You love your house; it’s the oyster to which you can slowly add pearls, making it more and more alluring as the years go by. But sometimes, life gets in the way, and those home improvement projects you’ve been meaning to do for years don’t seem to happen. It could be a financial issue or the home-to-work-and-back-again hustle that doesn’t leave enough time in the day. Whatever the reason, we’ve all been there.
But does that mean your home has to stay in limbo until you win the lottery or finally have a day off? Absolutely not! You can do plenty of home improvement projects that won’t break the bank. Allow us to fill you in.
Exterior Home Improvement Ideas
Your house’s exterior is your first “what do you think, eh?” to the world, so it must look good. Many elements contribute to your home’s curb appeal, and most of them are relatively inexpensive to change.
Fix the Roof – Shingles or No Shingles
A sagging, leaky roof is not only an eyesore but can also cause severe structural damage to your property. It is especially true for areas where snow averages about 78 inches annually, like Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The elements can go haywire on your roof, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it and make repairs as necessary. Depending on how extreme the damage is, you may be able to get away with just patching up a few problem areas. But if the damage is too much, you may need to contact a Highlands Ranch roofing company for a complete replacement.
Paint Over – Nice and Bold
If you want to throw in a little personality to your home’s exterior, consider painting it a bold color. It doesn’t have to be outrageous – even something like a deep green or a rich burgundy can make a big difference. Plus, anything is better than chipping and peeling paint. When choosing the paint type, you’ll want to pick something with a high-quality finish with water and UV-resistant properties to beat the Colorado sun and snow.
What’s in a Fence? – More than Meets the Eye
A fence can do more than keep your neighbor’s dog out of your yard. It can also provide some extra privacy and security for your home. If you don’t have a fence, or if yours is showing its age, consider replacing it. When choosing a new fence, you’ll want to consider the material (wood, metal, or vinyl), the style (picket, privacy, or ranch), and the height. You’ll also want to ensure the fence is in good repair and that the gates open and close easily.
Get a Move On – Curb Appeal
The driveway is where your guests drop off. If you have an old, cracked, or otherwise unsightly driveway, it’s a boo-boo on your home’s curb appeal. You don’t have to dig it up and start from scratch. Resurfacing options can give your driveway a new lease on life. You can consider asphalt, concrete, or even brick pavers.
Get a New Front Door – Add a Face
Your front door is the gateway to your home, so it must make a good first impression. Plus, today, the energy-efficient front door options can help lower your heating and cooling costs. When choosing a new front door, you’ll want to consider the style and material. You can add a little extra personality to your door with a unique knocker or doorknob.
Interior Home Improvement Ideas
While the exterior of your home is essential, the interior is where you make it your own. After all, it’s the space where you and your family will spend most of your time. There are several inexpensive ways to spruce up your home’s interior without digging a hole in your wallet.
Lighten Up – Change the Lighting
Lighting sets the mood, so it’s important to get it right. If you have old, outdated light fixtures with bulbs that give off a harsh light, consider replacing them. There are energy-efficient lighting options available that can give your home a warm and inviting feeling. For example, you can pick pendant lights with enough reflective material for your kitchen island or chandeliers with a dimmer switch for your dining room.
Bring in the Textures – Add Interest
Too much of one texture can make a room feel bland. To add interest, incorporate a variety of textures into your design. For example, use throw blankets and pillows to add some softness to a room. Add a sisal rug or an area rug made of natural fibers for some visual and tactile interest. And use glass, metal, and wood to bring in some shine. You can incorporate these materials into your furniture, light fixtures, or décor.
Pay Attention to the Bathroom
Your bathroom should be a calm oasis where you can escape the noisy and clingy family members. Start by decluttering the counters and removing any extra items to create your spa. Then, add some soothing scented candles, some soft towels, and a few luxurious bath products. Finally, use ladder shelves, trolleys with wheels, and storage baskets to keep the space organized and uncluttered.
Oh, and how about adding a small water fountain or a piece of art?
Create a Focal Point – An Insta-Worthy Spot
Every room needs a focal point that will draw the eye and give the room a sense of purpose. Plus, we all have our “chosen” spots for taking photos these days. So, make sure your room has an Instagram-worthy spot. It could be a fireplace, a piece of art, or even a large window with a great view. Whatever it is, make sure it’s well-lit and has a backdrop that complements the rest of the room.
Conclusion:
When creativity and research pair up, staying within budget becomes a breeze for home improvement projects big and small. You can make stunning changes to your home with some elbow grease (and maybe a trip to your local hardware store). Your friends won’t believe how much you managed to accomplish without breaking the bank. So, get to work and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your home will thank you!