Home improvements on a budget

If you want to improve the value of your home there’s only one thing to do: Make improvements. But this doesn’t necessarily mean lots of work and expense. You definitely don’t need to start tearing walls down or building an extension.

Of course, a lot of it will come down to the current state of your home and only you will have an idea on the areas which need improving. It could be a lick of paint or perhaps a refurbishment of the kitchen. Of course, redesigning or refurbishing can be quite expensive, and if you haven’t kept on top of your property then the ‘to do’ list could be fairly long.

But there are cheap ways to make your home sparkle, so whether it’s a new carpet, or a redesign of the garden, have a read through our tips to improving your home on a budget.

How do I decide what to do?

Your first step should be to make a list of all the improvements you feel need to be carried out around the home. You could even number them in importance. Remember to think logically about what a potential buyer would be looking for in your property. What would they want to change if they moved in? Estate agents believe the key to selling a home is with the kitchen. It can simply make or break a sale. If your kitchen is looking a little old and tired, it should probably sit a little higher on your to do list.

Updating the decoration

If you want to quickly make a positive change to your home, then updating the décor is a good way to go about it. It will instantly brighten up your home and help to hide the wear and tear it’ll have picked up over the years. If you want to sell your home, then a neutral colour is always advised, as it offers a blank canvass for buyers to use when moving in. This is a reasonably cheap solution for home improvement too so not exactly going to break the bank. Remember to apply two coats for a better finish and for reference, a standard 2.5 litre pot will cover between 12 and 13 metres square.

Re-grout the bathroom

Why start ripping out the old tiles or taking out the shower when there’s a much simpler (and cheaper) way to improve the bathroom’s impression. Re-grouting can have a significant difference on your bathroom’s appeal and because of the use this part of your home receives, it’s likely to need doing. The old grout can crack and peel over time, so with fresh grouting you can make it look as good as new. Grouting should last between five and 10 years when properly applied.

Roof insulation

Energy efficiency is crucial in these times because of the continual increase in national grid gas and electricity. In fact, as much as 25% of heat you produce can be lost through an uninsulated roof, so if you want to save money this should be your first port of call. It won’t have a visual impact on your home, but you’ll certainly see the benefits in your bank balance.

Redesigning the garden

Many people look solely at improvements inside their home that they simply forget about the exterior. With a well-designed garden you can have a fantastic asset. The garden can be modified in any way, whether you choose to add a decked or paved area, or simply buy some bright and colourful plants and flowers.

Remember, with home improvements you don’t have to splash the cash to make a fantastic impact. Of course, if you want to do a full kitchen or bathroom redesign, convert the loft or even build an extension then this is all well and good. But there are simpler options too for those on a budget and you don’t always have to break the bank to improve your property.

Tom

I have been managing online projects since 1999 and I'm a experienced marketeer, who is well versed in international brand management, online business strategy and developing long term relationships. Through my academic and professional background I am a specialist in generating online loyalty towards brands. My experience has taught me that ultimately business is about relationships and people. For more information see my Google+ page.