15 Inexpensive Home Improvement Ideas

Everyone knows the big things you can to do your home that will increase its value and marketability: install granite countertops in the kitchen, pull up that laminate flooring and lay down travertine instead, swap out the basic appliances for stainless steel, or put in a pool.

For those of you who don't have thousands at your disposal here are some fixes the you can do on your own to make your home look better for yourself, but also a prospective homebuyer, in the event that perhaps you are waiting the market out to put your home on the market.

1. Get throw pillows for the couch and beds - diversifify the colors and make them bright. They could be just what those pieces of furniture need to make it "pop"

2. Tint your windows, especially ones that receive direct sunlight. This is no longer just for your car and can help you save money.

3. Install ceiling fans. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In Arizona they are practically a must, and people can always identify when they have a "newer" look.

4. Shampoo & clean those carpets - you can rent yourself a carpet cleaner from most grocery stores nowadays. You'll be surprised at what this can do for a room.

5. Painting rooms is a great way to change the appearance of your home quickly and inexpensively, but if you cannot do this wash your walls and baseboards.

6. Hang up art on the walls. Many people have blank walls, and some nice artwork from IKEA (or fill in the blank) can provide some needed beauty.

7. Outside - trim your bushes and plant flowers, especially ones with color, giving yourself nice curb appeal.

8. Purchase landscape lights that brighten up the walkway at night.

9. Candles and flowers for the inside of the home will add charm and provide a focal point.

10. Are you green? Plants placed in the right places inside (on plant shelf, standing in the corner, etc) will be more pleasing to the eye.

11. Throw away anything unnecessary and declutter. This will make the home seem larger and open up the space you have.

12. Clean your windows - doing this will brighten up every room in your home.

13. Spend some time cleaning your bathrooms - these rooms get dirtiest fastest and applying elbow grease will certainly be worth the effort.

14. Lighting and faucet fixtures - get rid of the old and install new energy-saving and efficient ones. Long run you will save money on energy bills.

15. Kitchen cabinets old or worn? Don't replace, resurface/refinish/paint them.

With any luck your time investment will be minimal compared to the results you'll experience.

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