Value Added Home Renos on a Budget
When buying a home, many buyers look for that “move-in ready” factor so they don’t have to make many changes. With this in mind, home owners are often advised to make updates that will create a heightened appeal and improve resale value. For those on a tight budget, the idea of renovating might sound a little scary, however, we know a few cost-effective tricks for making a big impact on your home’s appearance and value.
Here are our top value-added home renos on a budget.
Re-Paint
So you’ve bought a house and love the layout, but there’s that one bedroom room that looks like it came out of a time capsule. Simple solution…paint it. A home’s resale value is heightened by a simple monochromatic or neutral colour scheme. The odd accent wall is fine too when kept as a complimentary tone. A neutral palette can accommodate a wide range of décor. If you do like a punch of colour, add décor pieces that can easily be swapped out at any time that don’t require a major commitment. Your expenditure may cost you a can or two of paint, some tape, rollers and brushes. For a minimal cost, you can completely refresh a room’s appearance.
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After
Upgrade Light Fixtures
The lighting of a home can have a big impact on the overall ambiance and mood. Newer homes typically have standard contractor-grade fixtures that work absolutely fine with almost any décor. Replacing an outdated light fixture with something more modern and with more flair will help show pride of ownership. Consider a fancier fixture for a dining room. Multi-purpose ceiling fans for a kitchen or bedroom will aid with air circulation but are often a design disaster. However, not all ceiling fans are created equal – there are many new ceiling fans options that are attractive, modern, and even look like works of art.
Also consider the brightness of a light bulb. Bright daylight bulbs are great for functional areas like a kitchen while subdued, white light can create a more ambient atmosphere appropriate for a living room. Or, consider changing out a light switch from a simple open/close relay to a dimmer switch so you can have the lights on full brightness when you’re cooking but on a dimmer glow when hosting a laid-back, intimate wine and appetizer night with guests.
Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
Kitchen cabinetry is often installed with standard door knobs and drawer pulls that are strictly functional, but updating the style of your hardware can deliver give your cabinetry a little face lift. The updated hardware in the image below takes years off of the age of these cabinets.
Mount Under Cabinet Kitchen Lighting
Just as a light fixture and the brightness of bulb can impact the ambiance of a room, so can undermount kitchen cabinet lighting. Sometimes you don’t need the lights on full brightness and just want a soft glow or specific task lighting can assist during meal prep. While re-wiring electrical and installing permanent fixtures may not be an option, home renovation stores are now offering a multitude of easy DIY options. Consider a plug-in LED strip lighting or even a battery-operated puck light. Some are even designed for motion sensitivity to conserve electricity or battery power when not working at the counter.
Replace Shower Head and Bathroom Hardware
Over time, calcium and debris can build up and clog the aeration holes in a shower head causing a drop in water pressure or streams of water to jet out in every odd direction when showering. Changing the shower head can give a more luxurious feel to a bathroom, especially if changed to a large rainshower head. Other updated bathroom fixtures like a monochromatic faucet, towel rod and toilet paper hanger can also give that little added touch to set the mood for starting off your day and ending in relaxation.
Add a Throw Rug
Changing the flooring of any room is a major undertaking, but simply laying down or updating an old throw rug can change the atmosphere and add texture and interest to your flooring. On cool ceramic tile or wood flooring, a throw rug can greatly enhance warmth and comfort. For those spending a significant amount of time in the kitchen, add a memory foam cushioned mat to alleviate standing fatigue. A plush water absorbing mat keeps your feet toasty warm and dry in the bathroom and a durable stain resistant mat offers a warm welcome all year-round at the entry.
New Mailbox and House Number
Just as your front door creates a statement, so do the other exterior adornments such as a mailbox, house number and outdoor mats. Items like these that are worn out, faded or blend into the outer shell of your home give a lackluster feel. Make your home stand out from the crowd with updated touches that show your pride of ownership. Not to mention that a house number that boldly stands out means your guests and fast food delivery person will be able to easily find your house!
Privacy Plant Wall
Homes that are built close together in a residential subdivision do not always offer a private and peaceful setting when you can practically reach out and touch your neighbour. Without going to the expense of building a tall dividing fence, obtain privacy and create a tranquil sanctuary with a plant wall. At a front entry, line the walkway with tall shrubs or low-lying trees. On upper balconies or a back deck, railing planter boxes can be used to plant tall grasses. All of these options bring an added touch of nature and serenity to an otherwise cookie cutter rural subdivision.
Your home is an expression of yourself. The smallest design features and added touches reflect the home owner’s unique character and style. When working on a budget, keep an eye out for home store sales and specials and even check local thrift and re-homing stores like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. If you’re on a budget, updating your home’s décor goes a long way to refresh and rejuvenate.