If you feel like high interest rates mean you have to stay in your current home, you're not alone. Many people feel like now isn't the best time to sell and look for a new home, but that doesn't mean you have to hold on to it if it's not functioning in a way that truly serves you and your family. Thankfully, there are a number of effective home improvements you can implement right now that will improve the look and feel of your home without breaking the bank.
1. Refinish your hardwood floors
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If your flooring is showing signs of age but you don't want to pay the expense of a complete replacement, refinishing is a great option. Refinishing flooring can be a difficult and time-consuming job, but it doesn't have to be expensive. When done by a professional, the overall cost of refinishing, including sanding and staining, is usually $3 to $8 per square footIf you choose the do-it-yourself method, the cost will be about $500 to $1,000 (excluding machine costs).
2. Replacing kitchen counters
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Even if a complete kitchen remodel is out of your budget, there are still some small projects you can undertake to make your kitchen look like new. Replacing your countertops is one of them. Opting for ceramic or porcelain tile is a cost-effective option. $5 to $30 per square footThis option is DIY friendly, as long as you are willing to invest the time into installation and maintenance. Laminate countertops cost on average $25 per square footare available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you're sure to find one that matches your design aesthetic.
3. Upgrade your kitchen appliances
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Upgrading kitchen essentials like your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher is relatively inexpensive, and you can save money depending on the brand, when you buy, and what discounts you can take advantage of by purchasing multiple appliances at once. Up to $1,500 It's easy to make a purchase if you are strategic and ask the right questions. Consider buying display items and shop around for the best price. Remember, many retailers will match the price if you find a lower price elsewhere.
4. Replace your shower
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Is your bathroom feeling boring and outdated? Replace your shower and breathe new life into it. For an all-in-one, easy solution, there are prefabricated shower kits, which come with all the components you need to assemble a complete shower. These can be purchased for around $100. Under $1,000Looking for inspiration? These walk-in shower before and afters should help you plan your shower remodel.
5. Apply a new coat of paint
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Changing the look and feel of your home can be as simple as giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint. The cost to professionally paint the exterior of a two-story home typically runs about $3,000If you do it yourself, $500 and $1,000Consider the size of your home and the materials you'll need. If you're not ready to commit to a full paint job, you could just repaint the trim. This alternative is more affordable and requires less effort, but it can still make a big difference in refreshing the look of your home.
Note: Painting the exterior of your house can be a dangerous job if you don't have the right time, tools, and expertise, as you'll need to work from high up on a ladder. If you're not comfortable tackling this project alone, we recommend hiring a professional painter.
