One of the most exciting things about getting into your first home is being able to customize it to your heart's content.
For many, this means remodeling parts of your home that need some TLC.
However, home projects can take a lot of time and money. So if changing things up too much isn't quite in your budget, then adding your own flair with some home decor might be the best option for you right now.
When you are owning your first home, you want to make sure you are staying within a budget. There are many ways to budget - but regardless of how you do it, you need to come up with one.
Once you've determined your budget for home improvements, you can get started with your projects. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cost to hire a contractor (if necessary)
- Material costs
- Time to complete project
- Permits required
Not sure that you have much room in your budget for improvements? That's okay! Save up your money and have the end goal in mind. In the meantime, here are a few simple and relatively inexpensive ways to update your home.
Painting - this is truly one of the simplest and inexpensive ways to update your home. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to your home. Repainting the doors, cabinets, or even the walls can really give your home that new look that you’ve been desiring.
Look for sales at your local paint or hardware store to help ensure you get the best price on paint. You can always take home sample cards or smaller cans of paints to ensure you are getting the right paint for your project.
Thrift Store Finds - If you’ve ever spent time in a thrift store, you will know how it can be a Mecca for finding those quirky and unique pieces to make your home even more unique.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of hunting to find the right pieces, but it well worth the effort. Try and look for thrift stores that aren't in as populated areas, because the selection won't be picked over as much.
DIY - DIY Home Decor is one of the best ways to make your home feel, well, like home! You can take a quick trip to Joann’s Fabric for some pillows and fun signs (don’t forget your coupons from Joann’s!). They will also have many of the things you need for smaller home projects.
Or, you can make your own - there are so many tutorials online these days to help you make your own decor - the sky is truly the limit. Cricutting is one of the easiest ways to make projects you never could have dreamed of otherwise. All you need is an Internet connection, a little bit of patience, and a Cricut machine, and you’ll be on your way to starring in your own HGTV special.
If you are more adventurous, you can save a lot of money by doing larger projects on your own. Just make sure you are well-prepared for the task ahead. Many homeowners find that beyond simple repairs and paint jobs, it's best to leave it up to the pros.
Updating Hardware - If you have old cupboards that could use an update, you can make them look so much better just by updating the hardware. This is a general inexpensive fix that makes a big difference.
There are many ways to make your new home feel more like you, and these are just a few simple tips for doing just that.
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