Top Ten Low-Cost Upgrades for Your Home
Do you want to upgrade your home, but you’re intimidated by the cost? It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that home improvement means massive outlays of cash. Of course, it can mean that; but it doesn’t have to. You don’t have to spend a great deal of money to make some big improvements to your home.
Here are the top ten low-cost upgrades for your home.
1. Front and Center – Your Front Door
Start with the front of your home, sources say. This is the place you will look at every time you walk in the house, and so will everyone else who visits. The front door is a good place to start. Here are some ways to spruce it up.
* Paint your front door. Usually a coat of primer and one coat of paint will do the trick. For a natural wood door, lightly sand the wood surface and apply a fresh coat of stain.
* Buy a new handle or doorknob.
* Hang an attractive, fresh wreath on the door.
2. Front Porch
Still at the front of the house, make some improvements to your front porch. Matching planters on either side of the front door can look great. Make sure the plants in them are healthy and attractive. You can also hang plants from your porch ceiling if you have one.
A welcome mat that’s colorful and classy can also add a quick upgrade and a splash of color.
3. Kitchen Faucet
The kitchen is an important part of your home – it’s where people look first if they are buying a home and it’s where guests tend to congregate. For a small amount of money, you can replace your kitchen faucet – of course, that price goes up if you have to hire a professional. But if you can do it yourself, you can spend as little as $15 for a new kitchen faucet that sparkles.
4. Kitchen Cabinets
Paint your cabinets and refresh your entire kitchen for just the cost of the paint. Natural wood cabinets can be lightly sanded and re-stained.
5. Kitchen Appliances
Wash the front of your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher to give immediate refreshment to your appliances.
6. Bathroom Floor
For a quick, affordable fix for a worn bathroom floor, look for a sheet of vinyl flooring that can be placed right over the existing floor. You can also put down a new bathroom throw rug that covers most of the floor. Bright colors look the freshest.
7. Toilet Upgrade
Instead of replacing your whole toilet, just replace the toilet lid and seat. Then clean the toilet and put a nice arrangement of flowers on the toilet tank.
8. Window Treatments
New panel curtains or quick window treatments can upgrade and refresh a whole room. You can do most rooms in your home – or at least the bedroom and living room – for very little money.
9. Throw Pillows
New throw pillows add color and newness to your living room, den, or bedroom. Choose bright, clean colors and patterns.
10. Replace Throw Rugs
For not too much money, you can replace your worn throw rugs and liven up your kitchen, living room, bedroom, and entryway.
There you have it! These ten cost-effective ways of upgrading your home should make your living space livelier and fresher.