As homeowners, we’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our properties — especially if we don’t have to take out a second mortgage to do so. These cost-effective DIY home upgrades get that ROI we’re looking for while also increasing our current, at-home quality of life.
Plant Those Plants
When you have a well-manicured lawn and attractive front-of-house landscaping, people will assume that if you take this level of care for a property’s outdoor spaces, the indoors will be equally well maintained. Create distinct beds, plant hardy shrubs, and put down mulch — a few hundred bucks gives you a wealth of curb appeal.
Lock it Up
One of the easiest ways to update an entryway (and up curb appeal in 10 minutes) is to replace your front door hardware with a stylish new set. With smart key technology, you can even re-key the lock yourself if you lose yours — which saves time, money and frustration.
Front of House
While repainting the entire exterior may not be in the budget, there’s still room for (thrifty) improvements. Pressure wash the siding to remove dirt and mould, then touch up flaking areas and repaint just the trim and front door to instantly brighten the façade.
When a Cabinet Door Closes
Kitchen remodels are extremely expensive (and disruptive) so instead of ripping it out, give your kitchen a new lease on life with a fresh coat of scuff-resistant cabinet paint in an on-trend colour.
Fair-a Faucet
Sometimes a simple change can have a big impact, such as switching out an outdated kitchen faucet for a sleek, feature-loaded design. We love the contrast of a matte black faucet in a white kitchen.
Tiles and Tiles to Go
After kitchens, bathrooms are where you’ll see the highest ROI. If your layout still works, focus on updating the “coverings”, like the floor, shower tiles and countertop. Play with unconventional tile shapes and dark grout for a modern vibe.
Reduce Reuse Resand
If your hardwood floors are looking tired and scratched up, it may be time to roll up your sleeves and rent a floor sander. Most hardwood floors can be sanded and stained up to 10 times, revealing a whole new, refreshed look for your lived-in living space.
Staying Neutral
When it comes to thrifty-yet-chic upgrades, paint is your friend. In communal spaces such as the living room and kitchen, opt for neutral paint shades with warm undertones such as creams and soft greys. If doing all the walls is out of the question, tackle the trim, windows and mouldings for a quick facelift.
Upstairs Not Downstairs
Having laundry on the main floor rather than a basement or garage is a massive boon to a home’s ROI — no one wants to lug loads up and down stairs, or outside. If a laundry area can be relocated, do it. If it can’t, make the space more inviting with a pretty backsplash, displays shelves, and lots of storage.
Outdoors but Like Indoors
Setting up a chic (and comfy) outdoor entertaining space adds livable square footage to your property — at least for part of the year. A privacy fence, soft lounge seating, potted plants, and linear gas firepit all add to the cozy ambiance of a backyard setup.
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