10 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Projects
Curb Appeal Matters
Spruce up the front with colorful flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs. Plant trees if you can. They will eventually offer shade—and a potential 10% increase in your property’s value.
Change Out the Lights and Vent Covers
Replace old ceiling lights with modern-but-classic fixtures. And while you are at it, remove and replace those old heat registers and vents with new metal or wooden vent covers.
Deck the Walls
Painting the rooms with neutral or soft pastel colors is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s value.
Upgrade the Thermostat
Most homeowners can save up to 8% of their heating and cooling bills by switching to a programmable thermostat.
Redo Bathroom Caulk
Bathroom caulk can attract mold and will get darker with age. Cracked caulk lines will allow water to soak behind walls and floors, causing more damage in the future. Remove the old caulk with a putty knife or similar tool, and clean the area with a bleach and water solution before replacing it with a new silicone caulk.
Don’t Ignore Your Fans
Do the bathroom fans make a rattling noise? It’s an easy fix. Many new bathroom vent fans will fit the existing space so you can just unplug and replace the motor in the old one.
Make a Splash With a Backsplash
Get rid of that grease-stained area behind the counter with peel-and-stick tiles or vinyl that you cut to fit the space. If you aren’t up for that kind of project, paint with washable latex paint.
Swab the Deck
Brighten up the deck or stone patio of your home by cleaning mold and debris from the surface. You can rent a power-washer from your local home improvement store. Be mindful to choose a spray that will clean the area without damaging it.
Upgrade the Hardware
Replace those old cabinet knobs or pulls with classic choices to immediately update the kitchen. Measure the “spread” between the two screws on your existing hardware or take one with you to compare to new ones.
Change Doorknobs and Deadbolts
Changing the interior and exterior doorknobs to matching finishes and styles can make a bigger difference than you might think. Plus, you’ll add a level of security by replacing loose keyed knobs and adding deadbolts to the exterior doors.