You can make your house a more enjoyable place to spend time while boosting its resale value without having to drain your bank account or take on major financing. There are many DIY-friendly projects that may not seem like much, but that can actually improve your living experience every day. Here are the top 7 home improvements that make your home a better place to live and don’t have to drain your bank account.
You don’t have to make big changes to make a big difference.
1. Adding Closet Organizing Systems
Older houses often have unique charm and style that’s hard to duplicate. Unfortunately, many older homes also have limited storage space. Editing your possessions is one way to cope with a lack of closet space, but you can do a lot with the closet space you have by investing in wire-and-laminate closet systems. This is particularly true in older homes where closets have high ceilings and allow you to extend storage space upward. You’ll not only have better organization, but well-organized closets appeal to potential buyers should you decide to sell.
2. Mechanical Fixes
Hiring an electrician to repair a couple of nonworking outlets or having a plumber come in to take care of leaks and other minor problems may not be very exciting, but these repairs make your home safer, and can help long-term through lower utility bills. Again, should you decide to sell, you can be certain buyers will appreciate knowing that details have been taken care of. Hiring a professional like those at Efficient Air Conditioning & Electric Inc. is an easy way to get your home’s electrical system working optimally.
3. Updated Lighting Fixtures
Just about every home has one or two outdated lighting fixtures that could be replaced, giving a dining room or kitchen a fresh, new look. Replacing an ugly chandelier with a beautiful new pendant light is DIY-friendly for those who know how to work safely with home electrical systems, and hiring a professional to replace a lighting fixture is not an expensive investment if you don’t want a DIY project.
4. New Entry Door Hardware
A front door makeover is a small-budget investment that can make a big difference. For one thing, replacing your old lockset with a new handle-and-deadbolt set improves your home security. Additionally, steel entry doors can be painted or faux-finished to look brand new if you start with high quality metal primer. This is a mini-makeover that can be accomplished in a weekend, and that will make a real difference in your home’s look as well as security.
5. A Curb Appeal Boost
Coming home to a well-kept home can immediately boost your spirits.
Everyone wants to come home to a welcoming house, and spiffing up your home’s curb appeal helps you do exactly that. A few well-chosen and well-placed shrubs suitable to your climate can really dress up the outside of your house. Keeping your yard neatly trimmed and installing new sod in “bald” patches is like providing a great new outfit for your house. And once again, should you decide to sell, this investment can really pay off in terms of buyer first impressions.
6. A Kitchen Facelift
While a full kitchen remodel can be expensive, you can give your kitchen a nice “facelift” without a major investment. For example, a few hundred dollars can upgrade your kitchen faucet, replace cabinet door handles, and replace your kitchen lighting fixture. If you have non-matching appliances, you can order new doors or face panels to make them match without replacing them. The difference from just these few changes can be dramatic.
7. A Bathroom Makeover
Likewise, while a bathroom remodel can be expensive, you can make your bathroom look considerably better without spending a lot. Cracked or discolored flooring can be replaced with vinyl tiles at a reasonable cost, and re-grouting the tub can also brighten the bath inexpensively. A one-piece pre-fab tub and shower surround is a less-expensive alternative to refinishing an old tub, and replacing a dated sink with a lovely pedestal sink can give your bathroom a whole new look without breaking the bank.
Making your home a much nicer place to spend time doesn’t have to be hard on your bank account. With the 7 improvements listed above, you can enjoy a more beautiful, comfortable home that is safer and more secure – something that makes everyday life better in numerous ways.
