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Home Renovation Tips: Low Cost, High Rewards

With home sale prices spiraling downward, many homeowners are choosing instead to ride the market out. These inexpensive and often simple renovation tips could eventually add thousands of dollars to a home's value when it's a more advantageous time to sell.

Looking at the outside...

Tip #1: I hear ya knockin'...First impressions do matter so make the front door a true focal point of your home. Paint the door in a bold color that complements the colors of your siding, but that allows the door to standout on its own. Replace an old, standard-issue door knob with a quality knobset, lever handle or handle set in one of today's popular finishes like brushed silver.

Tip #2: Curb appeal. The front yard is generally the first thing people see. Now that you have a fabulous front door and entry way, you may want to make sure the front garden beds and plantings send the same "welcome" message. Annuals add a burst of color, but need to be replaced every year; perennials on the other hand generally bloom year after year so you only have to pay once for the privilege. Remember, however, that less is often more when it comes to landscaping. Don't be afraid to discard any over-crowded shrubs and trees and prune back or shape any shrubs that have become overgrown.

Tip #3: Light up your life. Lights also say welcome. New outside light fixtures come in a variety of finishes, styles and price points and many can be purchased today at most local home improvement and hardware stores. Remember to also replace any light bulbs that have burned out with one of the energy-saver bulbs that can last years versus months, saving you money in the long run.

Now, let's move inside your home.

Tip #4: Remove the closet clutter. Before you assess any changes to the interior of your home, you need to actually "see" what's before you. Cleaning out the closets is a good place to start. Purchasing a closet organizer system and installing it yourself can reap big rewards at a relatively low cost. Don't feel confident enough for this DIY project? Many companies now offer both DIY and in-home closet organizer installations.

Tip #5: Change out the fixtures. Switching out old light fixtures and faucets is an inexpensive way to breathe new life into your home. You may want to hire a professional for these tasks, however, unless you're licensed. It only takes one mistake to make this inexpensive renovation costly.

Tip #6: Upgrade your appliances. Nothing says dated like old kitchen appliances or mismatched sets. Change them out. Remember, today you're no longer stuck with basic white, though white appliances work well with many kitchen decors. Today's offerings also include reds, purples, greens and of course the very popular stainless steel. Not making a reappearance: avocado green...whew!

Tip #7: Clean the carpets. Pony-up for a professional service to come in and steam clean your carpets. Professionals can not only remove unwanted stains, but also unwanted odors, especially important if you have pets.

Tip #8: Paint all rooms the same neutral color. Painting all the rooms (except the trim) one neutral color can add the appearance of space and footage. Remember to also paint the inside of your closets - you decluttered them, right?

Tip #9: Update the cabinet hardware. It's amazing how simply changing out the old cabinet knobs with new ones can make the cabinets suddenly appear new and modern. It's certainly more affordable than having new cabinets installed.

Tip #10: Spruce up your window treatments. Replace tired and faded shades with new, ready-made faux wood ones. Air-dry your curtains and drapes to remove years of dust. Be sure to clean your windows, too - inside and out - and enjoy the sunlight. You deserve it!

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