How to Remodel a Home on a Shoestring Budget
If you don’t feel excited about going home at the end of the day, it might be a good idea to consider renovating. Your home should be a place where you can relax and also impress your loved ones. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune in order to turn your house into a sanctuary. Regardless of your budget, there are adjustments you can make that will elevate your home.
These modifications will involve thinking in a sequential manner while keeping the meaning unchanged. No additional information should be included, and no information should be excluded.
- Make your house a more comfortable place to live.
- Help increase the market value.
- Make it look better for your guests who visit.
- Let you enjoy your house to its fullest extent.
Here are some suggestions on how to economize while remodeling, renovating, and enhancing your home.
Remodeling a House Frugally
Remodeling and renovating a home can be done without spending a lot of money. Here are some cost-effective methods to remodel your home.
- Make changes that have a big impact.
- Consider small things that make a big difference.
- Do it yourself.
- Trade and barter for labor.
- Borrow or rent tools.
- Shop around for the best price.
- Consider your needs when you buy.
- Buy second-hand goods.
- Think creatively.
1. Add crown molding.
Investing in crown molding is a no-brainer because it effortlessly enhances the depth and value of your home. Canamould Extrusions’ Trimroc molding is recommended by the editors of This Old House for its easy fitting and installation process. Additionally, it is a cost-effective option, priced at approximately $120.
2. Install a stair runner.
If you need to address slippery stairs or improve the overall attractiveness of an area, consider adding a fashionable stair runner. You can easily resolve these concerns by purchasing one from retailers such as West Elm or Target, where the cost is approximately $60. This modest expense will result in a significant enhancement.
You have the opportunity to enhance the beauty of your home with a stair runner, adding a touch of uniqueness that reflects your personality while reducing the noise made by children’s footsteps. Therefore, don’t hesitate to make a bold statement by choosing a color or pattern that represents a part of your identity.
3. Add a vintage entry lantern.
To enhance the exterior of your home, a vintage lantern can provide a distinctive touch. Whether you already possess one in your basement or attic, or happen to come across one at a second-hand store, This Old House editors advise refurbishing the overlooked gem by rewiring it, as an inexpensive and effortless method to enhance your home’s curb appeal. This renovation will cost you approximately $200.
4. Paint your kitchen cabinets.
This informative guide from Lowe’s can help you begin if your old cabinets are not benefiting your kitchen. In fact, having outdated and dim storage in any room can give the illusion of a smaller and less spacious area.
5. Install cork flooring.
Due to its insulating properties and eco-friendly nature, cork flooring is an ideal choice for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home. Furthermore, manufacturers have introduced cork flooring panels that conveniently interlock. This project can be accomplished in a single weekend and is significantly simpler compared to the installation of wooden flooring.
6. Refinish old wooden doors.
If you own an older home, it is likely that you possess numerous antique doors and fixtures. Instead of replacing them in an attempt to fully modernize your home, the professionals at This Old House recommend a step-by-step process to revive their natural shine. They suggest sanding away the signs of aging on your doors and applying several layers of oil-based varnish.
7. Install new switch plate covers.
According to Paula Pant of The Spruce, replacing your switch plate covers is a simple and cost-effective method to refresh any area. For approximately one dollar each, you can exchange all the dirty or dusty switch plate covers in your home with new white ones. Alternatively, if you prefer a more unique touch, you can opt for decorative switch plate covers at a price of approximately $10 each.
8. Change your lampshades.
Replacing fixtures can be expensive. However, if you wish to update your lighting, you can begin by exchanging your old lampshades for vibrant and patterned alternatives. This is an excellent method to unify your design scheme without spending too much. If you choose to replace all lampshades in your residence simultaneously, Pant advises selecting a theme beforehand to ensure a cohesive appearance.
9. Hang more mirrors.
By installing more mirrors, you can create the illusion of adding light and depth to any room, making it appear larger without the need for lamps or additions. Placing the mirrors above eye-level, such as on top of mantles, can make the space seem bigger and brighter as the mirrors have the ability to refract all sources of light.
10. Invest in plants.
Plants possess a captivating quality when included in any environment. In addition to enhancing your mental well-being, they also bring vitality to your living space through their ability to respire.
Additionally, if you are working with a limited budget, you have the option to purchase inexpensive pots and acquire a few tubes of paint, allowing you to personalize them. These pots will not only enhance your life with their unique style, but also offer durability. Is there anything more desirable than that?
11. Add more kitchen storage.
No matter the size of your kitchen, having sufficient storage is crucial for maintaining an organized and harmonious space. To achieve this, Better Homes & Gardens recommends mounting shelves on unused walls and filling them with a combination of kitchen utensils and decorative items. Not only will this enhance the appearance of your kitchen, but it will also be a cost-effective solution that ensures easy access to all your cooking supplies.
12. Spruce up your fireplace.
If you have a real wood-burning fireplace at home, make use of it by loosening the grime and applying a fresh coat of paint.
To achieve an even base coat, start by applying a soot-blocking primer. After that, according to Better Homes & Gardens experts, finish the task by utilizing a high-gloss paint. When you witness the results, you’ll agree that all of this can be done for only $100, which is an incredible deal.
13. Accessorize your entryway.
It is important to showcase your unique style on the outside of your home, as this is the first thing that guests notice. Whether you opt for decorative plants or home numbers and a letterbox, enhancing your front entryway with these small details will make it stand out.
If you want to achieve a classic appearance, make sure that the finishes on all of your outdoor accessories are coordinated. This consistency will undoubtedly make a favorable initial impact.
14. Get your carpets cleaned.
One more inconspicuous and budget-friendly method to refresh your space is to have all the carpets in your home cleaned by professionals. In addition to enhancing the look of your home, removing dust, dirt, and hair from your carpets can eliminate allergens and potentially enhance your health.
According to Better Homes & Gardens, regular carpet cleaning removes years of stains and embedded grit, while also preventing future mold and mildew formation.
15. Replace your shower head.
If you want to give your bathroom a budget-friendly makeover, consider replacing your shower head.
Furthermore, a swap also serves a practical purpose. By installing an adjustable, handheld showerhead in a home filled with adults, children, and pets, it guarantees an optimal shower experience for every individual in the household, regardless of their height.