a solid plan, and even minimal updates go a long way. Happy renovating!
