Monday, August 30, 2010

Budget Friendly Home Improvements

Does your home need a spruce but you just don’t have the extra money? No need to worry, there are many easy improvements that you can do on any budget.

Spruce up with new paint. Whether you choose a color or stick with the same, putting up a fresh coat of paint will make it smell and look new. Want to switch to a bolder color? Pick an accent wall or go all out by painting the entire room. Offset the vibrant paint with more tame colored furniture and accessories. For example, if you paint the room navy blue, use lighter furniture to offset the darkness of the walls. Using multiple colors will also help add contrast making the room more appealing to the eye. If you don’t have the money to buy new furniture then try painting your current pieces to bring some life back into them.

Update your hardware. Switching out light fixtures, knobs, or sink faucets can change a room without spending much money. There is an assortment of finishes available and some of the more popular ones are:
• Antique Brass
• Brushed Nickel
• Chrome
• Oil- Rubbed Bronze
• Stainless Steel

Most finishes are also available in a polished version if desired.

Refinish or replace flooring. One of the key features of a home is the flooring--so scrub them down, get them clean and if it’s too worn in, replace it. When it comes to choosing new flooring going with laminate or vinyl might seem like a good choice for a budget-conscience consumer but unfortunately they are not as durable as some other options. Investing in wood, ceramic or stone flooring is a great option that will last longer and add value to a home.

Get organized. Multi-use areas are the key to working on a budget. If you need to create more space in a room then custom storage and pull-out beds might be the best option. “Custom” might seem expensive but there are actually many budget friendly options available. With options like a murphy bed you can have an office or library that doubles as a spare bedroom when you have company visiting. Try adding extra shelving and dividers to create a more organized closet or pantry.

Replacing Countertops. A cheap and simple upgrade to a kitchen or bath is updating your countertops. Granite and solid surface are both affordable options that can add value and beauty to your home.