Upgrade your home for comfort and style and boost its resale value. These expert-approved upgrades include practical updates that protect and improve your house and stylish DIY upgrades that are easy to do.
A sliding barn door can make an elegant entrance to a laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen. They’re inexpensive to buy and easy to install!
Kitchens
Your kitchen is the heart of your home and one of the first areas prospective buyers will notice. It’s also a room that tends to show wear and tear more quickly than others, so keeping it in good shape is essential.
If a full remodel isn’t in your future, there are several inexpensive ways to give your kitchen an upgrade. For example, if your cabinets are in good condition but have an outdated color, repainting them is a relatively quick and affordable project that can make a big difference.
Another simple kitchen upgrade is adding a backsplash, which can protect walls from food spatters and spills while making a design statement. Backsplashes are available in various materials, from classic tile to peel-and-stick wallpaper, stone, metal, and more. And, if you have a little DIY skill, installing your backsplash is a cost-effective project.
Other kitchen upgrades that can add function and style include installing a bar sink, which works well in a small space or an adjacent pantry area, and a pot filler to avoid hauling heavy pots of water across the kitchen. You can also eliminate trash and recycling hassles with a hidden pull-out garbage bin installed in cabinet doors or under a sink to keep containers out of sight when not in use.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are some of the highest-impact areas of your home that can be improved with a range of products. These upgrades add functionality and value and give buyers a positive impression of your home.
Upgrade Your Faucets
Replacing an old faucet is an easy and affordable way to make a big difference in the look of your bathroom. Be sure to choose an anti-microbial coating to resist mold and mildew. New light fixtures are another simple improvement. They’ll instantly brighten the room and give it a modern feel.
Consider adding more personal touches, such as fresh towels and beautiful artwork. Hanging a plant or small shelf will help add warmth to your bathroom. You can also incorporate additional storage spaces with shelving and cabinets, such as a recessed medicine cabinet, shower shelves, or even a DIY toiletry nook.
A significant improvement to your bathroom is converting it to an energy-efficient model. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it will also save you money on your utility bills. Click here to check energy-efficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets. You can also install radiant-heat flooring to improve comfort and value. It’s a great option for colder climates and is easier to do than you might think, with pre-made electric systems ready for installation in just a few steps.
Living Rooms
The living room is one of the most spacious rooms in a home and can quickly become filled with furniture, TVs, and other decorative items. This space is also a great place to display family heirlooms or hang your favorite artwork, so keeping this area looking beautiful and well-organized is essential.
Repainting the living room is an easy way to refresh its look and feel. Lighter shades will brighten the room, making it more open and airy. For a more unique touch, consider adding nailhead trim to any upholstered pieces in the living room for a high-end look at an affordable price.
Another quick and easy way to transform a living room’s appearance is by changing out old light fixtures. Replacing old schoolhouse or milkglass fixtures with modern, clean lines can instantly upgrade a room’s look. This simple renovation can be done in just a few hours, and you can find beautiful new fixtures for as little as $100. Increasing natural light in the living room can also be a cost-effective and simple way to beautify this space, and installing windows with European tilt-and-turn features is an excellent option. These upgrades will make the space more functional for you and your family while adding a valuable part to your home’s resale value.
Bedrooms
Homeowners often focus on kitchens and bathrooms when renovating, but bedrooms can make just as big of an impact on potential buyers. Today’s buyers are interested in upscale master suites that double as relaxing retreats, so make your bedroom a space they want to stay in with high-impact updates that add value and function to the home.
Adding a fresh coat of paint is the cheapest and easiest way to refresh a bedroom. Pick a bright color that adds visual interest, or try wallpaper with a bold pattern for an extra-popping accent wall. Be sure to use a quality paint sprayer that makes the process easier and faster.
A well-lit room with plenty of storage is one of the most significant selling points for a home, and you can easily create more storage in your bedrooms by adding built-in shelves to a wall or installing a simple closet system. If you’re up for a more ambitious project, consider a vaulted ceiling that adds visual interest and can be finished with faux beams.
Many homeowners will hire contractors to renovate their homes, but DIY options are also available. Invest in a quality circular saw to tackle some of the more challenging DIY projects. This handy tool will help you cut through lumber, plywood, and other materials when creating new furniture or revamping old pieces.
