5 Effortless Home Improvements for Under $1,000
It's easy to understand if you, like most Americans, associate home remodeling projects with spending way too much money. After all, an average bathroom remodel costs over $16,000, as pointed out by Remodeling Magazine's 2014 Cost versus Value Report. Switching out your windows will cost you $8,000 on average. Kitchens and master bedroom projects typically run many times that amount.
Turns out, though, that some less expensive projects can add instant curb appeal, make living in your abode a lot more pleasant, and can be done with an affordable price.
The following are several simple enhancements to think about...
1. Improve lighting.
Remember that really good modern lighting can make a room appear larger and warmer. Thus switch out any outdated light fixtures and update them with new energy efficient models. To find attractive alternatives, home retailer web sites will update you on modern lighting trends, including copper or bronze fixtures. Pendants or candelabrums in attractive metals and designs can change the appearance of a room more than you might think.
Expected cost: Fixture prices can vary a lot, and can go from $20 to $1000. If you have to work with an electrician, you may prefer to choose cheaper lighting to balance your costs. Simply spray painting your current light fixtures can cost as little as $20.
2. Update your home's entrance.
One of the most ideal ways to enhance the look of your home from the street is to make your front entrance livelier and much more appealing. Replacing the front door is a popular way to reach that goal. Perhaps try a new solid door with modern fittings and locks. Or refresh your existing door with a fresh coat of paint and new handles (remember you may still need to budget for a handy man despite the fact that you're only replacing the knobs).
In the event that your front door remains in good condition and you merely want to beautify the door entry, new potted plants, a new exterior light, fresh new door numbers and a new rug can instantly add charisma, and be done quickly.
Expected cost: a new front door will run approximately $1,000 (a fiberglass door will probably cost more). You should expect to pay approximately $30 to $100 for materials if you paint it instead.
3. Update the bathroom.
Since bathrooms are typically smaller rooms, $1,000 can go a very long way. For example, you can replace the toilet and sink- plus pay a plumber to install them- for under $1,000. You'll find the lowest prices on discontinued models. Another option: just painting the room, which can typically be carried out in one weekend. If you like to do it yourself, and have a plain, frameless mirror, often called a builder's grade mirror, maybe consider updating it with a contemporary frame or learn how to tile.
Expected cost: Brand new toilets and sinks can be found in hardware stores for around $100 to $300 each. Vanities run about $500 to $900.
4. Employ the services of professional cleaners.
A thorough cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your home, but also makes living in it more pleasant. Even though you can definitely do it yourself, there are good reasons to sometimes hire a professional. Professional carpet cleaners, for example, use advanced and powerful machines that suck out more dirt and water than you could possibly get with a hand-held version. When it comes to windows, they can be challenging to clean yourself when they're in hard-to-reach locations, thus tempting you to miss parts of them. Hiring professional pressure washers can clean moss and mold and mildew off driveways and walkways, helping make them cleaner in appearance and much safer for pedestrians.
Expected cost: Professional carpet cleaning companies should do the job for around $200 to $500, depending upon the dimensions of the area. Professional pressure washing machines can be rented for $100 to $200, or you can employ the services of someone to tackle the job for under $1000.
5. Jazz up the walls.
A room can appear much larger if you add some wall decoration. Aim to use your walls from the floor to the ceiling, this give the eye a reason to move up and down, deceiving it into thinking the space is much bigger than it actually is.
Adding decor such as open shelves provides you with space to add in splashes of color and decor or meaningful objects. Maybe try installing simple shelves in a symmetrical pattern, or maybe moving your artwork from one room to another. If you don't have enough items to hang, take an interesting piece of fabric and stretch it over a canvas, or frame bits of your favorite designs on paper. The two are effortless, affordable ways to jazz up your home.
Expected cost: You should expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 for a single shelf or decent-sized frame from a big box retailer.
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