Large renovations can sometimes feel overwhelming or expensive, but there are plenty of smaller projects that can greatly improve your home without costing a fortune.
In this guide, we'll look at different areas of your home, such as the front door, bathroom, and kitchen, and provide practical tips for making meaningful changes without breaking the bank.
Front door
Apart from the front wall of your house, the front door is what people will see first, and many assumptions can be made just by the look of your front door. Don't worry though, you don't have to replace it. A simple fresh coat of paint or power wash could look more inviting and smarter. If you want to go the extra mile, you could get a new handle, knocker, or house number or if you have a damaged or broken doorbell, consider replacing it.
Small defects
Fixing small defects throughout your home might be annoying, but can also change the look of your house. Look around your house and check if you can see any peeling paint, dirty walls, dripping or limescale built-up taps, squeaky doors, or broken lightbulbs.
A smarter home
While some smart home appliances come with a high price tag, investing in energy-efficient options can lead to savings and potentially improve your home's energy performance. For instance, smart radiator thermostats can enhance efficiency by adjusting temperatures automatically to maintain desired room conditions.
Another way you could achieve a smarter home is by checking if Fibre Optic is available on your street. If there is, consider changing your internet contract to utilise it. Doing so will allow the providing company to install any new required equipment and could even save you money thanks to any promotional sign-ups. This can make your home look more attractive to potential buyers as it will be ready to accept fast internet connections in the future.
Garden
Gardens can play a big role in impressions. Rear gardens should feel like an extension that can be used during the warmer months. The easiest way to achieve this is to get some outside furniture, but of course, not everyone may be able to afford some.
Alternatively, you can enhance your garden's appeal with simple care. For example, trim the borders of pathways and cut back any hedges that overhang them. Look for and fix any damage to fences or cut back any trees that block direct sunlight to the garden. If there are a lot of dead leaves in the winter, rake them up and place them in the green bin. This will prevent a build-up of dirt.
If your rear garden is just a grass patch, try planting some flowers or starting a vegetable patch to give it more character.
Additionally, if you have a front garden, the same ideas apply. Remove any dead plants or branches that might be lingering and, if you can, give your fences a new coat of paint or fix a broken gate.
Bathroom refit
Refitting your bathroom can be an expensive project. However, smaller repairs and upgrades can help make it feel as fresh as a newly refitted one.
Start by checking your walls and tiles. Over time, they can become discolored or worn, making your bathroom appear dirty even when it's clean. If the grout between tiles is dirty, try cleaning it. If cleaning doesn't work or if it's damaged, consider replacing it. Costs for regrouting a bathroom can vary, but professionals typically charge around £380, depending on the size of the area needing work.
Look at your taps and fittings and check if they are leaking or damaged. If they are beyond repair, or you simply want an upgrade, consider replacing them. The same can be said for electric showers (if you have one), you could replace it and get a more stylish and energy-efficient one.
In frequently used areas like showers and baths, broken silicone seals are common. If you notice gaps, mould growth, or any damage, replace them promptly. This not only improves the appearance but also prevents potential leaks or water damage.
Kitchen upgrade
Kitchen upgrades can be equally or more expensive than bathrooms, but you can apply the same ideas to both. Look at the grouting, seals, and taps. Can these be cleaned or replaced?
Think about kitchen handles and doors, these also elevate the look of your units while keeping costs low. If your unit handles are damaged or outdated consider replacing or repairing them. If you are up for the challenge, you could also repaint your units, replace broken cabinet hinges, or install soft-close dampers to give your kitchen a more premium feeling.
For extra information, check out our blog post about how to save money on home improvements.
Summary
While large-scale renovations may seem daunting and costly, there's a wealth of smaller projects that can enhance your home without breaking the bank. Throughout this guide, we've explored various areas of your home, including the front door, bathroom, kitchen, and garden, offering practical tips for meaningful changes. From a fresh coat of paint on the front door to simple garden maintenance, these manageable tasks can breathe new life into your living space.
