In 2007, at the peak of the housing market bubble, U.S. homeowners spent over $325 billion remodeling their homes, according to a study conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. In the following years, remodeling spending has plummeted, but that doesn’t mean our desire for an updated home has. You have a multi-page wish list of upgrades and home improvement projects that you want to tackle when you can find room in your budget and can increase your home value. However, there are a number of less-expensive ways to accomplish some of the things on your home wish list.
For the Kitchen
If your kitchen cabinets are scratched, outdated or just not your taste, spending thousands of dollars to replace them isn’t the only option. Instead, salvage the base of the cabinets and reface them with new doors in a color or finish that better suits your style. To blend old cabinet frames with new doors, add a coordinating veneer of wood or plastic laminate that matches the new doors and drawers. Cheryl Catalano, owner of a Chicago cabinet refacing company, Kitchen Solvers, recently told DIY Network that cabinet refacing typically saves homeowners 50 percent in comparison to replacing them.
For Security
According to the FBI’s latest Uniform Crime Report, incidences of property crime increased by 1.5 percent in 2012. No matter how safe of an area you live in, it’s reassuring to add a security system to your home for protection. Some consider this to be a major expense, but home security systems don’t have to cost a fortune. Instead, opt for one that doesn’t require professional installation. Nearly every major security company offers a do-it-yourself alarm kit. Most kits start at around $180 for equipment plus around $35 per month for monitoring, however you can often get the equipment for free if you sign a service contract. Most kits can be installed in less than an hour.
For the Bathroom
No matter how often you clean it, after years of use, tile grout slowly breaks down, becoming more porous allowing water to seep in and damage it. Over time, you’ll notice the grout in your shower or on your bathroom floor becomes stained, cracked and crumbling. While many replace all of the tile when this occurs, that isn’t necessary. You can fix this issue without breaking your budget by simply replacing the grout. Home improvement professional Ron Hazelton recommends removing the old grout using a grout saw and adding new grout. This project can easily be completed in one weekend for under $50, depending on the size of your bathroom. For Ron Hazelton’s step-by-step tips for replacing grout, check out this video:
For the Bedroom
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars redecorating the your entire master bedroom, stay within your budget and get new bedding. A brand-new comforter and a mountain of throw pillows in bold colors and a new pattern will give the entire room a facelift. No new paint, light fixtures or furniture required!
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