Home improvement projects can add a significant amount of value to your house when done well. They don’t have to break the bank, either.
Freshen up eyesores like light switches and outlet covers by painting them. Or, use stencils to create a stylish accent wall. You can also make your patio, deck, and walkways look brand new by power washing them.
Paint
Refreshing a room with a new coat of paint is one of the most budget-friendly ways to refresh a space and instantly improve its look. With a variety of trendy colors available and DIY options such as stencils or stamps, this is one home improvement project that’s easy to do on your own without spending a fortune.
The entryway is a key focal point of your home and can set the tone for how guests perceive it. A fresh coat of paint and some new hardware can make a dramatic difference.
Another way to modernize a foyer is to install shelving, wall hooks for hanging jackets and scarves, or a bench. These cheap home improvement projects are simple to do and will transform an often-overlooked space into a functional entranceway.
Crown Molding
Crown molding is an architectural accent that makes a room feel taller by drawing the eye up. It also adds value to the home, especially when it’s well done and matches the style of the house.
While wood molding is typically pricier, it can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Many local hardware stores sell different styles of hardwood molding that can be stained or painted and installed with finishing nails. Medium density fiberboard is less expensive, but can sag over time and is susceptible to water damage.
Faux crown molding made of affordable materials like polyurethane or PVC is an alternative to traditional wood and costs as low as $1 per linear foot. It’s a good option for rental spaces or children’s rooms because it is lightweight and easy to remove. However, it doesn’t look as nice as wood or plaster and doesn’t hold paint well over time. It’s important to consider this before making a purchase.
Add Storage
One of the most affordable home improvement projects you can do is add storage. Whether it’s a pantry addition, wine rack or more cabinets, adding more storage to your home will make it more functional and help you stay organized.
Lighting upgrades are another cheap home renovation project that can have a big impact on your house’s interior design. Replacing outdated light fixtures with sleeker options like a chandelier over your dining room table, industrial-style pendant lights in the kitchen or wall sconces around your bathroom vanity will instantly give your home a new look.
These cheap DIY home improvement projects will not only help you enjoy your living space more, they’ll also add value if you ever decide to sell. So, don’t put off your DIY home improvements any longer. With a little sweat equity and your favorite DIY tools, you can create the dream home of your dreams without going into debt or ransacking your savings account.
Flooring
Flooring is any type of floor covering that lays on or is glued or nailed to the subfloor that covers a room. It typically includes carpeting, tile (whether stone, saltillo or the commercial “fake” type) wood flooring, or any other material that covers an area that people walk on.
Flooring can add a lot of value to your home. It can also improve comfort, especially if you live with children or pets. It’s one of the most important aspects of a home’s design.
Adding new flooring is not a cheap project. Depending on the material you choose, it can cost from $4 to $20 per square foot or more. However, there are some affordable options. For example, modular peel-and-stick carpet tiles can be used to create a rug or stair runners and cost around $3 per square foot. They’re also easy to install. Alternatively, you can shampoo your existing wall-to-wall carpeting for just a few hundred dollars or consider refinishing hardwood floors or re-coating tile to refresh them.