Cheap Home Improvement Projects

Cheap home improvement projects are common occurrences lately. Most people can't afford to do everything they want to do. So, the question becomes, "How are we going to cut corners, without compromising results"? The first thing to do is set priorities.

What are you willing to settle for? If you went with linoleum flooring, could you get those cabinets you really love? Make 2 lists: the things you REALLY want, and the things where you're willing to settle for something different.

Check to be sure your budget can handle that first list. If it can't, phase the project over time & give yourself an opportunity to accumulate more funds. Things like faucets, paint, and moldings for example, can easily be added later.

Rethink the scope of the project. Maybe a couple of cosmetic changes will give you the results you're looking for. Avoid costly construction items, like moving bearing walls, or changing the roof line. Work within the existing rooms.

Spend more time shopping. You saw something you love but it's very pricey. Keep looking. Chances are very good that you'll find something you like as much, for less money. Why buy custom cabinets when stock cabinets can achieve the same look. The more you know what's available, the better your chances of saving money.

Do not consider using financing to fund the project. Before you finish paying the interest, your cheap home improvement projects won't be so cheap any more. The exception to this is if you're planning the work immediately upon moving into a new home.

In that case you can include the cost of improvements in the financing and have the life of the mortgage to pay it off - at a low FIXED interest rate, right? (Hopefully, we all learned that lesson).

Another obvious way to keep costs down is to do some of the work yourself. Labor can be anything from 50% to 66% of the cost of a construction job. But remember that your time is worth something as well.

And if it's technical or touchy, you should probably have experienced people doing it. If you're like me, you will only tackle easy home improvement projects.

If you can, break each activity down into steps and list the steps you can take on yourself. Most decor-related projects are easy home improvement projects that most homeowner's can handle. Here are a few examples of decorative changes you can make without spending too much.

- The look of a room can be dramatically changed by introducing plants. Some pots for the plants can be very decorative, and using several of them can create a theme.

You can find these in brass or other metals, clay/ceramic/porcelain, and even wood. If you aren't crazy about taking care of plants, the synthetic version might appeal to you.

- Depending on the room, you can add a chair rail and paint one color above the rail and another below. You can also use a paper border at the ceiling instead of molding, or instead of using wallpaper over the entire wall. Mirrors can do a lot to change the feel of a room - especially a small room.

- New cushions, seat covers, curtains and drapes are good ways to add color while keeping the "cheap" in your cheap home improvement projects. Scented candles add a glow. It's strange, but I think the scent changes the "feel" of the room without any visual change.

- Lighting can have a big effect on the way a room looks. Changing the bulbs from "daylite" to "warmlight" for instance; or simply replacing the lampshades can make a difference. For more light, just add another lamp.

- If you want to emphasize a focal point in a room, you can accomplish this by directing light toward it, and by rearranging the furniture around it.

In a kitchen or dining room, you can bring attention to the table by adding a colorful tablecloth and/or by introducing an elaborate centerpiece. This doesn't really qualify as a cheap home improvement project, but it's an effective way to change the look of a room.

You may not think these are all easy or cheap home improvement projects that you can do by yourself. So hire the occasional specialist. It will still be a lot cheaper than getting a contractor to do everything.

Lastly, take your time - enjoy the journey. If you have a question about easy and cheap home improvement projects, contact me by clicking here.

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