It’s natural to want to better your home. After being in the same space for years, it would be nice to get that new feeling again. However, upgrades can break the budget real fast. However, there are some things you can do that are relatively inexpensive. Here’s a quick list.
1. Change out your kitchen faucet. This probably wasn’t first on your list, was it? But for a hundred bucks or so, you can make a pretty big splash in the kitchen. Most people don’t realize it, but a faucet really does set the tone for a kitchen. After all, it’s the most used fixture there. Begin by selecting the finish you like. Then you can move on to brands and styles. See what HGTV has to say about choosing a kitchen faucet here.
2. Swap out cabinet hardware. Wish you could get new kitchen cabinets but don’t want to spend the money? A much cheaper fix will go a lot farther than you think in making them feel refreshed. Change out the hardware. Different knobs and drawer pulls can really bring your old cabinets into the 21st century. And often, you can find them in hardware stores in sets for lower prices. Not only is it relatively cheap, but it’s easy. All you need is a screwdriver or a cordless drill.
3. Make your appliances match. Maybe you inherited mismatched appliances. Or perhaps as they go out, you are switching to black or stainless steel. I don’t blame you. Those colors definitely make a kitchen feel more modern. However, you certainly need them all to match or your kitchen will feel incomplete. However, buying new appliances can prove pricey.
Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to make them match. These include:
- Reversing panels—lots of white dishwashers actually have panels in front that are black on the other side.
- Buying stainless steel contact paper—It sticks right on.
- Liquid stainless steel—Simply paint it on. You can read testimonials here.
4. Get rid of your medicine cabinet. Have an outdated medicine cabinet bulking up your bathroom wall? Pull it out. Instead, hang a simply large framed mirror above the sink. It will make your bathroom feel more spacious.
5. Opt for a pedestal sink in the bathroom. Too often bathroom space is cluttered with huge seashell sinks. If your bathroom isn’t very large, consider finding storage space elsewhere and swapping out your sink for a pedestal sink. Not only do they look sleek, but the will free up space in a small bathroom.
6. Change out your toilet seats. Toilet seats get gross quickly—it’s the nature of the “business.” Swapping them out is cheap and easy.
7. Paint. Doesn’t matter what room you’re working in, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. You can brighten a kitchen, calm a living space, or ignite passion in the master bedroom. Just be careful what colors you choose. Get help here.
8. Clean your carpet. Nothing makes your house feel grosser than dirty carpet. Yet, no matter how hard you try, it sucks up all sorts of dirt and allergens. Have kids? Never fails. They are going to go straight to the carpet to puke or spill things. But before you consider changing it out, why not see if you can get it cleaned? Check out a site like ChemDry.com to get a free quote and see how cheap it can be.
9. Replace brass door knobs with something more updated. Nothing says cheap like brass door knobs. Go for brushed nickel or something like that. You can replace all the knobs in the house for much cheaper than you might think. And if you can afford it all at once, do a few at a time.
10. Change out light switch covers. Over the course of a few years, light switch covers tend to yellow. Well guess what? A new one is only about a buck. You could probably do your entire house for like $30.
11. Get 2 inch thick wood blinds. Have skinny plastic blinds? Then it probably feels like you’re living in an apartment, right? By switching to thicker wood or faux wood blinds you can make your windows seem a lot nicer. And while you’re at it, clean the windows!
Sometimes, a little really does go a long way. What other simple cheap upgrades can you think of to make your home feel newer?
Tom O’Brian is a general contractor who specializes in residential remodeling. On a daily basis he gives customers advice on how to make their home better. Follow his advice and watch your home value soar!
