5 Home improvements that won't break the bank
1- Jazz up your front door
To completely change your front door can cost thousands of dollars, but by giving it some time and creativity, you can completely change the look and feel of your front door. You’d be amazed by the difference new hardware and a clean door mat will make. However if you want to go the extra mile, you could add a fresh coat of paint, update the lighting and add a potted plant. You wouldn't even recognize your entrance when you're done.
Pro tip- If you decide to paint your door, preperation is key. Dont just paint over the old paint. Make sure to sand, prime and fix any dents before giving the door it’s final coat.
2- Add curb appeal
Don’t wait until you’re selling your home to improve the curb appeal. It could be as simple as power washing your driveway or fixing a broken fence. Sometimes it means spending time in the yard getting your hands dirty, pulling weeds or trimming bushes. Painting window and door trim, adding window boxes and updating your house number are all great ways to greatly improve your curb appeal.
Pro tip- It's hard to go wrong with a simple seating area. A couple chairs and small table is about all you need.
3-Update lighting
Light fixtures can make a huge difference to the feel of a room. The right choice of bulb and fixture can add uplifting warm energy while a dull bulb and light shade can make a space feel dull, dated and dreary. Updating your ceiling fan or adding lighting under cabinets are relatively inexpensive ways to change the feel of a space.
Pro tip- If you’re replacing your fixture, it is worth investing in energy efficient bulbs like LEDs or CFLs. They cost a little more upfront but last longer and use less energy.
4-Repair inside wall and paint
This is another project we often put off until we are selling our home before we make the improvements. Why let someone else get all the enjoyment out of a new paint job. It is fairly simple to patch and sand holes. Add primer and paint to the walls and you’re romm is instantly upgraded.
Pro tip- Properly prepare the work area for a more enjoyable and efficient painting experience
5-Update your toilet
Adding a new toilet will not only make your eyes happy but will also save you money. Toilets from before 1995 use up to 6 gallons of water per flush while newer models use as little as 1.2 gallons per flush. Older toilets are also more likely to leak, wasting gallons of water every day.
Pro tip- If you want to know if your toilet is leaking, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Come back in 30 minutes and look inside the bowl. If any of the coloring has made its way into the bowl, you have a leak