You love your home, but it’s starting to feel a little run-down. While the place is still livable, you’d love to freshen up a few corners. However, major renovations are not in the budget for the foreseeable future.
Sounds familiar? If you’re currently living in a somewhat outdated home, it makes sense to wish for a more comfortable space. The good news is you can work towards your dream home without having to save up for an all-out renovation!
Experienced homeowners will tell you that it’s possible to upgrade, customize, and increase the value of a home without breaking the bank. Here are a few projects to get you started:
1. Paint the Walls
Painting a few walls should be an easy task for most homeowners. A new coat of paint can upgrade the look of a whole house or apartment. Even if you’re on rent, it shouldn’t be hard to get permission for this little upgrade. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of that painting project:
- Prep the walls carefully, patching up any holes and sanding the surfaces for the smoothest possible finish
- Invest in quality paint that will be durable and provide decent coverage
- Use drop cloths and old sheets to protect the floor, fixtures, furniture, and other items in the vicinity
- Prime the walls for an even finish and better adhesion
- Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat
- Research the right techniques of painting before you start, especially if this is your first DIY job
2. Replace the Tub
If you have a little money to invest, try a new bathtub in your outdated bathroom. Even if you don’t change anything else, a new tub offers several advantages. Here are some reasons why you should call a replacement tub service and get an estimate:
- A new tub will allow you to get a more stylish, modern look for the bathroom decor
- Modern new tub models come with useful and fun features like inbuilt lighting, ergonomic seating, whirlpool jets, and more.
- If you have an elderly person in the home, a new tub can have the safety features they need for more independence and better hygiene.
- Older tubs might be stained, chipped, or include materials that are a headache to keep clean.
- Installing a new major bathroom feature can increase the market value of your home.
3. Upgrade Other Bathroom Features
The bathroom is where you go to get clean, refreshed, and ready for the day ahead. It’s also where you go to unwind and relax. With such an important role, it makes sense to pay a little more attention to the bathroom’s features. Here are some ideas on what to try next:
- Install an elegant faucet that also promises water efficiency.
- Change the countertops to quartz or granite; these are durable materials and will also alleviate the aesthetic of the room.
- Get energy-efficient lighting such as LED bulbs to save on power bills
- Invest in a luxurious showerhead that might give you a relaxing rainfall experience
- Get a water-saving toilet for higher efficiency
- Consider smart features such as a programmable thermostat, motion-sensor lighting, smart lighting, etc.
4. Paint the Cabinets
Cabinets are a convenient addition to the bathroom and kitchen, but they can also be an eyesore. If your cabinets are functioning properly, you may just need to give them a coat of paint. This project won’t cost much, and it’ll be a great way to upgrade some of the most important rooms in the home. Some advantages of this step may include:
- A visual upgrade for a more aesthetically appealing home.
- Your personalized and customized aesthetic will match the rest of the décor.
- It is a fast process that isn’t likely to cause much disruption in your daily life.
- It might bring your kitchen up to date with a trendy color or finish.
5. Replace the Outlets and Thermostat
Many people may not realize the difference it will make, but replacing outlets, switches, and thermostats can make your life easier. If you’re used to working with electricity, this could be a fairly simple DIY. However, we highly recommend getting a professional for this job. Here are some benefits you aim for during this project:
- The pleasing aesthetic of clean, new outlets, outlet covers, and so on.
- The option to switch to outlets and light switches with energy-efficient features.
- Updated safety features that might reduce the risk of electric hazards in your home.
- Integration with smart technology, allowing for energy monitoring, remote-controlled accessibility, and other forms of automation.
- Better functionality than before, especially if the updated switches have more features such as timers, dimmers, etc.
- The newer features might make your home comply more with current electrical codes and other standards, which makes it safer to use modern electronics, appliances, etc.
- With programmable thermostats, residents will have more control over the cooling and heating systems.
- A more convenient system overall, with residents being able to schedule and remotely control the climate of their home. It will enable them to optimize energy use, bring down energy consumption, and ensure the highest level of comfort possible.
6. Put Down Some Area Rugs
When you need a very quick fix related to flooring, you can not go wrong with area rugs! If you have a few on hand already, the next step is to place them as strategically as possible. Use them for the following:
- To cover up some ugly flooring until you can get it replaced.
- To cover a carpet that you don’t particularly like but can’t take up due to landlord restrictions.
- To create a bit of color in a certain space.
- To separate and designate spaces in a large room; for instance, a gray rug for your home office and a brighter one for a child’s play area.
- To set aside a comfy space for a get-together or family night (add throw pillows, floss cushions, and blankets for an even more inviting space).
Area rugs are great for tying a room together and perhaps making them more functional. If you don’t have enough on hand, look for secondhand options online, in thrift stores, or from your social circle.
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Conclusion
The above tips might not cost much, but they do pack a punch where it’s most needed. Take a look around your home; what needs sprucing up? Chances are, the tips above can help you upgrade without hurting your wallet much.
