Budget home remodeling projects can add value to your home without breaking the bank. Let home magazines, remodeling TV shows, books, and websites inspire you with DIY projects.
Instead of taking on some major and time-consuming projects, try tackling some of these simpler ones. With a little effort, goodwill, and some help from family and friends, the value of your home will increase significantly, and you can confidently put it on the market.
Those old carpets are dated and worn out. And they may also trap contaminants and allergens, degrading air quality in your home.
Tile flooring or laminated floors are environmentally friendly and natural, and therefore always a better solution. Replacing your old carpets with a hard surface will reduce odors, make cleaning easier, and increase appeal to potential buyers.
As we noted in our post on energy-efficient insulation, a home loses as much as 40 percent of its energy due to air infiltration. The right insulation helps retain heat inside of your home while preventing air from leaking in. Apart from maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, it also helps prevent roof and wall damage, such as leaks and mold.
In addition to adding value to your home through curb appeal, trees provide shade. Well-placed trees can help reduce cooling costs during the summer and lower the surrounding temperature.
Good landscaping design is sure to bring value to your home. See the Department of Energy website for ideas on Landscaping for Shade. If you don’t have the time for gardening, you can add low-maintenance shrubs and other colorful plants to add curb appeal.
A water filtration system on your kitchen faucet is a small, inexpensive addition that will appeal to many home buyers. You can also stop buying bottled water .
Popcorn ceilings were popular in the ’60s and ’70s. Applying texture to drywall and plaster ceilings was a quick and easy way to hide imperfections with no painting required afterwards. However, its rough texture attracts dust and cobwebs and makes patching cracks and holes a headache.
You could remove it yourself, but popcorn ceilings installed before 1980 may contain asbestos. To be safe, have a professional test it first. If it’s asbestos-free, you just need to buy a solution to soften the texture and scrape the popcorn away.
Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to add more value to your home. Perhaps a full remodel is not within your budget. But small changes can freshen it up, such as replacing the wallpaper or lighting, add some fancy cupboard knobs, or update the faucet and shower heads.
Energy-efficient appliances lower utility bills and also increase visual appeal throughout your home. A ceiling fan can enhance a room’s decor while also providing light and a soft breeze during the summer. Ceiling fans can also reduce your reliance on air conditioning.
A kitchen update can do wonders for the value of your home. If your sinks and appliances are very old and outdated, look into replacing them first. Next, you can update your cabinets with new varnish or paint and swap out those old handles for modern ones.
Perform regular maintenance. Look out for small things that need to be repaired or replaced so they don’t become larger problems. For example, a leak spot on the ceiling can cause great damage to your roof if not taken care of promptly. Even small visible issues can cause potential buyers to worry that there are more issues out of view.
A new paint job is a simple and cost-effective way to improve your home and increase its value. Freshly painted rooms will look clean and up to date. If your home is up for sale, the best thing to do is to choose neutral colors. You can certainly do the painting yourself. But hiring a professional ensures a high-quality finish.
See also: Our post, Paint Sheens Explained.
The bigger the square footage, the bigger the value. However, if you have a smaller home, there are some visual tricks to make it appear bigger. Rooms can be made to appear bigger by strategically rearranging furniture.
Or you can replace heavy closed draperies with blinds or shutters, which will let in more light. Another great trick is to add a single large mirror in a room which will visually double the space.
Clutter also makes a room feel smaller than it actually is. Store your clutter out of sight or add some attractive shelves to an underused space and keep your things organized.
An old water heater can be a turn off for some home buyers. Tankless water heaters are more efficient—heating only the water you need as you need it—and will certainly leave a great impression on the buyers.
Today, most homebuyers are looking at energy-efficiency. Appliances with an Energy Star label use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than other conventional appliances. New models look great, and many are stainless steel which is a bonus. If you do not have the budget for new, modern appliances, at least opt for upgrading your lighting to Energy Star one.
The front door and porch are one of the first things that will be noticed as buyers make their way to your home. An old, worn-out front door can be replaced with a new and stronger one. Or you can simply repaint it with an inviting new color.
High on the wish lists of many homebuyers is more storage space. Consider adding closets or a custom-shelving system within existing closets. Areas worthy of special attention may include:
Fixtures in your home include curtain rods, light fixtures, doorknobs, switch plates, outlet covers, etc. Make sure that these are updated throughout your home because sometimes the devil is in the details. Outlets covers and switch plates, for example, look more attractive when made from metal. These changes are easy to do yourself and do not cost that much, just make sure you choose colors that appeal to a larger crowd.
If you’re not inclined to repaint your home’s exterior, at least power wash it to recreate a like-new sparkle. While you’re at it, make sure to give the driveway and patio a wash as well.
When your home is finally on the market, it is vital to keep a tidy and clean house, as an untidy home can give the impression of low maintenance overall. Add some homey touches like flowers, cookies, music that will instantly make the potential buyers feel at home.
If you would like to consult a professional, we would be happy to offer our expert guidance. So please contact us at LaBonte Construction, voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 in Home Remodeling by Shepherd Express readers.
We also ranked best in the Bathroom Remodeler, Basement/Rec Room Remodeler, and Kitchen Remodeler categories.
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