From a fresh coat of paint to brand new fixtures, updating your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of fun and simple projects you can do to enhance the look of your home and attract buyers. So whether you’re looking to sell your home or freshen it up, we have 5 fast, easy, and budget-friendly upgrades for you to try on your home.
1) Enhance curb appeal
Enhancing curb appeal adds a great deal of value to your home and can be addressed at any price point. First impressions matter! Buyers want a home exterior that screams wow, not meh, especially since 63% of homebuyers stop by a house after viewing it online. Planting new flowers, adding a splash of color to your front door, or even upgrading your mailbox can lure in the most discerning buyer.
Learn how to get instant curb appeal
2) Paint it to sell
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room so roll up your sleeves and get out that roller! With thousands of shades to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find one that fits the space and your personality. Why not narrow it down to colors that not only look great but can increase your home’s value? Zillow’s 2017 Paint Color Analysis examined over 32,000 photos of homes all over the country and found that two specific colors increased the home’s value by an average of $5,440: light blue and pale gray.
3) Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats help control energy consumption, lower your bills, and give your home that “techie” vibe. With a WIFI signal, smart thermostats can be controlled from anywhere as long as you have your smartphone — from work, the grocery store, or even while at sea (but we wouldn’t recommend it). This simple upgrade can make your life more comfortable and a lot more convenient. With smart home revenue predicted to reach $32.2 billion by 2021, smart home devices are our new reality and are here to stay.
Learn more about IoT and the connected home
4) Update your hardware
Switch things up with a quick cosmetic fix. Replace cabinet handles, door knobs, pulls, and rods in each room for a fresh new look. This is an inexpensive improvement that requires minimal effort and a small budget. Hardware is often overlooked, but when properly accessorized, the small details that new cabinet handles and door knobs add can make a large impact on a room.
Check out IKEA’s huge selection of hardware options.
5) Enhance your lighting
Good lighting determines the look and feel of a room — warm tones make a room look cozier while brighter lighting gives it scale. Install a dimmer switch to have more control over the ambiance of your home and set a different tone for each room. We recommend using energy-efficient light bulbs since they tend to last longer and save you money on your electricity bill. A TCP 60 Watt Equivalent can save you an average of $678 over the course of its life. (Note: this bulb does not work with a dimmer switch so be sure to check the compatibility on others.) This simple and affordable upgrade can switch any room from dark and dreary to bright and radiant.
We recommend using a licensed electrician.