Five Home Improvement Resolutions You Can Afford

As we embrace a new year and a fresh start, many of us look around at what feels like a barren house now that all the holiday décor is packed away.

If you’re getting the itch to spruce up your home but don’t have much money to spend, fear not. There are quite a few things you can do that will make a significant impact without depleting your wallet. And, keep in mind, any home improvements you make won’t only be for your benefit, but will ultimately help lure potential buyers if and when you decide to sell.

Some of the enhancement projects to consider include:

1. Painting. Nothing changes the look of a room more dramatically than color. If you’re tired of the color you have in a room, you can go for a dramatic change. Or if your walls are just a little dingy, nothing brightens them up like a clean coat of paint. Find a color that makes you happy but remember, if you plan on selling in the near future, neutral colors are best.
2. Replace your faucets. New, modern, sleek faucets in the kitchen or bathroom can add just that extra touch the room is crying out for — like a bit of bling.
3. Think hardware. Like faucets, changing out hardware on your cabinets can change the look of the room and give it a different feel. You can introduce a metal or different texture, opt for contrast to the cabinet color, or add a bit of whimsy — it’s up to you.
4. Freshen up the floors. If your carpets are looking a little on the worn, soiled side, you have a choice to make. You can get them professionally cleaned, which sometimes does the trick if they’re not too old. Or, you can go for new carpet — or other flooring like tile or wood. Aside from paint, nothing brightens up a room like new carpet or flooring.
5. A dramatic touch. If you just want to bring an elegant, refined look to your home — and do something that might attract future buyers — consider crown molding or a kitchen backsplash. Both are fairly easy and inexpensive but add a new dimension and depth to the room.