Change on the Cheap: House Projects Under $150
Doing a big remodel project can seem overwhelming, which can lead to home updates falling to the wayside. If you don’t want to tackle a big project, think smaller! Small changes can make a big impact in your daily living. Change is fun and change on the cheap is even better. Check out these quick and cheap projects for your house:
Think about all those gorgeous homes in magazines—are they full of stuff? No, because it is curated, not cluttered. Keeping clutter at a minimum is a constant battle. I get it! We all have too much stuff. It can be overwhelming if you overthink it, so focus on one room (or even one shelf or one drawer) at a time. Closets and shelving that are filled to the brim make it seem like you don’t have enough storage. Ask yourself the tough question, though—do you have a storage shortage or too much stuff? Be ruthless when clearing your collections—if you haven’t used it in 6 months—donate, sell or throw it away. Clutter and stress are closely linked, so not only will it help your home’s marketability when you go to sell, you’ll be living in minimalist zen in the meantime.
Many things can be instantly (and cheaply!) changed with a coat of paint. I’m not just talking about walls here! Things such as wood paneling, décor, furniture, cabinets and doors, knobs and hardware and even light fixtures! Paint can add new life to wood and metal—just be sure to get the right kind of paint for your material. A bit of paint can make many things feel new again without the high cost of replacing, which makes the cheapskate in us all happy!
Add annual flowers to your beds or a few strategically placed planters filled with brightly colored plants for instant wow factor. Flowers will not only improve your curb appeal, but will lift your mood every time you pass by. The plants are a small investment but the smiles are free with purchase.
Have you looked at your door lately? This is the place where you go in and out daily and your guests wait for the door to be opened. If your door is looking a little sad, a little door remodel may be just the ticket! You can’t go wrong with a fresh coat of paint, such as a classic black or crisp white door or opt for a fun trendy hue. It’s a low risk item to go bold on color choice—if you hate it, it’s not hard to change! Also, check out your door hardware—is it all functioning properly and looking its best? If it needs a new look, before painting is a great time to change it out. Remove the old hardware, prep and paint the door and then install the new hardware. If you do it all at the same time, you won’t have to worry about any unpainted spots where the old hardware used to be and you’ll have a fun new entry that you will admire every time you open and close the door.
I know that house projects aren’t always the most fun things to tackle. However, these small updates will make a difference and also offer that instant gratification.
Lisa Priest loves fun colored doors and is an East Texas Area Broker/REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com