Make money virtually
The average homeowner spent $7,560 on home improvements last year. Here, pros reveal how you can upgrade your house for a fraction of that cost!
Amp up curb appeal on a dime
“Curb appeal can add around 5% to the value of your house, and increasing it is as easy as making sure your entryway is clean, fresh and welcoming. An affordable way to do it? By adding solar-powered LED lighting like string lights around the porch or post lights on the walkway. These lighting sets brighten up your home’s exterior and cost about $20 or under at Home Depot and other hardware stores. You can also find solar lights at deal sites like Groupon.com for 50% off or more!”
—Rick Slachta, realtor at RE/MAX Professionals
Nab decor deals here
“I created a chic-yet-traditional home office and saved more than $8,000 by decorating it with items I found on Facebook Marketplace! If you’re on the lookout for a certain item, check the site every 2 to 3 hours, and search on Saturdays and Sundays, since that’s when people usually list their stuff!”
—Alisa Bovino, designer and
blogger at AGlassofBovino.com
Score 75% off paint
“A gallon of quality wall paint can cost $30 and up. The good news: Many home improvement stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, have a policy that if your paint isn’t exactly what you want, they’ll allow you to return it. They then sell those premixed paints at a deep discount, sometimes up to 75% off. I painted my entire basement with 5 gallons of that ‘oops’ paint for only $45!”
—Stacy Verdick Case, designer and
owner, PeonyLaneDesigns.com
Frame up any wall
“You often see lots of framed photos grouped together in designer spaces. One way to get the pricey look at a fraction of the cost is to head to the dollar store, which has a big selection of nice yet inexpensive frames. They’re lightweight and easy to hang and come in a variety of sizes that can be used to create fun wall art using magazines, books and kids’ artwork. You could make it a project for the whole family, allowing each person to choose a frame and artwork they prefer.” —Michelle Harrison-McAllister, interior designer at MichelleHarrisonDesign.com
Change out furniture knobs
“Hardware can be a dead giveaway of what decade a piece of furniture or a home was built. But before spending on a whole new dresser, vanity or kitchen cabinets to update your home, change out the hardware. It’s an inexpensive way to modernize a piece or entire space. Pro tip: When buying pulls for existing screw holes, measure the space between the screw holes, not the length of the handle itself, to find the right size.” —Jillian Sipkins, interior designer at JillianSipkins.com
‘Refinish’ cabinets with pantry staples
“Give wood furniture or kitchen cabinets a restored new look with items you probably already have on hand! All you need is apple cider vinegar and oil—just be sure to use an oil (like canola) that won’t go rancid; vegetable and olive oil, among others, will lead to odor. Mix 3⁄4 cup of the oil and 1⁄4 cup of the vinegar, dip a towel in the mixture and use it to wipe down the wooden cabinets and furniture. It’s such an easy and cheap way to ‘refinish’ wood in just one afternoon, and it’s amazing how it will make your old cabinets really shine.” —Andrew Wilson, founder of ContractorAdvisorly.com
Add a beautiful backsplash for a bargain
“Always wanted a kitchen backsplash but never had the time or money to invest in it? Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles to the rescue! The sticky sheets adhere to a wall with little effort, and you can get around 10 packs for $30 at home improvement stores and online. The finished product is so impressive—you’ll never know they’re not real! ” —Dana Dore, designer at AdoredHouse.com
Click here to save 75% on tools
“You’d be surprised at what great deals you can find at the clearance section for websites like HomeDepot.com, AceHardware.com and Lowes.com. I’ve found everything from power tools and hardware to bathroom tiles for up to 75% off retail prices. Home Depot also offers a ‘Special Buy of the Day,’ which is a ‘today only’ offer available while supplies last. Last I checked, some items, like light fixtures, were 64% off regular price. And if you spend a minimum of $45 to $49 you’ll automatically qualify for free shipping. Just keep in mind that even if you end up spending less than that, you can most likely choose free same-day pick-up at your local store.” —Lori Felix, money-saving expert at MoreWithLessToday.com