Want to make some improvement to your home, but have a limited budget? Try these 5 tips that come courtesy of HGTV.com and can all be done for less than $100:
- Spend an hour with a pro to get some tips and ideas
While a designer will most likely charge you a consultation fee, it shouldn’t be more than $100 for at least an hours worth of idea sharing. They should be able to give you some great ideas for ways to spruce up your home on a budget.
If you’re not sure you want to pay for the consultation fee, most RealtorsTM will do it gratis. In fact, I’d be more than happy to come take a look at your home and give you some ideas! - Inspect It
Not every update you make is cosmetic. A leaking roof, termite infestations, electrical problems, or other hidden issues can really bring the value of your house down.
Hiring an inspector is a great way to make sure your home is in tip-top shape, or at least check things out so you can know the actual condition and what needs to be done to bring things up to where they need to be. - Paint it
One of the easiest, most cost-effective improvements you can make is to paint! A freshly painted room looks clean and updated and that means increased value.
When selecting paint colors, remember that neutral colors appeal to the greatest number of people, so if you’re thinking about selling anytime soon it will make it much easier.
Plus, if you figure a gallon of paint costs around $25 on average, you’ll have plenty of money left over to buy the rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes. So, buy a few gallons and get busy!
- Find Inspiration in Magazines or TV Shows
An alternative to hiring a designer is to search for remodeling and decorating inspiration in design-oriented magazines, books, TV shows and websites. Simply tear out or print off the ideas you want to try and start your to-do list. Just remember to keep it simple.
When you’re on a tight budget, do-it-yourself projects are often the best.
- Cut Energy Costs
The amount of money you spend each month on energy costs may seem like a fixed amount, but many local utility companies provide free energy audits of their customers’ homes. They can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home.
An energy-efficient home will not only save you money right now, but it’s also a more valuable asset in the long run that’s easier to market and sell.
