~ This is a featured post. ~
With the housing market so unpredictable,
many people have chosen not to look for another property if they want to
change. Instead, they choose to renovate the home they already have and make it as they would want. There are
many advantages to this, you don’t have the hassle of moving, and you can make
the home as you like it. However, if you are short on budget, it can make
things more complicated, but here are a few tips to help you renovate your home
with limited funds.
Refresh
the Front Door
Your front door is the gateway to your
house, and the first thing your visitors see. If your front door is looking a
little worse for wear, then you should think about giving it a refresh. Sometimes with a wooden door, you can
sand it down and give it a new coat of paint. It can make the door look good as
new and won’t cost a lot of money. If you do take this option, then ensure you
use a suitable outdoor paint that can withstand the rigors of the weather
without cracking or flaking. If your door is too damaged, or if you want
something that is more secure, then you should invest in a new door. Although
new front doors can be a little expensive, the security they will give your
home is invaluable.
Use
Luxurious Panel Curtains
Fabric can be expensive, especially if
you are looking at the more luxurious fabrics. However, with a panel curtain,
there are no pleats so you won’t need any
additional fabric. Because of this, you might be able to afford a
better-quality fabric to use. Another option is to scour the local charity
shops to see if there are any curtains that you can reuse. They don’t
necessarily have to match completely, but if they have a similar pattern, then that is a bonus. It also helps if
you or someone you know is good with a sewing machine as you can then create
the curtains and adjust them yourself.
Kitchen
Tiles
Kitchen tiles might look hard to do, but
they are actually
fairly easy to fit.
All you need is the time and the patience to see it through, and the right
cement and tools for the job. Having tiles, especially around the worksurfaces
is essential to being able to keep the area clean. Choose tiles that are not
too expensive, and if this is your first-time tiling, then think about the size
of the tiles as well. You might think that larger tiles will be quicker because it
covers a greater area. However, you might also need to do more tile cutting to
fit them in. Smaller tiles can usually be fitted with less cutting, although it
might take slightly longer to place them all. Time is the key factor in this
job, you need to be slow and steady, or
you will make mistakes. You also need to give the tiles the time they need to
set.
Kitchen
Work Surfaces
If your countertops
need to be replaced, then there are
cheaper options than going for a stone or
marble effect. For example, you can get a laminated MDF type board that is
great for kitchens and can be easily cut
to size. Not only will this be cheaper than other types of worktop, but it
will also likely be something you can fit yourself. Think about what the
overall look of the kitchen will be before you choose the worktops as they will need to blend in nicely
with the tiles and paintwork.
Add
Blinds to Your Windows
Adding blinds to your windows can create
a great look and also give you instant privacy. There are usually a few types
you can choose, made from wood, plastic, or metal. Plastic and metal are ok,
but they don’t always give you the look
you want. Wooden ones are usually thicker and larger and give your windows a
great look. If you have windows that aren’t the standard shape, then you will
most likely need to cut the blinds to fit. It is a fairly simple task providing
you have the right tools to do it. You can buy blind cutters that snip the
metal and plastic blinds, but these have to be done individually so can be
difficult to line up. An easier idea is to mark where the blinds need to be
cut, and use a miter saw to cut them all at one time. It will give you a nice
neat edge, and they will all be aligned.
Update
Your Shower
Once you have mastered the art of tiling,
you can use it anywhere including your bathroom. Many people are now choosing
to tile their whole bathroom rather than just the wall near the shower. It
makes cleaning easier, though it will take time and money to complete. While
you are tiling, think about replacing your shower or creating a wet room
instead. Building a wet room take some work, and you also need the budget for
materials, but it can be done as a DIY
project. If you have low water pressure, then you should probably invest in a
pump to increase the power of your shower. You might be able to fit these
yourself, but you will need tools such as those on wrenchguru.
Make
Use of Existing Features
If you live in an older house, then there
might be some beautiful existing features
that have been covered up or painted over. For example, there might be a lovely
original floor in your hall that could be
restored to its former glory. Not only will it add some character to the
house, but it will also be a cheaper way
to make the room look different. Don’t be afraid to look under the carpets or
to strip off the wallpaper to see what you might find.
No matter what size your budget may be,
there are always things you can do to your home that will make it look and feel
refreshed and new.