Simply Thrifty

Seven inexpensive home make-overs

by Jennifer on August 12th, 2008

If your thinking of selling your home, or just want it to look better without much cost involved, there are some inexpensive ways to make over your home. If you have big trouble spots and are looking to sell, quick and inexpensive fixes won’t hide those big hidden issues, or cover large eyesores, but overall, the following at least improve the idea of potential in your home.

1. Paint the front door and front windows: There’s truth to curb appeal both in how you and others view your home. Side windows and the back of the house aren’t the first thing anyone sees. I’m not saying NEVER finish painting your entire house, but if you’re short on time, (and time is money) paint the front first. FYI: Make sure you buy enough paint to finish the job. Nothing is worse than painting some of your house, then going to the paint store only to find that they don’t carry that color anymore.

2. Install new fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen: You can replace old fixtures with shiny new ones on your own. It’s budget and time friendly, but can change the whole look of a space. Don’t forget to replace not only faucets but things like toilet paper holders, towel rings, and possibly light switch frames.

3. Paint and or fix your fence or gate: Remember those stories where the creepy homes have broken, squeaky, ugly fences or gates? Enough said.

4. Paint your walls neutral colors: If you have time paint the ceiling as well, because it adds extra pop.

5. Replace cupboard fronts: You can rip out whole kitchen cupboard set-ups, or you can replace the fronts. If your cupboards look pretty good, they might just need a new coat of paint or stain, and some new hardware fixtures. That’s even easier.

6. Get rid of annoying bushes and trees: I think a nicely landscaped yard should have bushes and trees. However, no one wants to deal with those big overgrown bushes right next to the front door (I’m thinking SPIDERS! when I see those), and bushes or trees that effectively block your windows are no good either. Make sure that any greenery in your yard is actually in the yard, not hanging into the house or driveway.

7. Replace window coverings: This could be an expensive venture, but if you look around for a good deal it doesn’t have to be. Frayed curtains, dusty old blinds, and out of fashion coverings take a lot a way from how people view your house. It’s honestly better to have an inexpensive basic white cloth covering, then something old and grungy.

[image via stock.xchng]

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POSTED IN: Around the House, Doing it Yourself