Fast, Easy and Affordable Ways to Spruce up Your Home

When it comes to improving your home as a do-it-yourselfer, three critical factors come into play, namely, time, money and talent. Although it would be great to have plenty of each, if you’re like most of us in the real world you can come up short in at least one of those areas at any given time. But if you factor in resourcefulness, you’ll find that you can accomplish a number of home-improvement projects you’ll be proud of. Take a look at some fast, easy and affordable ways to spruce up your home.

Kitchen

One of the great things about a kitchen is that the time and money you spend on remodeling can give you a higher return on your investment than other rooms in the house. Here’s a list of improvements designed to give your kitchen a fresh new look without requiring you to be an expert craftsman.

1. Cabinets: Thanks to some innovative new products, refinishing cabinets is less time consuming and laborious than it used to be. From sanding and restoring a natural finish to adding a fresh coat of paint, you’ll reap big dividends for your efforts. And while you’re at it, this would be a great time to add or upgrade door handles and cabinet knobs. Take it one step further by putting in a free standing island to create more usable counter space.

2. Molding: Although major renovations may give the most notable results, paying attention to the details can also help create a more eye-catching kitchen. Replacing old moldings with new trim that is more suited to the style of the kitchen is always a plus. Also, installing molding around the kitchen at a level above the cabinets goes a long way to create a well-finished look.

3. Window Coverings: Depending on the style of your kitchen, adding curtains or contemporary blinds to otherwise bare windows is a relatively simple way to dramatically upgrade the look of your kitchen. If you already have window coverings that may have outlived their welcome, try to evaluate them with an objective eye and be honest with yourself about the need to replace them.

4. The sink: Although adding new appliances can play a major role in the overall look of a kitchen, the all-important kitchen sink should never be ignored. And when it comes to the sink the key word here is usability. Whether you choose stainless steel or porcelain, a larger more functional sink not only makes for a better looking kitchen, but a more enjoyable one as well. If your current sink meets the criteria, consider adding a decorative backsplash to finish it off.

5. The walls: Painting any room, especially the kitchen, adds real value and enjoyment. Consider buying paint with the primer mixed in. Although it will cost a little more per gallon, you’ll use less paint and be done in half the time.

Bathroom

Being that bathrooms are among the most often visited rooms in the house, creating a properly appointed bathroom will also give you a good return on your investment. Among the list of more practical bathroom improvements are…

1. Bathtub: While the thought of replacing a well- worn tub by yourself can seem daunting, consider installing a new tub liner. Designed to fit right over the existing tub’s surface, tub liners create the look of a new tub for a fraction of the price. As an added plus, tub liners come in a variety of colors, are very easy to clean and fairly simple to install. In fact, the most labor intensive step will be the temporary removal of the knobs on the fixtures, which you just might want to replace anyway.

2. Vanity: If you’ve checked out your local home-improvement center lately, you’ve probably noticed that vanities have come a long way. With many models ready to install and requiring only basic plumbing skills, a new vanity is something that even the least adept do-it-yourselfer can comfortably consider.

3. Floors and Walls: When it comes to the bathroom floor and walls, durability and functionality often come before cost and convenience. Fortunately, with today’s easy to install tile and linoleum products, a new floor or a fancier wall is both affordable and functional. Add a fresh coat of paint and even the most a basic bathroom can appear to have undergone a seriously makeover.

Closets:

Make closet space more usable and practical by adding shelves, cubbies, or more bars for hanging clothes, organizing shoes, etc. Although this type of improvement remains “unseen” it will never be under appreciated.

These are only a few of the home-improvements you can make as a do-it-yourselfer. For more aggressive projects that require more know-how, the experts at your local home-improvement center can teach you the skills that will save you both time and money.

About the Author: Jason Carter is a freelance writer for Parks Edge Park City. Real estate in Park City is a great investing opportunity, the views are fantastic and these Park City homes offer a great value.