A Look at Low-Cost Home Renovations

Elaborate home renovations are known for being expensive. However, there are many smaller, low-cost home renovations you can make that can increase the value of your property. If you’re looking to spruce up your home for under $1,000, below are some updates to consider. 

Add a Kitchen Backsplash

Installing or updating a backsplash in your kitchen is a simple and easy way to improve your home’s appearance while increasing its value. Most hardware stores sell both tile and sticky peel kitchen backsplashes, with an average cost of about $200-$300. Installing a kitchen backsplash can also make cleaning easier, as stains tend to buff right out. Most backsplashes are also not degraded by cleaning products. 

Repaint Cabinets

While updating your backsplash, why not repaint your kitchen’s cabinets? Although doing so may be time-consuming, it is significantly less expensive than buying and installing all-new cabinets. Consider painting in a color that matches your backsplash or does not stain easily. If you’re looking to go the extra mile with your kitchen cabinets, try investing in newer hardware, like handles and knobs. When installing newer hardware, be careful not to scratch or ding your newly painted cabinets. 

Revive Bathroom Floors

Unlike kitchen retiles, bathroom retiles can be much more costly. Instead of installing new tiles, consider repainting your bathroom’s current floor tiles. Doing so can help you achieve a similar new look at a fraction of the cost. When repainting your bathroom floor, be sure to take advantage of stencil designs or unique color patterns. Also, ensure you’re using tile paint, as other paint types might fade or scrub off easily. 

Install New Bathroom Hardware

While a complete bathroom renovation can be quite expensive, installing new hardware is an easy way to refresh your bathroom’s overall look. Low-cost bathroom upgrades include installing a new shower bar, faucet, drawer pulls, and more. Further, updating your bathroom’s lighting system to a more energy-efficient setup is an easy way to save money on energy costs. Incorporating new colors and shapes with updated bathroom hardware can give your bathroom a new look or make it appear larger. If you want your bathroom to appear larger, consider decorating it with mirrors. 

Hang up Wallpaper

Painting a wall or room can be costly and time-consuming. Consider renovating your wall’s looks by utilizing removable wallpaper. Wallpaper is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. There are also countless wallpaper options to choose from, some with fun patterns that can’t be emulated with a traditional paint job. Wallpaper is also much less messy, and you won't have to worry about it dripping or spilling on your home’s flooring. Most wallpaper designs cost less than $100 and can be purchased from a variety of retail and online stores. 

Repaint Front Door

One of the first things people may notice about your home is the front door. Instead of purchasing a new door to replace a worn-looking one, consider repainting it. Painting a door requires much less time and money than painting a wall or room, and requires significantly less paint. If you’re looking to refresh your front door even more, try adding new hardware. A new doorknob or door knocker can add a splash of creativity to your front door, which can make a more inviting home entryway. 

Expand Storage Space

It seems like we all need more storage space in our homes. A simple home renovation to consider is increasing the amount of storage space you have available. Installing new shelves is one of the easiest ways to do so, as it not only organizes but displays your belongings. Carts and cabinets are also great for expanding your home’s storage space. If you’re looking to maximize your closet’s storage, try purchasing a closet organizer. 

Redecorate

Redecorating is one of the most effortless ways you can renovate your home. Curtains, for instance, not only accentuate a room’s appearance but are relatively inexpensive. Adding new artwork is another way to spruce up your home’s appearance without breaking the bank. In most cases, artwork is relatively affordable and can be purchased anywhere from art markets to thrift stores. Planting flowers in your yard is another cheap and easy home renovation that can add curb appeal.

When it comes to low-cost home renovations, doing it yourself is key. To save even more money, try scouting salvaged, reclaimed, or upcycled materials. Whatever your home renovation endeavors may be, be sure to invest in projects that will retain long-term value. Happy home renovating! 

Hunter Morrison

About Hunter Morrison

Hunter has freelanced for various print and radio publications across Northwest Florida, including The Bay Beacon, Navarre Press, Inweekly, Crestview News Bulletin, and WUWF. He was also the Editor in Chief of the University of West Florida’s student newspaper, The Voyager. In 2023, Hunter moved to Kenai, Alaska to take up a news reporting position with KDLL Public Radio. For fun, Hunter enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, photography, thrifting, traveling, and looking for the best Thai food around.