Home repair and renovation projects can be a fun way to spruce up your space and spend a weekend doing something rewarding—but it can also be expensive. Things like a new floor, a bigger closet, or an addition onto your house can really hurt your wallet, and you may realize halfway through your project that you simply can’t afford to finish it. Thankfully, there are tons of affordable DIY projects you can either do on a budget or with home renovation financing. Here are a few ways to fix up your house without breaking the bank.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your space is by painting the inside or outside of your home. A couple cans of paint and some painting supplies can be pretty affordable, and painting is an easy project almost anyone can do. For more intense jobs, like painting the outside of your house, consider calling around and asking for quotes from local companies that can do a more professional job and have the right equipment on hand. With many small-job contractors looking for work, it’s great to check websites like Next Door to see what quality professionals are available in your area, likely at a fraction of the cost of a large company. But, if you’re committed to the DIY lifestyle, painting is something you can absolutely do with enough time and the right tools.
Switch Out Your Light Bulbs
Believe it or not, the lighting in your home can have a significant effect on your overall mood, so consider swapping out your existing light bulbs for better ones. If you aren’t sure what kinds of light bulbs are right for your home, you can visit any local or chain hardware store and see samples of different wattage, coloring, and quality. Soft, warm lighting tends to be the most relaxing, especially in a place that’s meant to be comforting, like your home. There are also brighter light bulbs that are meant to mimic natural daylight, which can be great during the long, dark winter months.
Plant a Garden
Planting and taking care of a garden is an experience that everyone should have at some point in their lives, especially when owning a home. Planting and maintaining a garden can be incredibly rewarding and is a great way to save money on fruits, vegetables and herbs that you would otherwise buy at the grocery store. Gardening projects can most definitely be done on a budget of any size—even something as small and simple as a windowsill herb garden can make a difference to your health and your wallet. If you aren’t sure what to grow in your garden, a quick Google search will tell you what sorts of fruits, vegetables and herbs thrive in your specific climate during this time of year.
Get Organized
Another easy and relatively affordable way to spruce up your house is by organizing your living spaces. This can be as simple as purchasing a few plastic organizational bins from the dollar store and using them to sort your cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. You can also purchase things like clothes hangers, shoe racks, and drawer dividers at an affordable price, and the process of organizing your space can be a fun and relaxing way to spend a rainy day.