5 small home projects with big value impact
If you’re thinking of sprucing up your home, but are working on a tight budget, don’t despair. Here are five easy home projects you can tackle that will enhance your home’s appearance and its value without hurting your bank account.
- Get fired up: Fireplaces are natural focal points in a home. Make sure yours doesn’t leave you – or potential buyers – uninspired. Mantles are an easy place to start by replacing, repairing or repainting the one you have. Look at the material surrounding the fireplace – sometimes an easy and budget-friendly resurfacing is in order. Adding tiles, stone or marble veneers can make a beautiful visual statement and not put too heavy a hit on your wallet.
- Transform your dining room: When was the last time you used your dining room? Many people who want to maximize the space in their homes are doing so by transforming their dining rooms into practical spaces that can be used daily. With a limited amount of time, effort and money, you can transition your dining room into something that will better fit your personal style and daily use needs. For instance, it only takes a few strategic furniture changes and some creative rearranging to create a game room, a meditation/spa retreat or a homework/craft area that the whole family would enjoy.
- Kitchen on a budget: A complete kitchen renovation is out of the question on a tight budget. But there are small projects that can refresh your kitchen. Replace outdated faucets with updated styles. Add eye-catching cabinet knobs, handles and pulls that complement your personal style. If your cabinets are in good shape but just feeling a bit shabby, repaint them in a fresh, new color.
- Get organized: Professionally-planned and installed closet organizers are great but can take a hefty investment. For lower-cost organizing, head to your local home improvement stores and look for matching natural-fiber baskets, pre-made adjustable shelving you can install yourself, and hanging solutions for shoes and handbags. If you have a spacious walk-in closet, adding a small chandelier you found for a bargain at the thrift store will add a touch of luxe that makes a great impression.
- Create an inviting entrance: First impressions are important, and a front door painted in a cheerful color along with a few other accessories for your entry can do wonders when it comes to curb appeal. Add new hardware, a welcome mat and potted plants to finish the look.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, or just in the mood to polish up your surroundings, these easy and inexpensive projects will more than pay you back in sheer enjoyment of your home, as well as boosting its value when you’re ready to sell.
