If you’re a little tired of your home’s appearance and you want to give it some new life, small updates might be the answer for you. Here are a couple of ideas that may give you a breath of fresh air and make an impact without the cost of a major remodel or renovation.
Changing old hardware and fixtures is one of the easiest ways to make an impact without remodeling.
- Swap out cabinet knobs and pulls
- Change worn and tarnished door hardware
- Update light fixtures and plumbing fixtures
- Replace towel bars and toilet paper holders
Add some custom trim to give old rooms a new look, feel and function.
- Add crown molding or wainscoting to dress-up tired rooms
- Build a bookcase or new fireplace surround
- Replace louvered shutters for a more updated style
- Install a pair of glass French doors in a old opening
Replace or add floor tile or hardwood and repaint.
- Tile bathroom floors, small rooms use less material (= less expense)
- Refinish old hardwood or add new to make an impact
- Get rid of that old carpet, even if you’re only replacing it
- Repaint and modernize your homes color scheme
These are just a few ideas to help you update without the expense of a big remodeling project. I think
the key here is changing things that date your home and finding ways to freshen things up. If you’re the
do-it –yourself type, you can probably avoid hiring a contractor on some of these projects. It’s a good
rule of thumb, depending on your home’s value, to budget $2000-$3000 a year for home maintenance
and repair. Also, remember to take care of any minor issues before they become major ones. Small
leaks, peeling paint, and wet basements can often become big repairs if they aren’t taken care of
quickly.
