Are you looking for home improvement ideas that will not break your budget? We have you covered! Spicing up your home can be a fun project, and with so many ideas out there, it could be hard to find where to start. From simple upgrades to repurposing used furniture, here are nine budget-friendly, modern home renovation ideas to consider.
Home Renovation Idea # 1: Change the Kitchen Backsplash Using DIY Peel & Stick Tiles
An updated kitchen backsplash adds eye-appealing visual focus. An upgraded backsplash creates an illusion of a more comprehensive renovation, without the cost required to do so. Additionally, these tiles are offered in a variety of materials and styles. It includes tiles manufactured from metals, vinyl, faux wood, ceramic, stone, or glass, to name a few.
Cost
The cost depends on the selected tile material. Tile prices range from $5.50 to $15.50 per square foot.
Supplies Needed
For your supplies, you’ll need a tape measure, scissors, and paper towels.
The Time It Takes
An hour or two after the wall has been clean and prepared. The exact required time depends on the size of the backsplash area.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Remember: measure twice and only cut once!
Home Renovation Idea #2: Open the Room With a Large Mirror
Strategically placed mirrors offer an interesting visual illusion of a larger room created from a smaller space, for very little expense. The optical illusion tricks the eyes into seeing an increase in the room’s depth. Mirrors can be hung, framed, or placed leaning on a wall, depending on the desired effect.
DIY Cost
The cost is $150 to $400. The price depends on the size, style, and weight of your chosen mirror.
Supplies Needed
The mirror installation equipment (stud finder, drill, hammer, etc.) if you’re hanging the mirror.
The Time It Takes
This project could take a few minutes to several hours. The duration will all depend on skill level and the final project.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Note mirrors brighten a room by redirecting sunlight throughout the room. Mirrors placed on the floor should be secured or far from foot traffic to avoid potential dangers.
Home Renovation Idea #3: Add Crown Molding to Enrich the Look of the Room
Crown molding instantly upgrades a plain or outdated room almost instantly. This type of molding, placed along the edge where the ceiling and wall meet, has been used to upgrade rooms for centuries. Crown molding, which creates an elegant, eye-catching transitional space, is available in traditional materials but available in a foam or a Peel and Stick version as well.
DIY Cost
The cost is $4 to $16 per linear foot.
Supplies Needed
For wood crown molding: a saw, tape measure, hammer, glue, nails, and paint, if applicable. For foam and peel and stick crown molding, a tape measure, scissors, and paper towels.
The Time It Takes
The timetable depends on the desired room size, style, and material of the selected crown molding.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Crown molding offers visual interest that adds value to your home without making a large investment.
Home Renovation Idea #4: Build Hidden Storage Under a Staircase
Many homeowners find it challenging to find enough storage space for their families. This is perhaps one of the primary reasons that converting unused space is among the more popular home renovation ideas.
DIY Cost
$200 to $500. However, it could exceed this number if there are structural issues that arise during your project.
Supplies Needed
For this project, you’ll need standard carpentry tools.
The Time It Takes
This project could take one day, or it could take multiple! This is all depending on just how complex the storage project is.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Consider adding built-in drawers, open shelves, and even wine cubbies that can easily be used as additional storage.
Home Renovation Idea #5: Repurpose Old Furniture
Older furniture, while often a bit scuffed up from years of service, was likely built to last. Repurposing furniture showcases your creativity and reduces the cost of home renovation. How would an old bedroom dresser transition a unique bathroom vanity? Another example: use old windows converted into a hallway mirror, a wall decoration, or a coffee table for very little in terms of cost.
DIY Cost
The average cost is $500 to $625.
Supplies Needed
Sander, paint stripper (if applicable), lacquer thinner, primer, epoxy putty, wood polyurethane/sealant, plus soap, towels, and sponges.
The Time It Takes
Depends on the condition and size of the original furniture.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Consider painting the refurbished furniture white – which, classically, improves the look of just about everything.
Home Renovation Idea #6: Paint the Front Door and Upgrade House Identifying Numbers
Updating the paint on the front door and house numbers is one of the most cost-effective home renovation ideas. Before selling, most professionals advise homeowners that adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door and updating house numbers improves curb appeal. This simple upgrade significantly drives demand, which translates to a positive impact on the final sales price. The most popular front door colors that are chosen by homeowners are bold red, classic white, or brown.
DIY Cost
For costs, you’re looking at $10 for paint and $50 for new display numbers.
Supplies Needed
The supplies you’ll want include a paintbrush, hammer, tape measure, paper towel, paint, and screwdriver.
The Time It Takes
For this project, carve out about an hour or two.
Helpful Tips And Tricks
Choose a color that works with your home and make sure the style and color of the selected home identifying numbers are visible from the street.
Home Renovation Idea #7: Lay a Stylish Stair Runner
When entering the front door of a home, most primary focal points include a staircase. Stairs and their treads take a daily beating, which is why adding an updated or new stylish runner can make such an incredible difference. Stair runners come in a variety of colors, patterns, styles, and materials for the perfect look in any home.
DIY Cost
$20 to $45 per linear foot. Also, you’ll want to include any installation costs, if necessary! This varies with every project.
Supplies Needed
Carpet padding, staple gun, staples, tape measure, fabric scissors, and carpet tucker.
The Time It Takes
At least several hours, depending on the stair design and installer skill level.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
The cost of the runner depends on the configuration of the stairs, with a set of straight stairs offering the least expensive and simpler route.
Home Renovation Idea #8 – Update Garage Doors
Garage doors are typically one of the most prominent features in most homes. With such a large variety of materials and styles now available, upgrading old, worn-out garage doors has never been easier. And according to a 2021 report, an investment in a garage door upgrade generates one of the highest investment returns when selling.
DIY Cost
The average cost per door – is $756 to $1,586, depending on the material chosen and the size of the garage door(s).
Supplies Needed
It depends on the job, which may include hardware replacement & power tools.
The Time It Takes
Four to six hours if you can use existing wiring and brackets.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
There are garage doors manufactured to add insulation or opening for windows. These are a great fit for those who use their garage for several purposes, like a workshop or workout room.
Home Renovation Idea #9: Create an Outdoor Kitchen
The recent pandemic highlighted changing homeowner needs. Outdoor kitchens, as a result, are now among the most popular trends as they extend a family’s living area by providing a comfortable, functional outdoor area. This outdoor living primarily focuses on an outdoor kitchen which includes a BBQ grill. The latest trend now ranks among the more well-established themes in homeownership. And, outdoor kitchens generate one of the highest returns on investments when selling.
DIY Cost
Average cost $5,000 to $20,000+ – depending on the appliances and size of the kitchen area.
Supplies Needed
It depends on the planned kitchen but likely requires some professional assistance because a new kitchen will need electricity and plumbing.
The Time It Takes
Three weeks to multiple months, contingent on the complexity of the project.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Make sure to select weather-tolerant kitchen items, devices, and appliances. And consider installing a water filtration system as part of the project.
