Whether you’re gearing up to sell your house or you simply want to tackle a few things to improve your home, several cost-effective projects can create huge payoffs. Investing in your largest asset might feel a bit daunting, but when you implement budget-friendly changes, you’ll be surprised at how well your home’s value can soar.
10 Low-Cost Upgrades to Up Your Home’s Value
If you’re planning on relocating, you’re likely in search of ways to boost your home’s value, but you may be hesitant to perform certain upgrades due to cost concerns. Fortunately, it’s still possible to make beautiful adjustments without having to break the bank. The following are ten home improvement ideas that are not only easily accessible but incredibly affordable, as well.
1. Hanging your artwork
Do you have any wall art you’ve never gotten around to hanging up? If so, now might be the perfect time to stop ignoring that stack of frames in the back of your closet. Taking a moment to measure and place artwork on your walls correctly can heighten your space and make a significant visual impact. For the best results, be sure to gather all your supplies and create a strategy for how you’d like everything arranged before making any holes.
2. Replacing light fixtures
Replacing the lighting fixtures in your home can give things a fresh look in a snap. By switching out a few (or all) of your existing fixtures, your space will look bigger and brighter — a definite draw when hosting an open house or giving home tours. And if you do upgrade your lighting, why not take things a step further by replacing the switch plates, as well. Details matter and conscious buyers are sure to appreciate the additional effort.
3. Steaming the carpets
Incorporating a steam cleaner into your home improvement arsenal is a major plus. With steam cleaning, you’re just harnessing the power of water; there are no questionable chemicals required. What’s more, the heat from the steam acts as a natural disinfectant to kill any hidden bacteria lurking in the fibers of your carpet. By steaming the flooring in your home, you can get a deep clean into stubborn or hard to reach places and leave things looking as good as new.
4. Installing a DIY backsplash
If there’s one element in your home that lends itself to a do-it-yourself project, it has to be a backsplash installation. A DIY backsplash is a fantastic way to liven up your kitchen or your bathroom and bring a little character to these spaces without the need to hire a professional. These days, there are plenty of peel-and-stick designs and patterns to choose from, so you can really create any mood or aesthetic you’d like!
5. Creating a new furniture layout
When you’re exploring options for how to add value to your home on a budget, a new furniture layout can have an incredible effect. Whether you need a better flow to your space or it’s simply time for a refresh, rearranging your furniture is an easy way to transform any room. And if you’d like to incorporate a few new pieces (or you’re in the market for complete sets), CORT Furniture Outlet can help you make a significant change at a low cost.
6. Refreshing your paint
A fresh coat of paint is a quick and inexpensive way to increase the value of your home. Over time, painted walls can fade from sunlight and often accumulate marks or scratches from children, pets, and general wear and tear. If you’re painting your home in preparation to sell, it’s best to stick to neutral shades that will appeal to an array of hopeful buyers. More specifically, lighter neutrals (like soft whites and grays) are the way to go when refreshing a home’s interior.
7. Replacing small appliances
Whenever people discuss remodeling ideas, the kitchen is often a hot topic. But if you can’t afford a complete kitchen remodel, a great alternative is upgrading a select few appliances. Mismatched appliances, like a brightly-colored microwave next to a stainless steel fridge, can unfortunately be an eyesore. In this case, you could purchase a gently-used stainless steel microwave to complement your existing appliances, and marvel at how much it pulls the whole room together.
8. Changing pulls or knobs
If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, improving even the most subtle details can make a difference. One element that often goes overlooked is the drawer pulls and doorknobs around your home. Changing out this hardware is a prime example of home upgrades that add value without costing a fortune. The best part is that there are many materials and finishes available, so you’re sure to find something that’ll suit your style.
9. Upgrading your front door
Upgrading your front door is an excellent way to increase your home’s curb appeal. By putting a little effort into the appearance of your front door, you’ll create a more welcoming environment for any potential buyers who stop by. Painting is a less expensive option for giving your door a new life, but if you’re ready to splurge on a full replacement, there’s a good chance you can recover some of that cost when you sell your home.
10. Investing in landscaping
Speaking of curb appeal, untamed weeds and brown shrubbery won’t do when you’re trying to attract people to your property. While hiring a professional landscaping company can be a costly endeavor, there are ample ways to make improvements on your own. If you purchase a few plants or shrubs to decorate the lawn yourself, try to choose varieties endemic to your area that’ll require less maintenance for the next owners.
Higher Value at Low Prices
Regardless if you’re moving, selling your home, or just want to invest your time and money back into a substantial asset, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your place on a budget. A great project to start with is updating your furniture for a more high-end look. For incredible deals on high-quality pieces, don’t forget to look into CORT’s discount furniture online outlet. The Clearance Center from CORT has unique furniture at low prices that’s sure to look great in any current (or future) home!
