How to Update Your Home on a Budget

My husband and I were recently in the market for a new home. We and our three (soon-to-be four) children had outgrown our last house and we needed to find a new home that could meet our needs, but also be financed on our modest income. The result? A structurally sound, nice home that was beautiful.... or at least would be once we fixed it up. When you are shopping around for ways to improve your home with limited funds, keep these ideas in mind:

1. Look carefully at carpet.

Carpet makes a big difference to the look and feel of a home. If the previous owner was a smoker or had indoor pets you will almost certainly need to replace it. Shop around for carpet and know what you like. You will save money if you use one style and color for every room you will be re-carpeting. Pick a neutral style that will match most paint colors and not leave your home looking dated in 5 years. Research carpet brands and find which ones have the best warranty and the best quality reviews. My husband and I selected Mohawk SmartStrand carpet due to its outstanding warranty and quality. It is also made primarily of corn, so it is easier on the environment than other commercial options. Check prices at warehouse stores such as Home Depot, Menards and Lowes, but don't forget to check out your local carpet distributers. We were able to find a local dealer who was able to sell us our carpet at cost, which saved us $.94 per square foot. Also, be aware that stores such as Home Depot occasionally run promotions when they will install your carpet for as low as $100-$150 regardless of the square footage or number of rooms.

2. Be smart about paint.

If you are trying to save money, buying cheap paint is not the answer. Cheap paints require more coats for coverage, leave more streaks, and are more easily damaged by wear and tear as well as scrubbing. Always check brand reviews or ask a knowledgeable employee in the paint department before you select a brand. Decent paint brands can stay looking good for many years, so select colors you like that are also fairly neutral so they can accommodate changing furniture and wall hangings.

Also, don't be tempted to skip the primer with the hopes of saving money. Primer is less expensive than paint and applying it can almost guarantee one-coat coverage with high quality paints. Priming the walls also gives you a more even, clean-looking finished product.

3. Find furniture fixes.

It is always a temptation to replace or buy new furniture when you move into a new place. Sometimes this makes sense, but you can adapt your furniture for far less money than you can buy new. That old recliner or couch? Instead of kicking it to the curb, check out discount stores or online auctions for clearanced slipcovers. Do you have old wood furniture that is looking rough? Sand it down, paint it and replace the knobs or pulls. When you do decide to buy something new be sure to check places like Craigslist and shop around before you buy.

4. Get deals on fixtures.

Spring and Fall are great times to find good deals on fixtures. Many stores change styles with the seasons and that means the fixtures that are left from last season are drastically marked down. We found many of our light fixtures and bathroom hardware for 75% off this way. Also, keep in mind that not every toilet paper holder and hand towel bar must match. Be sure they have the same finish (brass, chrome, brushed nickel, etc.) but don't obsess over every detail. Bringing together pieces that coordinate, but don't necessarily match will save you a lot of money in the bathroom and kitchen. Also, replacing a vanity top and faucet is a great way to give your bathroom a facelift without paying a lot of money. Home improvement stores regularly run great sales on these items and you can completely change the look of your bathroom for under $200.

Fixing up a home can be an expensive, stressful time. However, if you shop around and keep your choices simple and neutral, you can update your home without unloading your bank account.