If you’re thinking about making some home improvements, there are plenty of things you can do without breaking the bank. It is amazing how something as simple and affordable as a fresh coat of paint or replacing a worn front door with a new one can transform your home’s appeal.
If you are looking to take on a larger project like a room addition or upgrading your kitchen, be savvy in your search for financing options. Just because large commercial banks are on every corner doesn’t mean that’s the best option for you. A slightly less known alternative to using a commercial bank is seeking out a credit union. One of the perks of getting credit union loans is they usually offer lower interest rates than your run of the mill commercial bank.
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Inspiration
Before you take out a loan and find a contractor, you’ve gotta figure out what you want to do. Whether you think you know what you want to do or you’re looking for inspiration, take a look around some of the creative websites and see if there is anything that tickles your fancy. It’s amazing how many unique and appealing ideas can spark your own creative flair.
The big draw to sites such as Pinterest is browsing through someone’s collection of thoughts and ideas. Think of flipping through a magazine and tearing out the pages of design ideas you like or a quirky decorating tip. Once you find someone who has a collection you find appealing, you can browse through their virtual catalog. You can undertake a new project with tried and true methods instead of having to learn as you go.
Planning
Before you undertake a project, home improvement or otherwise, make sure you have a plan in place. There’s almost nothing more counterproductive than getting halfway through a project and realizing there are so many details you’ve not taken into consideration. The only thing that can be worse than that is running out of money long before you’ve come even close to finishing.
To avoid certain failure or disappointment, envision exactly what you’re trying to do. Once you know what you want, it’s time to put pen to paper. Not only is it a good idea to make a list of supplies you’re going to need, but make sure you price up those items as well. Always plan for the unexpected. Even if you think you’ve not overlooked a single detail, figure about 15-20% above the amount you think you’ll need to account for any unforeseen snags along the way.
Small Changes, Big Differences
It can be disheartening to want to make major changes to your home but not having the budget or the means to actually do them. Who says home improvements have to be expensive to give your home a revived feel? If you aren’t sure where to start, think of working on your curb appeal. Even doing small things like searching for mudroom storage solutions can make a big impact!
Clean up your flower beds and give them a bit of TLC. Adding splashes of color and blooms to the outside of your home can turn a dreary, rundown yard into a focal point for passers-by. If you have unsightly cracks in the walkway leading to your door, fill those cracks with compound and improve visitors’ first impressions straight away.
Be energy efficient by either caulking or using weather stripping around windows and doors. Not only will it add the finishing touch to your windows and doors, but it will save you about 30% in heating and cooling costs.
Give your front door a facelift. Revive a tired and rundown entrance with a vibrant and fresh coat of paint. Replace old tarnished fixtures with new ones. Sprucing up your main entrance doesn’t have to be costly.
Pay attention to the details. You can completely transform the feel of your home by making small but pointed changes that don’t break the bank.