If you’re flipping a home, you want to make the most of your investment. One of the best ways to increase a home’s value is through renovation and remodeling projects. Home improvement projects like exterior painting and landscape remodeling can boost a home’s curb appeal, so if you’re looking to sell, you might want to try some upgrades first.
But with the way things are now and how our budgets can suddenly evaporate in the face of great uncertainty, home improvement projects can seem like a foolish financial decision. Jumping into something big like remodeling your entire bathroom will make a dent in your savings. So if you’d like to update your home while still keeping to friendly costs, read on to see some projects that can do so much on so little.
1. The devil is in the detail
Curb appeal doesn’t always require big upgrades — all you need is to make a good first impression through details. Focus on catching and holding the attention of potential buyers by being mindful of the little details. Swap out your address numbers for an elegant typeface that matches your exterior, or paint your front door a different color!
If you want to go a bit bigger, splurge on something extravagant if your lawn is on a larger bit of land. Lush landscaping sends a touch of drama and will certainly catch interest without having to spend too much. These little details you think might be overlooked can do so much for your home’s value.
2. Improve your landscape
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on upgrading your landscaping. A nifty way to give your garden a new look is by planting new flowers and adding shrubs. Replace old plants with bright, new flower beds and see just how much a pop of color can give your landscape a facelift. Make sure to mix annuals with perennials so that your garden is in full bloom all year round.
For that extra oomph, add shrubs and other greenery with varying heights. You can also buy prefab storage buildings. Give interested buyers something to stay and look at, and a beautiful garden is a refreshing upgrade. You can even include an ornamental focal point, like a sculpture, to draw attention to a certain spot and lead the eye. Growing and cultivating a garden is an investment and will pay off greatly in the long run.
3. Spruce up your fixtures
Upgrading your interior fixtures is another good way to bring your home a whole new vibe. Replace doorknobs and drawer pulls or even paint old furniture. You can also give beaten-up shelves and tables a new finish if you want to go the extra mile. Turn a drab side table into a chic-looking one by repainting it in a nice color that fits the rest of the room.
If you’re looking for more unique fixtures, go to your local vintage shop. Older fixtures that can be repurposed will save you so much money, and you can be assured that not many people will have the same kind as yours. Check your local hardware store as well for affordable pieces. Keep your vision in mind, and look at different selections.
4. You can never go wrong with a good rug
Upgrading your flooring can raise your home’s curb appeal, but it’s a pricey project. Get a good rug instead. Rugs make a place feel more relaxed and inviting, and interior designers love using them as the cherry on top of a great room. Make sure to get a rug that is proportional to your room — get the wrong size, and you run the risk of your house looking and feeling smaller.
A rule of thumb to remember while shopping for a rug: the rug should be bigger than the furniture that goes on top of it. It’s easy for a house to feel smaller and cluttered if you choose something too small. Be careful with color choices, as well.
A final word
Small home improvement projects can have a significant effect on your property’s desirability. Desirable houses are easier to sell. Simple upgrades don’t have to empty your savings account.
In fact, the smallest things can make a difference (it sounds cliche, but it’s true), so try your hand at these projects first. Curb appeal gets better the more you are mindful of the upgrades you’re planning for your home, so keep these suggestions in mind.
