If you’ve been in your house for a while you might be feeling the need for a change. Home renovations may be just the thing to renew your excitement and raise your home’s value. Renovating doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here are 5 low cost projects that are sure to pack a punch:
- Freshen up with paint – Nothing changes a room faster than a fresh coat of paint. Whether you’re looking to upgrade the style or just try something new, painting may be just the thing you need. If you want a truly budget-friendly renovation, you can tackle this project yourself. All you need are a few cans of paint and a weekend set aside. Think about hosting a painting party with friends and family. If you aren’t into DIY, you can hire a professional painter to take care of it for you. Sit back and relax while your home is transformed.
- Install crown molding – Crown Molding is the decorative border that runs along the top of the wall. This feature can add a lot of charm and instantly change the feel of a room. It’s not too expensive and is a project that can easily be done in a DIY manner. A little expertise with a saw and miter box is all you need. Expect to pay 50¢ to $3 per foot for crown molding. Pay attention to air vents, ceiling lights and smoke detectors before you start. If you must move these features to fit the molding, your weekend project could get a lot bigger.
- Refinish old floors – If your floors have seen better days you may need to revitalize them with some TLC. Think about refinishing them to bring some life back into your space. According to HomeAdvisor, its costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot to refinish hardwood floors. This is one project we don’t recommend tackling yourself. It typically takes about 2 days for a professional to complete, so be prepared to clear out for a bit. For an even more economical option, think about painting your wood floors with durable floor paint. With different colors or patterns, you can really change the look of the room for a low cost. And hey, you can still refinish them down the road.
- Upgrade appliances – New appliances can add to your resale value, transform the look of your kitchen, and help save money off your monthly electric bill. It’s amazing to think that such a simple upgrade can impact a home in so many ways. Look for appliances that are both pleasing to the eye and Energy Star rated. Most people use their appliances every day, so you will have the pleasure of getting use from your investment immediately.
- Change lighting fixtures – Outdated chandeliers and old-fashioned can lights don’t do your home any favors. Lighting sets the tone for an entire room and can make or break the design scheme of the home. Old can lights can be replaced with new LED versions for an energy efficient upgrade. Chandeliers can be added to an entry way or bedroom for an instant facelift. Don’t forget the exterior. Curb appeal can be instantly changed by adding pathway lights or accent fixtures.
