Americans spent an average of more than $9,000 on home improvement projects in 2018 according to HomeAdvisor’s State of Home Spending Report. Many of those homeowners said they took on these projects to replace or repair defects, damage, and decay. If you want to make improvements so that you can put your home on the market among the Alexandria houses for sale, or for any other reason, you don’t necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg as there are a number of more affordable home improvement ideas that can make a significant difference.
Paint Unappealing Tile
If there’s any gaudy or unappealing tile in your home, instead of replacing it all, paint it. You’ll want to scrub it clean to remove any dirt, mildew or scum by using an abrasive cleaner and then wiping down the surface with a wet sponge. Let it dry thoroughly and then sand the tile with fine-grit sandpaper to remove the gloss. Before painting, be sure to brush off any dust and allow it to dry.
Update Rooms with Color
You can also use paint in rooms throughout your house, updating them with a color that’s more on-trend while evoking a particular mood. For example, yellow is considered a happy, joyful hue that boosts creativity, making it ideal for a kitchen. Blues and greens in more subtle shades tend to be calming, great for bedrooms and bathrooms. Fresh paint offers one of the best values while being one of the easiest home improvements you can make.
Switch Out the Lighting
Lighting throughout your house plays a key role in its value. If yours is outdated, or rooms are dark, consider adding new fixtures like lamps and accent lights with more brilliant lighting options in your living room, dining room, and other spaces. In the kitchen, lighting under cabinets can make a significant difference.
Install a Water Filter
Millions of people avoid tap water because of the taste or concerns about its purity. As bottled water is expensive and the plastic it usually comes with significant detrimental effects on the environment, installing a water filtration system under the sink will be a huge benefit to your family or to potential buyers. And, it will only set you back an average of just a little over $100.
Create an Enticing Backyard Retreat
A backyard retreat offers a wonderful outdoor space to enjoy during the warmer months of the year and is also likely to provide a good return on your investment if you plan to sell your home. Two of the most important factors to consider are protection from pesky insects and shade. Screened canopies are ideal and they’re fairly inexpensive too, ranging from around $200 to $500 depending on the size. They provide shade while keeping the bugs away and make it possible to put together a comfy sitting room in only a few hours.
If you don’t have an existing patio or deck to place it on, you might build a paver patio for the floor. Concrete and brick pavers are attractive, durable and available in a wide range of colors and styles. Just about anyone can lay them over a weekend, with no special skills needed.