Home improvement

There are ways to get more bang for your buck

Home improvements can be a great way to freshen up your place, but remodeling or renovations can by costly. Try these ways to update your home for less.

1 Rearrange the furniture Here’s a solution that won’t cost a dime: a new room layout. You can work with what you already have to make your space feel new again. Consider ideas like moving the bed to the opposite wall or swapping the location of the sofa and chair in the living room.

2 Grab a paint brush Slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls for a quick makeover.

Hiring a professional to tackle the entire interior can set you back close to $2,000, said Dan DiClerico, a home expert at HomeAdvisor. To cut costs, do it yourself.

Don’t have the time or money to paint the whole house? Choose one or two areas that you spend the most time in, such as the living room or bedroom.

3 Replace fixtures and hardware New light fixtures, faucets or cabinet hardware can give a room a completely different look and feel.

Cosmetic changes can benefit your wallet, too. You can find cabinet handles and knobs at most home improvement and hardware stores for a few dollars each. Some faucets and shower heads reduce water use, which means you could save money each month.

4 Accessorize Redecorating can be much more affordable — and just as effective — as major upgrades.

You can cozy up a space and add a pop of color with throw pillows, lamps, area rugs or plants. Dress up windows with brand new curtains. Or, pick a statement piece for the wall, like a large work of art or mirror.

“It’s about zeroing in on the focal points in that space to get the bang for the buck,” DiClerico says.

5 Limit your upgrades You don’t have to revamp every inch of a room. DiClerico suggests that you “splurge on the things you’re interacting with on a daily basis.” So rather than shell out half a year’s salary for a complete kitchen remodel, upgrade a few select items. Explore other ways to scale back on costs. You might purchase a coffee table or chair in lieu of a living room set, or install new flooring in a small, heavily trafficked location instead of every room.

“Making your home more beautiful, more functional, more energy efficient shouldn’t have to put you in the poorhouse or into debt,” DiClerico says. With careful planning, you can find solutions within your budget.