How to Redecorate on a Dime: Tips for a Thrifty Home Makeover
Every now and then, a bit of change can do a world of good. Unfortunately, alterations to your home can cost a healthy chunk of change, bringing the exciting plans of your inner-designer to a disappointed halt.
If you want to give your home a facelift but are a wee bit short on cash, don’t give up just yet. With a bit of creativity, any clever homeowner can transform the look of his or her property without overspending.
For a budget-friendly mini home makeover, start with the following three tips and tricks:
1. Try a Trusty Paint Job
For transformative power per square inch, nothing does the job like two good coats of paint. Painting the walls of a room in a fresh new color can certainly change the way you feel about the space. However, don’t limit your artistry to the walls. Consider painting the cabinets or the kitchen table with a scratch resistant paint and sealant. Doors, window sills, and other surfaces will look brighter, cleaner, and newer even before the paint has dried. Though the average gallon of paint isn’t exactly cheap, paint seems quite affordable when compared to a full-blown remodel.
2. Explore Payment Plans
If you were hoping for a full-blown remodel, big changes might still be within your financial reach if you spend wisely. Rather than rushing into a project, take the time to establish a budget and consider payment options. Many stores allow shoppers to pay in installments or to pay with a store credit card. Look for credit cards with the lowest interest rates, and remember to limit your overall credit utilization ratio to under 30% of the original limit to keep debt under control.
3. Don’t Forget the Yard
Many homeowners focus on updating the interior of their home and forget about the opportunities that await outdoors. While 76% of homeowners alter the style of their kitchen during renovation, and a Houzz survey showed that 60% of homeowners plan to remodel their master bathroom, landscaping or deck projects can have a huge impact on curb appeal, and often cost less than indoor design or construction efforts. A deck, for example, might only cost $5,000 while adding a whole additional relaxation or dining area to your home. If you’re too tight on cash for such a change, consider adding a simple flowerbed. The cost of seeds and a shovel are well below even $50, yet the results will delight onlookers throughout the warm season. A deck or gardening project might have the added benefit of increasing your home’s resale value, too.
Whatever your budget, careful planning and creativity can stretch your dollars further. Use these three simple tips to transform the look of your home without overspending.