HOME UPGRADES ON A BUDGET

Are you thinking about spiffing up your home but afraid it’s going to cost you a fortune?  Well, take a look at some inexpensive ways to add value to your home without breaking the bank.

Let’s start in the kitchen as this is still considered the heart of the home:

•  Replace your kitchen faucet set
•  Add new hardware to your cabinets
•   Change out old lighting fixtures and add some new brighter, more energy-efficient ones.
•  Another great idea is if the appliances in your kitchen don’t match, for example your refrigerator is white but your dishwasher is black, many dishwashers’ panels are reversible and are white on one side and black on the other.  It can be as simple as removing a couple of screws and flipping the panel over.  If not, you can always order new panels from the manufacturer.  This is much cheaper than buying all new appliances.

Next, let’s work on the bathroom:  

•  Replace your old vanity with a new one or add a pedestal sink.  These are relatively inexpensive and are pretty easy for a homeowner to install.
• Like the kitchen, new fixtures really make your bathroom feel new and clean.  Add a new towel bar, faucet, light fixtures and even some new towels, soap dishes, etc.
•  Install new flooring using vinyl planking…easy to install and inexpensive as well.  In most cases, this can be applied directly over the existing floor.
•   Re-grout your tub/shower to help brighten it up.
• Re-paint and maybe even add some wainscot to the walls.  I did this in our guest bathroom and my wife loves the way it looks.
•  Install a pullout mirror

                                               Closets/storage areas and laundry center: 

• Add some do-it-yourself closet organizing systems to your bedroom closets, kitchen pantry, laundry center and entryway closets to create a more functional and updated storage area.

Trim and Paint:

• Paint a room with an updated color; add some new trim and even a chair rail and crown molding to really improve the look and feel of your home.

 Let there be light:

• How about a new chandelier for your dining room?
• Ceiling fan with light kit for your bedroom or family room.  If you already have one of these, but are looking for an updated version, try purchasing replacement blades to update the fixtures look.
• Don’t forget about the electrical outlets…Just add new cover plates if you want a new, cleaner look.
•  Replace your old lamp shades with new ones.

Improve the Curb Appeal of your home with these ideas:

•  New door handle and lock set to your front door
•  Consider painting an older front door and the trim around it
•   Add a decorative door knocker and/or doorbell
•   A new doormat
•   A new front porch light
•  Add a large flowering plant or two near the front door
•   A new mailbox

Popcorn (Acoustic) Ceiling Removal

Have you ever thought about getting rid of your out of date popcorn ceiling?  Removing an acoustic (popcorn) ceiling is a relatively simple process, but not necessarily a pleasant one.  Once completed though, you will not only have a home that is more up-to-date, but one that will have a higher re-sale value!

Here are a few reasons why I recommend removing your popcorn (acoustic) ceiling in your home.

Appearance – In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons to get rid of your old popcorn ceiling is appearance.  I personally do not like the look of a ‘cottage cheese’ ceiling; in fact, this style often brings down the value of your home and often makes the house look old fashioned..  Popcorn ceilings were the 'in' thing back in the 1950's - 1970's because of their sound absorption as well as the ability to hide imperfections and shoddy workmanship.  Things started to change in the 80's and most homes from that point on were built without popcorn ceilings, but with a smooth texture instead.

Allergies - Over the course of time acoustic ceilings collect dust and dirt and with no way to really clean it.  If you paint over it, you’re only trapping in the grime, which eventually can ruin the ceiling.    If you suffer from allergies and have a popcorn ceiling, removing the popcorn and replacing it with a smooth, cleanable surface can help reduce your allergies significantly.  Things that you are allergic too, such as dust mites, tend to get stuck in the porous areas of the ceiling.

Aroma – Popcorn ceilings absorb not only sound, but smells as well.  They tend to be a problem in the kitchen area due to the strong odors from cooking.  Another problem I have noticed all too often, is if you smoke indoors, not only does the smell gets trapped in your ceiling; it also turns an ugly shade of yellow that is impossible to remove.

Asbestos – If your home was built pre 1978, there is a fair chance that your ceiling contains asbestos.  If you are thinking of having it removed and your home is built before 1980, it is best to have an asbestos test done.  If asbestos is found it will need to be removed by a licensed abatement company. 

If you decide to tackle this project yourself, here are some basic steps to follow after you have confirmed that there is no asbestos present:

• Clear the room of all contents, including any hanging fixtures. Turn off electricity if you have any exposed wires to avoid electrical shock.
•  Protect walls and floors with a lightweight plastic dropcloth.
• Soften the acoustic material by spraying lightly with water; a pump garden sprayer works well.
• Scrape the popcorn off with a wide-blade taping knife.
• Let the drywall dry overnight. The next day, repair any imperfections with drywall joint compound then sand using a sandpole.
• Apply texture to match the wall finish.
• The final steps are to seal with a drywall primer and then paint.

If this sounds like something you just aren't up to tackling yourself, I would love to help out.  Give me a call or email me for a Free Estimate!