Home improvement projects can add value to your home, whether you want to sell or feel more comfortable in your space. But, while significant renovations are expensive, you can do plenty of smaller tasks on a budget. Discounts such as what https://www.retailmenot.com/view/homedepot.com provide can help you afford upgrades and higher-quality materials that might otherwise be out of reach. This means you can invest in durable, stylish, and energy-efficient products that enhance your space’s overall look and functionality.
Replace Your Light Fixtures
Lighting is important for any room, but it can also be a great way to freshen up your space. You can upgrade a fixture with a different color, add smart features, or give it a facelift with a new shade or globe. Ceiling-mounted fixtures are often more difficult to change than floor or table lamps, but it’s not impossible!
Start by flipping off the circuit breaker that controls the light you’ll be working on. Then, head to the electrical box and turn off power to your current fixture using a non-contact voltage detector or a multi-bit screwdriver.
Once the switch is off, remove the canopy (the rounded covering that lies flush against the ceiling) to expose the wiring and fixture hardware. Then, use a screwdriver to undo the wire nuts and unscrew the fixture from the ceiling. Note that you will likely have a black hot wire, a white neutral wire, and a copper ground wire. Connect like-colored wires by tying them or using a stab-in connector. If you’re using a metal mounting bracket, pick up a pack of varying-sized metal wiring nuts to better fit your wires.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting may be the answer if you’ve scrubbed and scrubbed every surface in your home, but it still feels like it could be more modern and modern. A fresh coat of paint can eliminate any stains, marks, or dirt that have settled into your walls, making them look new again. Plus, it’s inexpensive to give your home a whole new aesthetic.
Aside from the cosmetic benefits of repainting, a fresh coat of paint can also help with moisture issues. Moisture damage can lead to mold and mildew, which not only ruins the appearance of your home but can also cause more serious structural damage. A fresh coat of paint can help seal out moisture, preventing these issues from developing.
You can even use a fresh coat of paint to transform surfaces in your home that aren’t typically painted, like countertops or cabinets. If your kitchen countertops look dull or outdated, consider giving them a makeover with a fresh coat of paint in a contrasting color. This is an especially great option for restaurants, which often require flame-retardant paneling and ceiling grids that can be difficult to clean.
Upgrade Your Hardware
If you’ve ever watched home improvement shows, you know a kitchen makeover is a big deal. But it doesn’t have to cost thousands. Instead, focus on smaller upgrades like replacing dated light fixtures or cabinet pulls.
You can also add a pop of color to your space with new hardware. For example, you could paint your switch covers or outlet plates a new shade—try a metallic finish or brushed gold for a trendy upgrade. Or spray paint your existing cabinet hardware for a fresh new look.
Another quick and easy home improvement is to replace your old caulk around the bathtub, shower, or sink with a fresh new seal. To make this task more manageable, consider getting a caulking gun that doesn’t require superhuman strength to squeeze and has a drip-free design, so there are no messy blobs of caulk all over the floor!
Upgrade Your Flooring
Flooring isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when considering a home upgrade, but it can make a big impact. The right flooring can give a room a fresh, high-quality feel and help boost your home’s resale value.
The downside is that new flooring can be expensive, especially if you’re going with something like hardwood planks or tiles. The good news is that there are some affordable ways to get the look you want without breaking the bank.
For example, you can transform your dated tile floors by adding a border of shiplap or wood paneling. This is a great way to add some visual interest and can also be a cost-effective alternative to painting. This is a perfect option for kitchens, family rooms, and bedrooms. It’s also easy to install and doesn’t require a lot of tools. You can even find DIY tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions to guide you. This is a great way to add a modern farmhouse feel to your home. Add wall paneling to your bathroom or kitchen for a more subtle look.
Update Your Window Treatments
Window treatments are a key component of a room and a great way to add style. However, they can also be quite expensive to replace. Luckily, you can do a few simple things to give your current curtains or drapes a fresh look without breaking the bank.
For instance, if your curtains have an outdated valance, consider removing it for a cleaner appearance. Or, add a trim to your valance to give it a modern touch. You can even make your valance by cutting a 2×4 to the width of your curtain and wrapping it around a piece of fabric six inches longer and four inches taller than your curtains. Then, use fusible tape to fashion a loop at the top and a faux hem at the bottom to attach it to your curtain rod.
Other budget-friendly home improvement hacks include using bookshelves to create floor-to-ceiling built-ins and painting old switch plates, outlet covers, or cabinet hardware with a new coat of paint. (Try a brushed gold or oil-rubbed bronze.) You can also add color to your home’s exterior by creating your planters and hanging them on your home’s front porch, or you can plant a simple garden on the side of your house like this one.
Leave a Reply