People all over the country have been waiting to see the potential fallout from the tariffs proposed and then paused by United States President Donald Trump. Even though the tariffs have yet to go through, it is expected that they eventually will, and American shoppers will be facing higher prices on various goods.
Homeowners may want to conduct renovations, as their house is the most valuable asset they have. That could be tricky with rising prices, though. So here are 9 renovations that can be done inexpensively but will still add plenty of value.
1. Painting the Walls
Some home improvements require special expertise or know-how, but others require nothing but hard work. Painting your home is certainly time-intensive, and you will have to pay for the paint and brushes, but few things could be easier to do.
And while painting will require some hard work, it will also add terrific value to your home. A freshly painted room is immediately noticeable to your guests. A new coat can also be a useful way to freshen up a room that’s gotten stale. Paint is also a good way to cover up minor scuffs, stains, and scratches over time.
2. Change Up the Hardware in the Bathroom
The bathroom is a place in the home that can get out of style really fast. Most people are constantly thinking about doing something to freshen up the area. The problem is that redoing the bathroom can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars if it is professionally done.
A person may decide that a bathroom renovation is too expensive for them, but that doesn’t mean they can’t do something to make the room look better. Changing out the hardware in the bathroom can be done for a couple hundred dollars and some elbow grease while adding a modern look.
3. Refinishing Wood Floors
Getting new flooring in your home will certainly increase the property’s value, but it will also cost you a small fortune. If you are someone with an older house with wood flooring, or someone with carpet covering wood flooring, there might be a simpler solution.
Like most do-it-yourself projects, refinishing the floors takes a lot of hard work, as you will have to do a fair amount of sanding and staining. But the end result is a fantastic looking floor for a fraction of the price you’d pay to have it done professionally.
4. Powerwash Your Home’s Exterior
When you’ve been in your home for a while, the dust and grime on the exterior of the building tend to build up over time. This mess not only hurts your home’s curb appeal, but the sediment can also damage the exterior of your home.
A straightforward solution to this problem is to rent or purchase a power washer and use it to clean the exterior of your home. Not only is this an affordable way to address a problem, but it is also a lot of fun. A freshly power-washed house looks just like a recently painted home.
5. Redesign Your Landscaping
When people think about home improvements, they usually focus on the inside, but there is a lot that can be done on the outside to increase your property value. One smart way to get a good return on that investment is by redoing your landscaping.
Before taking on this project, it is essential to buy plants and shrubs that are perennial rather than annual. This will ensure that you are replacing your flowers every year. It is also a cost-effective way to keep a well-maintained and sharp-looking lawn.
6. Installing Ceiling Fans
This is one of those renovations that will not only improve the look of a room but will also save you some money. Rather than turning on the AC, you could instead let a much more energy-efficient fan cool the room. A new fan can be had for a couple of hundred dollars.
One thing you may want to check first is if the ceiling has been wired for a fan. If not, you may have to get that professionally done. Still, the dual benefit of a new fan should be enough to necessitate an increased price tag.
7. Put in a New Front Door
It seems so simple, but many people fail to consider how much replacing your front door can change the look of your house. However, the actual process of removing your original door and replacing it with a new one can be done by almost anyone.
The one downside to this idea is that a new door can be quite expensive, as there are several different styles, materials, and varieties available. Still, the cost will likely be worth it. And if you can’t afford to buy a new door, you can still throw a fresh coat of paint on an existing one.
8. Convert a Room to a Home Office
For many people, their work life looks quite different from what it did ten years ago. While people may not work from home 100% of the time, there are plenty that get to work from home for a day or two each week. Those people should consider converting a room to a home office.
This move not only repurposes space, it can also save money. In addition to increased productivity, you are now avoiding having to pay for commutes, meals, snacks,and possibly childcare. There are also potential tax savings depending on which state the person resides in.
9. Make Sure Your Home is as Efficient As Possible
Technology gets better every year, and there are regular changes on how to make sure your home is operating at peak efficiency. This could be as easy as making a checklist and going around the house.
Make sure all of your appliance filters are clean and fresh. Make sure that you have the latest LED bulbs installed in light fixtures. You could also save money by sealing all of your ductwork and wrapping the water heater in an insulated blanket to reduce heat loss.