Simple Home Improvement Projects
Most people have walked into their home at some point and just felt like moving. It can happen more often if your home has outdated finishes. A whole home remodel would do the trick, but that may not be in your budget. Don’t worry, here are a few projects that can bring a lot of new life to a home without breaking your budget.
Replace the doorknobs. If you have old, brass-colored doorknobs, you can swap them out for brushed nickel ones. All you need is a screwdriver and a Saturday afternoon to replace them. Don’t forget the hinges too.
Install new bathroom faucets. They get corroded and outdated. You’ll need to watch a few YouTube videos before you take on the project, though. It’s not too complicated, but you can't wing it and you'll need some special tools. Also consider replacing the towel bars and toilet paper holder while you’re at it too.
Put in LED replacement lights. Whether you have recessed can lights, ceiling-mounted lights, or hanging lights; LED upgrades are available. So get rid of those old dome lights that look like grandma’s punch bowl stuck to the ceiling and replace them with something more modern and efficient! Some of the recessed can lighting replacements screw into the old light socket and require no tools. If you need to touch any wires, make sure you turn off the power at the breaker.
Paint. Drab, old, dull paint can bring down a room. One or two gallons will cover a typical room, or you can paint an accent wall and get away with a quart. Remember the more you tape around baseboards, trim and ceilings, the less touch-up is needed.
Organize your closet. Kill two birds with one stone here. Get rid of a bunch of old clothes you never wear anymore and get a closet that’s better organized and more efficient! There are tons of options for “drop-in” closet organizer kits that screw or click together.
Clean up your yard. Trim back neglected plants. Tighten up the edges of your garden and landscaping beds. Dig out old, overgrown and sunken pavers. There are a lot of things you can do around your yard for free that will help freshen things up. Check on social media sites for people giving away unused material (leftover materials pop up a lot).
Replace cabinet pulls and handles. Sometimes it’s the little things that can really tie a room together. Often times in a kitchen, it’s the cabinet fixtures. It’s something anyone can do with a screwdriver and can be done in an hour after work. Ikea and Amazon have a lot of budget-friendly options. Consider putting a different design on the island or a standalone cupboard to add a little flair.
Put down a rug. It’s that simple and doesn’t matter if you have hardwood, tile, or carpet. A rug can change up the feel of a space. Expect to spend anywhere from nothing to a few hundred dollars; the choice is yours.
Replace your outlet and switch plates. This can be a huge improvement in older homes. Plastic degrades over time and gets that yellow tinge. Old plates were often made from a brittle plastic that can crack. While you’re at it, replace the outlets and switches too. Rocker style switches and plugs with built-in USBs are a great update.
Remove ceiling popcorn. It’s no longer 1973. With a spray bottle and a scraper, you can shave years off your home’s appearance. Some plastic sheeting and a few rolls of tape will help too. Unless you also want to replace your carpet.
Sometimes a few details make the whole picture better. Everything on this list can easily be done by you and with tools you most likely already have or are at least inexpensive to buy. Either watch a few videos, talk to someone at your local hardware store, or, better still, ask a neighbor for tips and some help.
And if you’re looking into more expansive home renovations, check out Fort Financial’s home equity loan and line of credit options. Whether you are looking to complete one big project or whittle away your wish list a little at a time, we can help find the best option for you to tackle your home improvement projects. Learn more at https://www.fortfinancial.org/home-equity.
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