Your first home likely isn’t going to be your forever home, but you still need to be happy while you live there. Carrying out smaller, less expensive renovations will improve your stay in your starter home while adding to the house’s resale value. These small renovations won’t require you to put your entire heart into them, but they’ll still let you leave your mark on the home for its future owners. These popular budget-friendly renovations to improve your first home are essential for creating a comfortable space you can enjoy and easily pass on to whoever owns it next.
Update the Appliances
Old appliances are not only frustrating to utilize, but also less cost effective than many newer counterparts. If your dishwasher, fridge, or laundry machine desperately need an upgrade, putting some money into it can help you enjoy the remaining time you spend in your starter home. You don’t need to go all-out with your appliance upgrades—just buy basic models that are better than the 20-year-old appliances you have now. You may also consider buying used appliances from trustworthy sources if you’re on an extremely tight budget.
Cheap, Attractive Flooring
You may not want your old, raggedy carpet, but you may also want to avoid putting in brand-new hardwood flooring to cut costs. Luckily, there’s plenty of affordable alternatives for a more attractive floor. New carpet often has cost-efficient options, but if you want to avoid the carpet aesthetic, try laminate. Laminate flooring is affordable and easy to clean, and it also comes in many different styles to add a sleek aesthetic to any home.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
As a home ages, so does its paint. If your walls look like they’ve weathered the impact of several families and moves, it may be time for wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint. Painting a room’s walls is one of the most popular budget-friendly renovations to improve your first home. Many families take on the task of painting on their own as a weekend project. Doing it yourself saves money if you paint properly and take steps to protect your furniture and floors. Before you start painting, be sure to pick out the right color. If you intend on marketing the house after you grow out of it, you may want to stick to neutral colors to make the home more appealing.
