Every homeowner wants their home to look beautiful and functional. However, upgrading your home can be quite expensive. You may want to do a total renovation but your budget may not be enough. Don’t worry, though, there are some awesome house upgrades that you can make without breaking the bank. Here are seven awesome house upgrades to set aside a little budget for. Let’s get started!
Improving Your Kitchen
You may not be able to afford a complete renovation of your kitchen, but you can make some upgrades that can give your kitchen a new look and functionality. Start by replacing your kitchen countertop with a granite or quartz countertop. These countertops are durable, easy to clean, and they add value to your home. You can also upgrade your kitchen cabinets by repainting or replacing them. Lastly, you can replace your old kitchen appliances with energy-efficient appliances. These are not only environmentally friendly, but they can also save you money on energy bills.
The cost of upgrading your kitchen will depend on the extent of the upgrades and the quality of materials you choose. On average, homeowners spend around $20,000 to $30,000 for a complete renovation of their kitchen. However, if you want to make smaller upgrades like replacing countertops or repainting cabinets, you can budget anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. Whatever you end up upgrading, be sure to set a budget and prioritize the upgrades that are most important to you and your family.
Adding More Lighting
Lighting upgrades can make a huge difference in the way your home looks. You can upgrade your lighting fixtures to something more energy-efficient and stylish. Consider replacing your old light bulbs with LED ones. LED lights last longer and they consume less energy. You can also add some accent lighting to your living room or dining room to give your home a warm and cozy feel.
Refreshing Your Bathroom
Your bathroom is one of the rooms in your house that needs to be upgraded from time to time. The upgrades you can make include replacing your old faucet and showerhead with more modern and energy-efficient ones. Another upgrade you can add is a low-flush toilet. This type of toilet can save you a lot of water and money in the long run. You can also upgrade your bathroom tiles and add some accessories to give it a fresher look.
The most expensive bathroom upgrades would be a complete renovation of the bathroom. This includes replacing the tiles, fixtures, and adding additional amenities such as a jacuzzi tub or steam shower. On average, homeowners spend around $10,000 to $20,000 for a complete bathroom renovation.
On the other hand, the least expensive bathroom upgrades would be small changes such as replacing faucets and showerheads or adding new accessories like towel racks and lighting fixtures. These upgrades can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the quality of materials and labor costs in your area, so be sure to know what you want to do beforehand so you can start saving.
Improving Your Storage
Clutter can make any home feel disorganized and chaotic. That’s why improving your storage solutions is one of the best home upgrades you can make. Start by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need. Then, invest in storage solutions that will help you keep everything in its place. You can add shelves, hanging organizers, or storage bins. The key is to find a system that works for you and your family.
Fixing or Replacing Flooring
Flooring upgrades are great for improving the appearance of any room in your home. One of the best flooring upgrades is hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are durable and can add value to your home. If hardwood is out of your budget, then you can consider laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is more affordable than hardwood flooring, and it’s easy to install too. Another type of flooring you can consider is vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean.
When considering upgrading your flooring, it’s important to prioritize which rooms in your home will benefit the most. The best place to start would be high traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, and hallways. These areas are prone to wear and tear and upgrading the flooring can instantly improve the overall appearance of your home.
Updating Paint Jobs
Painting is a great way to add a new look to any room in your home. You can repaint your walls with a different color or add an accent wall for a pop of color. You can also consider painting your woodwork or your fireplace. These upgrades are easy to do and can be done without spending too much money.
When choosing paints, be sure to consider the type of paint and its quality. For walls, you can choose between matte, satin, or semi-gloss finishes depending on the look you want to achieve. When it comes to woodwork and trim, it’s best to use a high-quality semi-gloss finish as it’s more durable and easier to clean. It’s also important to choose the right color for your home, so be sure to test paint samples on your walls before making a decision. Consider using low VOC or zero VOC paints to create a healthier environment in your home. Don’t forget to properly prepare and prime the surfaces before painting for better results and longer-lasting finish.
Increasing Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the first impression your home makes on visitors and potential buyers if you plan to sell. Therefore, it’s important to budget for some curb appeal upgrades. These can include adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of your home, new garage door installation, replacing old and worn out windows or doors, and landscaping improvements such as planting flowers or adding a new outdoor light fixture.
These upgrades not only enhance the appearance of your home, but they can also add value to your property. Don’t neglect the exterior of your home, as it can greatly impact its overall appeal and market value.
Upgrading your home doesn’t have to be expensive. With these awesome house upgrades to budget for, you can transform your home without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to paint your walls, update your lighting, refresh your kitchen, improve your storage, or add curb appeal, there are plenty of affordable ways to upgrade your home and make it feel like new. Even a little goes a long way. Have fun!