Whether you’re looking for a home to buy or just trying to make your current one feel new again, there are certain upgrades that can instantly add value.
While a full renovation may be beyond your budget, there are plenty of simple home projects that can give your home an upgrade for less than $50.
Crown Molding
Crown molding adds an elegant finishing touch to walls and ceilings. It’s available in a range of designs, so it can complement any established style in your home.
Traditional crown molding is made of wood or plaster. These materials require a high level of skill to work with, so they’re not the best choice for a DIY project.
Instead, choose polyurethane crown molding for a simple and affordable upgrade. Polyurethane is more flexible than wood, so it’s easier to cut and install. Then, paint it your favorite color. It will instantly transform a room into something more grown-up or classy. It’s especially effective around entryways and mantels.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are a staple in modern design and add value to your home. They look stunning in entryways, living areas, and dining rooms. Plus, hardwood doesn’t trap dust and allergens like carpet does.
If you don’t have the budget for solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood is a great alternative. These floors have a hardwood veneer bonded to a plywood or MDF core. This allows them to be more versatile and easy for DIYers to install.
You can also go green with this home upgrade by choosing eco-friendly options such as LIFECORE floors. These floors are made with zero added formaldehyde, which provides a healthier atmosphere for your family and the environment.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a strong and durable flooring option that’s easy to clean. The protective resin coating is also resistant to scratches, making it a great choice for homes with children and pets.
The core layer is a dense board made from plywood or high-density fiberboard, and the design or image layer is a high-resolution photograph of the texture that the floor mimics (usually wood but sometimes stone as well). Some laminates have an underlayment attached to promote moisture resistance or add comfort. The click fitting system makes it quick and easy for do-it-yourselfers to install, a project that should only take a day for a small room.
Appliance Upgrades
Appliance upgrades are one of the easiest ways to increase your home’s value. In fact, nearly three out of four homeowners say that they would rather fix or replace their appliances than accept a lower offer when selling their home. Fortunately, there are many simple, affordable upgrades you can make to your home’s appliances. For example, you can install groovy strip lights that glow to the beat of your music and are controllable from a smartphone. You can also upgrade builder-basic outlet covers, light switches, and door knobs with unique options that won’t go unnoticed by buyers. You can find these and other inexpensive improvements online.
Attic
The attic is a major part of the ceiling in your living space, so making sure it can hold your furniture and anything else you want to store in there is a crucial upgrade. You’ll need to figure out if you have room for a staircase, and you may need extra floor joists as well to make sure the attic can handle the weight of your belongings without sagging the roof. This is a project that should be left to professionals for the best results. They can also help you figure out what type of attic windows to add. (These are important for both light and fire safety). The cost for this upgrade will be minimal.
Room Additions
If you find your home is starting to feel cramped, consider a room addition. This is a great way to accommodate growing family needs without having to move.
If your property and permitting allow, a conventional house addition can be constructed to add a new bedroom, family room, living room or bathroom. Alternatively, you can add a sunroom for a supplemental living space that will bring in natural light to make your existing home feel larger.
Room additions like this can be complex and costly, so it is a good idea to work with a design-build firm that can coordinate the entire project from start to finish. This ensures that the project is executed correctly and on budget.