1. Become Picasso
One of the least expensive home improvements that can be made is to simply paint, paint, paint. Make sure the exterior paint looks nice and that the interior paint is neutral while still giving the home some personality. Colors dictate moods and can also provide the illusion of more space. This is a very powerful tool in home improvement and doesn’t cost a boatload of cash.
2. Do It Yourself
This isn’t rocket science. Want to save money? Roll up your sleeves and do the task yourself. With the amount of DIY information readily available on the internet, there’s truly no excuse to pay others to do a task nowadays. It will require a little more time and some elbow grease, but, it’ll save you a ton of money and nothing feels better than sitting back admiring your work when you’re done.
3. Shop Secondhand
I get it. Everyone loves the big shiny retail chains with the huge displays and whatnot. However, if the name of the game is truly saving money, stop paying a premium just because the item is brand new or the store is shiny. There are a ton of secondhand items that are equal in quality. Be diligent in looking for those and open box items. You’ll thank me when your bank statement arrives later.
4. Add Unexpected Accessories
Be crafty with your ideas and actions. It’s not about how much you pay for things, it’s about what you do with what you purchased. Think outside the box. Plates aren’t only for eating delicious meals on. Find some decorative ones and hang them on the wall. It’s brainstorms like this that add wonderful personality to any space.
5. Use What You Already Have
Sometimes instead of buying something new to replace the incumbent item, try breathing new life into what you already have in the home. An example would be not giving up on an old leather sofa when some olive oil will add color and new energy to it. Rearrange furniture to give the illusion of more space. These are just a few examples and they cost you nothing but time.
6. Wait….
Don’t be the first person to pay the most money for something to improve your home with. That new television or furniture set may be the new toy on the market, but, it’s also being sold with a tremendous markup that’s designed to benefit from the impatience of most consumers. Stand your ground. Inevitably, the price will be discounted and you can get that same item for much less. Patience is indeed a virtue.
7. Bring Nature Inside
Another inexpensive change you can make is to bring the outdoors inside. Not only will adding foliage to the home improve the decor, it also improves the air quality of the space. That’s the win-win. So don’t be afraid to visit you local nursery and find a few plants or small trees that can liven up a living area or home exterior.
8. “Floor” People
Look down. Do you like what you see? Would others? If the answer to these questions is anything short of a resounding “YES” then you may have some work to do. Flooring is one of the DIY’s that adds value to the home and is not expensive at all to upgrade. Make your home stand out.
Save Time and Save Money. Decorate on a Budget.
Home improvement and decoration can be a ton of fun and it also adds value to your beloved home. Enjoy using these tips to save barrels of money while doing it. The importance of a good-looking home can’t be overstated whether you’re a new home owner or staging it for a sale. Jessica Barnett at Bluewater Realty Services is here when you need advice on anything related to real estate. Feel free to contact me with any questions!