![14 Low-Cost Updates That Add Value to Your Home](http://assets.caboosecms.com/posts/9005_huge.webp?1671638439)
14 Low-Cost Updates That Add Value to Your Home
December 21, 2022
Custom details add character but can come with a big price tag. Follow these cost-cutting tips to personalize your home without exceeding your remodeling budget.
The customization and personalization of your home are important. It can benefit the flow and function of the space, making it more suitable for your family and your aesthetic. Unfortunately, home renovations can seriously add up. With a little planning and creative thinking, you can cut costs without sacrificing any updates. Check out these budget-friendly home improvement tips and tricks to plan your next project.
1. Paint the Front Door
First impressions are essential. Turn a drab exterior into a fabulous focal point with a quick coat of paint to boost curb appeal. Experts recommend choosing neutrals or matching the color of the house for a monochrome look, but you can also add a pop of your favorite color for personality. Some popular front door color choices are blues, greens, and cheery yellows. While you have all the supplies, don't forget to refresh the door trim, too!
![Teal Front Door Porch Stone Exterior Awdjc1 Cx4oq Ba N88vl O0s 2a1c554786b640b9a4f317051aab0a02](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552357_teal-front-door-porch-stone-exterior-awdjc1cx4oqban88vl_o0s-2a1c554786b640b9a4f317051aab0a02_huge.png)
Source: GREG SCHEIDEMANN
2. Update Cabinet Hardware
Outdated hardware can distract from the charm of otherwise timeless cabinetry. Luckily, swapping out the hardware on bathroom and kitchen cabinets is a relatively cheap way to update your home. Cabinet handles or knobs range anywhere from $1.50 to $6.00 per piece. You can also buy them in bulk. The price per handle will go down significantly and you'll have enough to replace all of the hardware in the room.
![Black Cabinets Kitchen 7 Wm5 Ly Ul4 Kn9e Skln Ynb11 Dfdcaa7bed4443ddaac13371506cca96](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552347_black-cabinets-kitchen-7wm5lyul4kn9esklnynb11-dfdcaa7bed4443ddaac13371506cca96_huge.png)
Source: ANNIE SCHLECHTER
3. Install New Flooring
High-traffic areas and carpeting don't mesh well. Places that are walked on more often tend to discolor and wear out faster than other areas. Implement durable (and easy to clean!) materials underfoot in places like the living room, entryway, kitchen, and hallways. Materials like hardwoods, laminates, and tile are ideal. Traditional hardwoods can be pricey, plus, you're more likely to need to hire a professional installer. More affordable options include engineered hardwoods or laminate wood flooring. Laminate wood floors mimic the look of hardwood floors but are significantly lower in cost and easy to install yourself.
![Living Room Blue White Patterned Rug Ccyu7fl N Kfo8 Vge Arm K Pa 9d70aef21f8a418e8f00e523b69b7230](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552364_living-room-blue-white-patterned-rug-ccyu7flnkfo8-vgearmkpa-9d70aef21f8a418e8f00e523b69b7230_huge.png)
Source: DAVID LAND
4. Paint or Stain Cabinets
Make dated cabinets a thing of the past by dedicating a weekend to getting down and dirty in the kitchen. If you're loving to improve the value of your home for resale, make sure to choose a versatile color when selecting a paint or stain color, and be careful to correctly prepare the cabinets before starting. This will likely entail stripping, sanding, and priming before painting or staining.
![Kitchen Green Cabinets White Textured Walls F5xm Kn11q Ue A1 96fwfr Yu 7fa720d368014471a2986aa1f7398e59](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552362_kitchen-green-cabinets-white-textured-walls-f5xmkn11quea1_96fwfryu-7fa720d368014471a2986aa1f7398e59_huge.png)
Source: BRIE PASSANO
5. Use Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is classic and widely available at home centers and tile stores. Its traditional look makes it the perfect fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and fireplaces. Create a budget-friendly custom look by mixing ceramic tiles with a few decorative tiles. Or install subway tile with a unique pattern, such as herringbone or vertical running bond.
![1900 Bhg Johnson 037 1e4f730580be47c19b696bc533b8bd46](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552358_1900_bhg_johnson_037-1e4f730580be47c19b696bc533b8bd46_huge.png)
Source: ANNIE SCHLECHTER
6. Pay Attention to Color
Color is a home designer's cheapest and most powerful tool when transforming a room. Whether you're adding a little color or a lot, make over any room in your home with a fresh coat of paint, or colorful tile, hardware, or accessories. Regardless of the colors you have in your home, if you're considering selling your home in the near future, consider repainting in neutral paint colors, which appeal more to buyers.
![Mod Living Room Teal Blue Walls 02223418 Bf583fa219714df7921087208723e73a](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552366_mod-living-room-teal-blue-walls-02223418-bf583fa219714df7921087208723e73a_huge.png)
Source: JAY WILDE
7. Install a Ceiling Fan
In colder months, it can be hard to keep homes warm. However, ceiling fans offer an economical way to cut costs and stay cozy by circulating warm air. Likewise, the fixtures also help keep rooms cool in the summer. Ceiling fans are easy to install and provide a layer of comfort, especially in bedrooms.
![Living Room Sectional Two Ceiling Fans 30daa58f 9b337c888dc64d94a3ed2b82000bb0d3](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552365_living-room-sectional-two-ceiling-fans-30daa58f-9b337c888dc64d94a3ed2b82000bb0d3_huge.png)
Source: JAMES SCHRODER
8. Skip Crown Molding
When working with a remodeling professional, purchasing molding materials and paying for installation can be tough on your pocketbook. Instead, go with less expensive wainscoting, a simple chair rail, or wall frame molding. Can't live without the crown molding look? Save money by installing it yourself.
![Blue White Bedroom Color Block Wall Panel Bvcc N4 Mf Kyxb Ya B Hk81 I6a B344a9202e874e6281d7dcc9bcaea860](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552360_blue-white-bedroom-color-block-wall-panel-bvccn4mfkyxbyabhk81i6a-b344a9202e874e6281d7dcc9bcaea860_huge.png)
Source: BRIE WILLIAMS
9. Pick an Array of Light Fixtures
Choose to invest in pricier, eye-catching fixtures to highlight one or two main areas in the home. Dining rooms or areas in the kitchen (over the island or sink) are great candidates. For other areas, opt for less-expensive, off-the-shelf fixtures.
![Green Brown Modern Kitchen 6 Lnjk2 Pf Kz Wbf Fu N Ij Hi2 3c36527a33a64228968d999bca7e590e](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552361_green-brown-modern-kitchen-6lnjk2pfkzwbffu_nijhi2-3c36527a33a64228968d999bca7e590e_huge.png)
Source: WERNER STRAUBE
10. Enhance with Woodwork
Architectural woodwork not only adds character, but it also disguises imperfections in old walls. Use simple woodwork, such as beaded-board paneling and corner rosettes, to dress up walls and add interest to rooms. Beaded board is durable, budget-friendly, and can stand up to splashes, making it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
![Black White Bath Double Vanity Tile 6l7qq Rjh4 L7 Aafl Ecwd6 Ai 428888b707884a47931e8f85f1fb5f8e](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552359_black-white-bath-double-vanity-tile-6l7qqrjh4l7aaflecwd6ai-428888b707884a47931e8f85f1fb5f8e_huge.png)
Source: NATHAN SCHRODER
11. Add Carpet to Bedrooms
Wear and tear is inevitable on carpets, but no one wants to start a new chapter in someone else's mess. Install new cozy carpet in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms. Skip hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring; the future owner's feet will thank you on those chilly winter mornings.
![Teal Pink Brown Master Bedroom D8 Rcb0 Rna Zs9k9r Mn2 Osy Aa175002254b42b2a223eebdd782360a](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552369_teal-pink-brown-master-bedroom-d8rcb0rnazs9k9rmn2osy_-aa175002254b42b2a223eebdd782360a_huge.png)
Source: KARYN MILLET
12. Implement Open Shelving
Good looks and practicality are equal partners when implementing storage in heavy-traffic areas. Open shelves in the kitchen marry storage and display space, providing easy access to dishware during meal prep and entertaining. The technique also works well in any small space around the house, from bookcases to bathroom storage, as the visual openness keeps the room from feeling cluttered.
![Subway Tile Kitchen Open Shelves F7f4cf47 90e34a6132894591b91a721d53e937c7](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552368_subway-tile-kitchen-open-shelves-f7f4cf47-90e34a6132894591b91a721d53e937c7_huge.png)
Source: GREG SCHEIDEMANN
13. Pick Midrange Cabinetry
Select affordable, midrange kitchen cabinetry instead of top-of-the-line cabinets. The money you save can be spent on high-quality appliances. The extra allowance will help you find long-lasting appliances that complement your kitchen and your cooking preferences.
![Kitchen Midrange Cabinets 101615694 68493737b0f64a5c9f957b2840cec49d](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552363_kitchen-midrange-cabinets-101615694-68493737b0f64a5c9f957b2840cec49d_huge.png)
Source: BRIE WILLIAMS
14. Add Additional Storage
Storage is an important part of any home. If your house lacks storage, think about adding multifunctional furniture, like portable kitchen islands and storage ottomans. Hidden storage can be a much more affordable alternative than adding shelving or built-ins.
![Rustic Wooden Kitchen Island 2kr K9wvka F Asa Tp I Dm Br I B23d6b3c5a8342b8b00bc8f1bb0af8be](https://res.cloudinary.com/caboose/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto:best,w_800/caboose/media/14552367_rustic-wooden-kitchen-island-2krk9wvka-fasatpidmbri-b23d6b3c5a8342b8b00bc8f1bb0af8be_huge.png)
Source: KRITSADA PANICHGUL
Source: 14 Low-Cost Updates That Add Value to Your Home Better Homes & Gardens (December 5, 2022) Savanna Bous