6 Low-Budget, High-Impact Home Improvements

6 Low-Budget, High-Impact Home Improvements

Is a brand new kitchen or fully renovated bathroom out of reach? When our dreams are bigger than our budgets, it may be time to scale our “wish list” down to a “can-do list.” Consider these 6 low-budget, high-impact home improvements for a welcome change of scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

Alternative to: New Front Door

A new front door can easily cost $1,000 or more, including installation. For surprisingly less, you can revamp your current door. Add decorative millwork for a more elegant frame. Then take a weekend morning to give the old door a bright coat of paint.

Liven up the area with planters on either side. New house numbers make a low-cost, high-visibility refresh. If you only need one to three digits, then price the upgrade from off-the-rack to handcrafted; something unique and stylish may be more affordable than you’d expect.

Alternative to: Storage Solution

A professionally installed walk-in closet tops $1,000 at the low end; add square footage and a few niceties, and the cost can easily triple. An affordable strategy to stay organized is tackle clutter as it enters your home.

A hall tree is a piece of furniture that typically features bench seating with concealed storage, coat hooks on the back panel, and overhead cubbies. Ideal for your entrance way, it’ll offer a welcome seat and an immediate reminder to put things where they belong. Hall trees can be found for a few hundred dollars (or more, depending on the model). You can also get the same functionality in modular pieces: a storage bench, wall-hanging coat rail, and a hanging or floating shelf.

Alternative to: Kitchen Renovation #1

A full kitchen remodel can be the most expensive home improvement project. For a much lower price, you can make a surprising transformation by focusing on just the walls. Tile backsplashes for the sink and stove can have an outsized impact for a thrifty DIY project.

Or add open shelves to any available wall space. Use them to show off your best serving pieces or mixing bowls, and find some inviting decanters to store pantry items. Plants brighten any space; for a kitchen, choose small pots of cooking herbs or aloe vera to soothe minor burns.

Alternative to: Kitchen Renovation #2

New kitchen cabinets range from $2,000 to well over $20,000. For significantly less, you can give your existing cabinets a facelift. A fresh coat of paint and all new hardware can transform your kitchen.

Be creative! Paint the inner panel(s) a different color than the frame; choose two shades from the same paint chip, or offset a bold pop of color with white or a soft gray. Handy homeowners can affordably replace some cabinet panels with glass or plexiglass inserts; whether they’re clear, smoked, or tinted, you’ll get a modern, airy upgrade.

Alternative to: Living Room Furniture

Between the sofa, chairs, coffee table, and accessories, a full living room set can be expected to start around $2,500. Reupholstering a sofa can cost as much as buying a new one! Sometimes, all a room really needs is to be seen in a new light … literally.

Whether it’s brighter, softer, or full-spectrum, a centerpiece chandelier can affordably redefine the entire room. For a subtler effect, sconces can add a softer glow from the perimeter. If blinds or drapery limit your natural light, replace them with sheer or semi-sheer curtains for a more open vibe.

Alternative to: Bathroom Renovation

Redoing your bathroom can be almost as expensive as a kitchen renovation! Expect estimates to exceed $2,500. For a cost-efficient makeover, try the suggestions above: new lighting or a cabinet makeover. There’s also an affordable, often neglected option that won’t radically alter the room’s look, but it can give you a more invigorating, potentially healthier experience every day.

Showerheads are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. It should be cleaned regularly, but why not start with a clean slate? Shower bars with handheld, multi-setting showerheads start at $100 or less. Double that, and you can get more stylish, higher-functioning shower system to give every day a brighter start or more relaxing finish.

Let’s Get Started

When it comes to improving your environment, every little bit counts. For smaller projects, now or over time, consider a Personal Loan with PFFCU’s competitive rates. Or make a bigger impact with a fixed-rate Home Equity Loan with fixed monthly payments. With no-hassle funding, a little ingenuity, and attentive price shopping, you can start making small upgrades to revive your surroundings and your outlook.