Every homeowner wishes to upgrade their home once in a while. And why not? We all dream of a beautiful home with a contemporary kitchen, modern living room, energy-efficient appliances, pretty carpets, and drapes. But thanks to the high costs that go with renovation, many home improvement projects get shelved for years. However, according to a recent report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, spending on home improvement has grown over 50% in the last 10 years. Yet, this doesn’t mean that everyone can afford to spend a fortune making their house look great. Smart home improvement projects are all about spending less while adding more value to your home. So here are some cost-efficient home improvement projects to help you achieve this goal.
5 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas for 2020
- Give your front door a facelift. Your front door is the first thing that catches people’s attention. So give it a makeover by painting it with good exterior enamel. A classic red or a bright yellow can add distinctive character. Also, consider replacing the doorknob and knocker to go with the new look of your front door. Refurbishing your front door with new paint and fixtures can be done for less than $200.
- Create an accent wall. You could do this in your living room or bedroom. Painting just one of the four walls in a room with a color that contrasts or complements the other walls can give your room a fresh new look. You can also create patterns or designs on this wall to make it more appealing. What’s more, you can coordinate your rugs, cushions, and lamps with the color of the accent wall to achieve a sophisticated look. Accent walls are an in-thing. And this project is likely to cost you less than $100.
- Enhance curb appeal. Repairing broken stairs, pressure-washing your driveway, replacing the mailbox and sprucing up your lawn with some colorful flowering plants can work wonders for your home’s exterior. This project may cost you between $200 and $300. But can help your home make a great first impression. Moreover, curb appeal will also be a major determinant of your home’s value when you’re ready to sell it.
- Upgrade to smart & energy-efficient devices. Comfort is important but energy efficiency is vital as well. Opt for programmable thermostats that turn the heat on and off according to your predetermined schedule. Go for smart security devices and sprinkler systems that can be controlled from your phone or cover your windows with low-emissivity window film that keeps energy consumption at a minimum. These upgrades are not only pocket-friendly but they also bring down your utility bills considerably. What’s more is they contribute towards building a greener future.
- Give your stairs an upgrade. Nothing can match the elegance of real wood staircases. But with time, they can become dull and lose their appeal. Give your staircase an update for less than $200 by enhancing it with traditional carpet treads. This not only covers the dull areas on the stairs but also makes them skid-free.
The New Year is probably the best time to get started on some much-awaited home renovations. With fresh motivation offered by the holiday season, this is a good time to consider these cost-efficient home improvement projects that can add great value and beauty to your home.