12 Affordable Home Improvement Ideas That Will Make Your Life Easier

When you think of home improvement projects, what usually comes to mind are the big-ticket items that cost thousands of dollars. But there are plenty of ways to make your house more livable without spending a fortune.

Here are 12 affordable home improvement ideas that will make your life easier and save you money in the long run:

Install a New Mailbox That Matches Your Home’s Exterior Design

A mailbox is often a key part of people’s first impression as they walk up to houses. If your mailbox isn’t in good shape, then you might want to consider replacing it with a newer version that matches your home’s exterior design.

A new mailbox can add instant curb appeal to your home, but the cost varies depending on what type of mailbox you install and how much labour is required to complete the job. Can I do a mail-in order? What about installation?

Your local post office should be able to answer these questions for you. More expensive mailboxes will often come with an external lockbox or a combination lock. This way, when one person leaves for work in the morning, they can close the box to prevent tampering and other family members can retrieve their mail when they get back home.

Designate one Room as “The Kids Playroom”

If you have children, it is good to have a designated area where they can play. This way, they will not get into trouble in other parts of the house and also stay safe if you are not around.

When thinking about organising a play area, think about the age and personality of each child. For example, you could designate one room as “the playroom,” another as “the quiet reading room,” or even divide up a larger space into multiple sections for different activities.

The biggest advantage to having kids have their own designated areas, is that it can help promote positive behaviour. For instance, if they know that their toys are in the playroom, then they will be less likely to bring them out elsewhere in the house and leave them lying around. Having an assigned spot also means that parents don’t have to worry about accidentally tripping over toys or breaking them.

Paint your Front Door a Bright Colour to Make it Stand Out

Your front door is the first thing people see when they walk up to your house. It’s a good idea to paint it a bright colour so it stands out from the rest of the house and makes a vibrant first impression. Best practice would be to pick your favourite colour, but make sure it also matches the rest of your exterior colours.

If you’re not sure what colour would be best for your home, then head into your local hardware store with some pictures and get an expert’s opinion.

Consider Adding a Deck or Other Type of Patio for Entertaining

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, then adding a deck or patio is a great way to do so. Not only that, but it also provides an excellent place to entertain friends and family.

When deciding on whether or not to build a deck, there are certain things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to consider the size of your property and how much space is available for the building. Next, ask yourself what you plan is for you deck. If it’s just for guest seating or dinner parties, then a small deck will suffice. If you plan on hosting large gatherings like barbecues or concerts, you may want to consider building a larger one that can hold many people.

Add Solar Panels to your Roof

One way to save on monthly electricity costs is by adding solar panels to your roof. The cost of installing solar panels varies from state to state. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into energy, which can be used in the home for lighting and powering appliances.

There are several different locations where you can put solar panels on your roof. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some roofs might not be suitable for solar panels because they don’t receive enough sun exposure or are shaded too much by the surrounding buildings.

Another factor to consider when deciding whether to install solar panels is the financial incentive: many states provide a rebate or offer other incentives for installing solar panels on your house or business.

Install a Smart Thermostat to Save Energy Costs

A smart thermostat is a great way to save on energy costs, and the best way to do so is by installing one that can be remotely controlled. This means not having to walk back through your house or go up and down flights of stairs just to adjust the temperature!

One thing you’ll want to consider when installing a smart thermostat is which features are essential for you. For example, if you work in an office most of the week, make sure your new thermostat has a “home/away” function. This will allow you to control your heating and cooling from anywhere in the world. This means in winter you can set it to heat and come back to a warm home without it being on all day.

Purchase LED Light Bulbs for Better Ambience Inside the Home

One of the best ways to dress up your home is by replacing your regular light bulbs with LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs come in a wide range of colours and shapes, so you’re sure to find one to match the style of your home. The main difference between LED and a traditional light bulb is that they don’t cast a glaring white light, but rather one that provides a more subtle illumination for a more relaxing atmosphere inside your home.

Replace Your Counters With Granite Tile for an Elegant Look

One way to create a luxurious look for your home without going overboard on cost is by replacing your kitchen counters with granite tile. Granite tile is an attractive and inexpensive option for you to consider because it will give your kitchen that elegant stone-like appearance.

Granite tile is easy to clean, durable and looks great with just about any colour palette you decide on for your kitchen decor. And because there are so many different shapes and colours available, you’ll be able to find one that will match perfectly with the look of your existing décor.

Buy New Furniture – Especially if Yours is Falling Apart

To make your home feel luxurious again, update your furniture. This can be done with new furniture or cleaning up your current pieces. To ensure longevity and save money in the long run, purchase quality pieces of furniture.

If you have any scratched surfaces or stains on your furniture, you should consider refinishing the surface areas before buying a different piece of furniture. The easiest way to do this is by rubbing a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice into the scratched area and wiping it off with a cloth dampened with water.

After doing this several times, the scratch should disappear, but if there are stubborn spots that refuse to come off, then you may need to use a scrubbing product.

Update Old Window Treatments

One of the best ways to update your home without spending a lot of money is changing out old window treatments such as drapes or blinds. This is one way that you can give new life to outdated curtains and linens because they will look as good as new with a little extra attention.

The first step in updating your window treatments is to take them outside, brush off any dirt or dust and then wash them with warm water. You may also decide to use some spritzer for extra freshness if desired. After washing them, allow them to air dry before hanging them up again.

Add a Fireplace

A fireplace in your living room can add a cozy and inviting feeling to the space. Not only do fireplaces make for great conversation pieces, they are also wonderful to use during those cold winter nights when you need some heat!

If you’re looking for a natural accent that will create warmth and cosiness in your home, then adding one of these beautiful items is a good idea.

Seek Professional Help for Major Home Improvement

Seeking professional help for major home improvement projects doesn’t have to cost as much as you think. There are many places where you can find affordable contracting work, and this will save you time and hassle in the long run.

To find the right residential home builder, speak with friends or family members who have recently completed a renovation project. You should also go online to see which contractors offer free quotes or estimates. This will allow you to compare prices and reviews before deciding on a contractor for your renovation project.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that no matter how much you want to make your home feel luxurious and welcoming, it won’t happen overnight. You’ll need time and effort to create the desired effect in your space. That’s why we’ve provided some tips on ways you can transform your house into a place of warmth, comfort, style and luxury without breaking the bank.

We hope these ideas will help inspire you as you start planning for future projects. If this article has helped spark any creative ideas about what improvements may be needed in your own home, please let us know in the comment section below.

About The Author

Riza Angeles is a content creator and a writer at BlissfulAptitude.com who has been living with an Orthopedic Disability for most of her life. She’s an advocate for the rights of PWDs, and she loves to write about anything that catches her eye!

Her goal is to help her readers find their bliss by providing information from a variety of perspectives. Follow her on Instagram: @riza_zangeles.