Many home improvements projects can be done yourself. Then there are the bigger investments that can serve you well for the period that you are living there and increase the value for when the time comes to sell. If your budget is low, stick to the simple DIYs by making changes one at a time and soon you will notice what a great difference a simple change can make.
1. Inspiration
Instead of hiring a designer to make your home more modern, try to find inspiration and ideas yourself. Home magazines, remodeling tv shows, books, and websites have an overload of wonderful DIY ideas you can implement into your style. Do it yourself projects are the best if you are on a tight budget.
2. Plant Trees
Keep your garden from looking dull by planting some trees. Trees look great, they provide shade, and if placed strategically they can even help you cut down the cooling cost during the summer by as much as 40 percent. Your homes street appeal will be sure to improve, and at the same time, you are contributing to the environment.
3. Low Maintenance Landscaping
Good landscaping design is sure to bring value to your home, but the intense gardening process that it might involve is sure to put many homeowners off. Therefore, if you do not have the time for gardening, opt for shrubs and other colorful plants to add street appeal. Plants that are native to your area or drought tolerant are a safe bet that will require less water and therefore low maintenance. If you decide against the landscaping idea, then at least keep your yard clear of junk and keep the lawn neat and trimmed.
4. Energy-Efficient Fixture
A ceiling fan can add to the decor and at the same time provide light and a soft breeze during the summer. By installing a ceiling fan or replacing an outdated one you don’t need to use the expensive air conditioning that much and ceiling fans just looks awesome!
5. Paint Job
If you don’t want to make many improvements then at least do this! A simple and cost-effective way to improve a home that gives value to your home is a new paint job. Rooms that are freshly painted will look clean and up to date. If your home is going to the market, you should keep in mind that you cannot please everyone's taste. Therefore, it is best to choose neutral colors. The central in Scandinavian design, for example, are simplicity and nature, where grey, white and blue is mostly used. You can hire a professional to do the painting for you, or you can get some paint, brushes, and rollers and do it yourself.
6. Create Space Visually
The bigger the square footage, the bigger the value, but this is not the only space that applies. Visual space is another thing to keep in mind and something you can even create through illusion. Rooms in the home can be made to seem bigger by moving furniture around or by replacing heavy closed draperies with blinds or shutters which will let in more light. A great trick is to add a single large mirror in a room which will visually double the space. Clutter is another culprit that makes a room feel smaller than what it actually is. Try to store your clutter out of sight or add some attractive shelves to an underused space and keep your things organized.
7. Welcoming Entrance
The front door and porch are one of the first things that will be noticed as buyers make their way to your home. An old worn down front door can be repainted or replaced with a more attractive energy-efficient one.
8. Ample Storage
One of the top wanted on the list of many homebuyers is enough storage space. By adding closets or custom-shelving systems in the existing closets, you are bound to impress. The wardrobe closet in the bedroom is essential to keep well organized with enough hanging space and shelves. Another area that should not be overlooked is the garage where a good shelving system can really add some value.
9. The Exterior
If you are not going to repaint the exterior of your home, at least give it a good wash with a power washer. Your home will “sparkle” again and while you're at it, make sure to give the driveway and patio a wash as well.
Final Touches
When your home is finally on the market, it is vital to keep a tidy and clean house as an untidy home can give the impression of low maintenance overall. Add some homey touches like flowers, cookies, music that will instantly make the potential buyers feel at home. Decorations are important, but keep in mind that sometimes less is more. Your home should look organized with nothing laying around which lets the buyers know there is enough space for all their stuff and it should provide them with a welcoming feeling.
Author: Mattea Jacobs
Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer who mostly writes about both interior and exterior home design, and environmentally-friendly ways to improve homes. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons. You can reach her on Facebook and Instagram.
