10 home renovations you can DIY on a budget
5 min read
Whether it’s to improve their property’s value or just enhance their living experience, homeowners are increasingly looking to touch up the spaces they are utilizing all day every day. DIY home renovations can be an economic way to transform your space, but they can easily become pricey endeavors if you are not careful. With a bit of education and planning, however, there are countless ways to give your home a face-lift that don’t involve having to borrow or spending a fortune.
Think of the following as 10 ideas as DIY home remodeling projects on a budget — home improvements you can do without breaking the bank.
Budget remodel no. 1: Repaint the front door
Average cost: $20-$50
Your front entrance is like the gift wrapping for your home, making it feel inviting and drawing people in when done right. Rather than buying a new door, spring for a fresh coat of paint, new hardware and spruced-up trim. Re-painting to the door and updating the accents around it are simple, cheap renovations that can drastically change your home’s appearance.
Don’t stop at the door. Give your home’s exterior a good scrub using soap, a garden hose and a sturdy brush. For an even faster job (but for more money), you can also rent a power washer.
Budget remodel no.2: Apply removable wallpaper
Average cost: $75-$100
Budget remodel no. 3: Add a new kitchen backsplash
Average cost: $200-$300 (depending on material and scope)
Budget remodel no. 4: Refresh but don’t retile bathroom floors
Average cost: $65
While a small part of a kitchen redo, retiling can get expensive in the bathroom. Instead of installing brand-new tile, you can achieve the same kind of updated look by painting the existing floor. There are tons of unique stencil designs and paint shades to choose from, making it surprisingly easy to complete the job yourself for less.
Budget remodel no. 5: Repaint cabinets
Average cost: $200-$600
In addition to revamping backsplash or tile flooring, you can completely update the look of your kitchen or bathroom by repainting the cabinets, especially if they are decades old. While it will require time to repaint them, the costs are fairly low compared to replacing cabinetry entirely.
If you want to take things a step further, invest in new cabinet hardware, too. Ben Fisher, a property investor and owner of the Fisher Group, a Park City, Utah real estate agency, says, “Just a simple addition of brushed gold knobs and pulls can make the simplest kitchens glamorous in moments. However, when you are doing such a project you should be prepared to touch up the tiny dings and scratches that might occur when removing the old hardware.”
Budget remodel no. 6: Add some flowers
Average cost: $20 or more
Adding a few colorful annuals such as pansies, marigold or petunias to a garden is a great way to create curb appeal. As an alternative low-maintenance way to freshen up your front yard, try a couple of potted, flowering plants or “window boxes with seasonal and overflowing blooms.” They add color and provide a great view from the outside and inside.
Budget remodel no. 7: Replace bathroom hardware
Average cost: $10-$200
It is no secret a bathroom remodel can be expensive. For cheaper, DIY upgrades, consider replacing the faucets, drawer pulls, towel bar or bathroom mirror. These items come in a variety of shapes and colors that could help give your bathroom a new look. For example, replacement bathroom mirrors can be wood-framed, steel-framed or frameless.
Budget remodel no. 8: Add new curtains
Average cost: $20-$300 (depending on material)
Window treatments can transform a room’s look and feel, especially draped fabric. Curtains, specifically, are easy to find on a budget — if you go for pre-made models — and they are simple to install quickly. For example, you can pick up a stylish curtain rod for $6 on Wayfair and a set of two curtain panels on sale at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $25. That’s about $30 for a new look. If you have windows that aren’t standard sizes, go with adjustable no-sew drapes, using double-sided fabric tape.
Budget remodel no. 9: Bring in artwork
Average cost: $10-$100
Hanging artwork can add interest to any room. You don’t have to be an experienced art collector (or spend like one) to find the perfect piece, either. Look for wall art that catches your eye and fits within your budget. Thrift stores and craft stores are good places to start. Or, opt for high-quality prints of famous works or posters from museum exhibitions.
Budget remodel no. 10: Increase storage space
Average cost: $40-$100
If you are looking for a way to store more things — and who isn’t — there are several options. A closet organizer can help you declutter, freeing up more walking space and giving it a neater look. To add more storage space, you could install new shelves in the garage or other living areas to organize or display different items.
Other tips for renovating on a budget
Incorporate materials you already have. One of the most effective ways to save money on DIY home improvement is to use upcycled or recycled materials, such as pallets or scrap lumber.
Anticipate all the costs. Proper project planning, saving and budgeting can help you avoid overextending yourself and reduce the chances of maxxing out your credit cards or draining your checking account.
Final word: DIY home renovations on a budget
https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/diy-home-renovations-on-a-budget/
