{"id":1864,"date":"2021-08-19T15:42:58","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T19:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skypointfcu.com\/wph\/workarea\/?p=1864"},"modified":"2021-09-10T14:08:08","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T18:08:08","slug":"affordable-ways-to-refresh-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skypointfcu.com\/wph\/workarea\/blog\/affordable-ways-to-refresh-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Home improvements can rejuvenate a stale dwelling. But remodeling and renovations could set you back thousands of dollars for each room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A \u201cmidrange minor kitchen remodel\u201d \u2014 including hardware, countertops, flooring and a refrigerator \u2014 is about $21,000, on average, according to Remodeling magazine\u2019s 2018 Cost vs. Value report. But with the right approach, you can give your abode some TLC without busting your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re strategic with the planning, especially if you\u2019re willing to put in a little sweat equity, there are definite simple fixes that you can make,\u201d says Dan DiClerico, a home expert at HomeAdvisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try these ways to update your home for less<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rearrange the furniture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a solution that won\u2019t cost a dime: a new room layout. You can work with what you already have to make your space feel new again. Consider ideas like moving the bed to the opposite wall or swapping the location of the sofa and chair in the living room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab a paint brush<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls for a quick makeover. Hiring a professional to tackle the entire interior can set you back close to $2,000, DiClerico says. But you\u2019ll cut costs by taking on the project yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t have the time or money to paint the whole house? Choose one or two areas that you spend the most time in, such as the living room or bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re able to do it yourself, certainly under $100 is going to get you a bucket of paint and all the necessary tools to totally transform that space,\u201d DiClerico says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the same tactic with furniture. Fresh paint or a new finish can revitalize old cabinets, tables, dressers and other items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replace fixtures and hardware<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

New light fixtures, faucets or cabinet hardware can give a room a completely different look and feel. Cosmetic changes can benefit your wallet, too. You can find cabinet handles and knobs at most home improvement and hardware stores for a few dollars each. Some faucets and shower heads reduce water use, which means you could save money each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bb MORE:<\/strong> How to create a budget<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limit your upgrades<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to revamp every inch of a room. DiClerico suggests that you \u201csplurge on the things you\u2019re interacting with on a daily basis.\u201d So rather than shell out half a year\u2019s salary for a complete kitchen remodel, upgrade a few select items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can do a sweep of appliances \u2014 the fridge, the range, the dishwasher \u2014 for a few thousand dollars or less,\u201d DiClerico says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore other ways to scale back on costs. You might purchase a coffee table or chair in lieu of a living room set, or install new flooring in a small, heavily trafficked location instead of every room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessorize<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Redecorating can be much more affordable \u2014 and just as effective \u2014 as major upgrades. You can cozy up a space and add a pop of color with throw pillows, lamps, area rugs or plants. Dress up windows with brand new curtains. Or, pick a statement piece for the wall, like a large work of art or mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about zeroing in on the focal points in that space to get the bang for the buck,\u201d DiClerico says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover your furniture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salvage couches and armchairs that have minor wear and tear with slipcovers. While getting a piece of furniture reupholstered or buying an entirely new piece can cost hundreds to several thousand dollars, you can buy a quality cover for less than $100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop smart<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Knowing when and where to shop can help you trim expenses. For example, January white sales are prime time for discounted bedding. Presidents Day sales in February often include furniture<\/a>, while November\u2019s Black Friday deals feature appliances. Map out your purchases accordingly, if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check thrift stores, yard sales and local online marketplaces like Craigslist throughout the year for cheap or free secondhand furniture and home goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaking your home more beautiful, more functional, more energy efficient shouldn\u2019t have to put you in the poorhouse or into debt,\u201d DiClerico says. With careful planning, you can find solutions within your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More From NerdWallet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n