It’s no secret that making improvements to your home can tremendously increase its curb appeal and value. Whether you are the current owner of an older home or looking to buy one, here are some improvements that can completely change the look and feel of your home.
Paint and Stain
If you are working on a tighter budget and need to complete home improvements yourself, painting and staining may be the answer. What you can expect to spend to paint or stain a home can vary, depending on the materials you choose. 1
If you don’t want to hire a professional, look up DIY methods and best practices for painting to ensure that you’re happy the end result. Painting interior walls and staining hardwood fixtures and floors can be messy and time-consuming, but can really refresh a home, especially if you choose modern or light colors.
Flooring
Switching out old floors for shiny new ones is a stunning improvement to any home. You can make a fifty-year-old home look brand new with this simple upgrade. But before you start ripping up your old floors, consider your budget. Flooring comes in a vast range of prices. 2 How much new flooring will cost you depends on the material you choose, size of the space, and whether you’re going to be installing it yourself or hiring a professional.
Once you know your budget, you need to assess the function of the room. If the room receives a lot of foot traffic, high-quality vinyl or laminate is ideal because of how durable and easy to clean it is. Carpet can be a good option for people with young children, but fewer people are opting for it these days because of stains, dust and dander, and showing its age. If you’re planning on selling your house anytime soon, it may be better to opt for hard flooring and area rugs. Hardwoods are a costly flooring option but are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and a timeless design choice. Tile is another great choice – perfect for a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen – with a wide range of price options.
No matter what your budget or needs are, this is an improvement that can totally change your home.
Cabinets and Countertops
Updated cabinetry and countertops level up an ordinary or dated kitchen. Changing out and altering the look of your old cabinets and countertops can be a simple task that makes a huge difference.
Replacing cabinets and countertops can cost a lot of money, but there are other options is that’s not in the budget. Consider painting or staining them and replacing the hardware for a more modern look. Alternatively, opt to just replace the cabinet doors, which can save a lot compared to the cost of a gut.
Replacing countertops can also be costly, but it’s a little more difficult to refinish them and still end up with a stylish, functional, long-lasting result. Marble, granite, quartz, laminate, cement, or butch block can all work, though the installation and the costs associated with each varies substantially. This type of job often warrants a call to a professional, but it’s an improvement that can completely change the look and feel of you kitchen or bathroom.
Additions and Remodeling
Fully remodeling a home or adding an addition are expensive and should only be considered after all other options have been evaluated. Full remodels and additions are best handled by professionals, which can significantly drive up the costs. It’s best to asses your budget and consider whether selling and buying a new house is a better choice before going this route.
If you are interested in making improvements to your home, commit to fully exploring your options, setting a budget, shopping around, and comparing multiple quotes from professionals before proceeding.