Is your entryway cluttered? These days most people take their shoes off at the door along with umbrellas, coats, hats, gloves and even dog leashes. Finding places to store all of this stuff can be an organizational nightmare.
Not every home is blessed with a mud room, but thanks to this great video from HGTV, you can turn any small space into a mini mud room! Now you too can have an attractive and functional entryway!
Whether you are renovating or just want to spruce up your kitchen, adding a new kitchen sink can make a world of difference. Maybe you want a deeper sink or a double sink? Stainless steel or porcelain? What ever way you decide to go, did you know that it is a fairly simple thing to do yourself? Here are 2 videos. One shows how easy it is to remove the old and the 2nd shows how easy it is to install. So grab your tools and let’s get to work!
Nothing can freshen up a room like a fresh coat of paint. It’s a cheap and easy way to get a whole new look. But sometimes you want just a little bit more, but wallpaper and boarders can look dated. Why not try the latest trend? Decorative painting! Stripes, blocks, zigzag…you name it.
Here is a short how to video with some step by step techniques to help you achieve that look. I’ve also included the link to 100+ interior painting ideas. If you can dream it, it can happen!
There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment you get from standing back and looking at a freshly painted room. Whether it was just a touch up or a completely different color, it feels good! Getting there isn’t so easy though. Painting can be frustrating work. Streaks and drips…UGH!
It certainly helps when you have the right tools. Knowing what to use and how to use it can make all the difference. Watch the video below for which painting tools to use for your needs. Also, check out things like roller pan liners and gallon pour spouts! Little things like this can make life so much easier!
Want to know how to give your kitchen or bath an updated look without breaking the bank? Here’s how…
Paint Cabinets, Not Replace
With all of the products and techniques out there today, cabinets can look completely different just by painting them.
Painted Walls
A fresh coat of paint does wonders. If you want something more, why not try a painted design like stripes? You could even add some molding for even more depth.
Online Savings
A lot of times you can find great deals online. I recently saw a post on Craigslist where someone was remodeling their kitchen and selling their (barely used) cabinets CHEAP! You just never know!
Surplus Finds
Have you ever heard of the Habitat for Humanity stores? They sell the unused materials for a bargain. Check online for a store near you or any other discount store in your area.
Give Retro a Try
So many “vintage” things can be found at flea markets and antique stores. Why not re-purpose them into something with charm and function. The results can be amazing!
Do Most of the Work Yourself
You might get a little dirty but you can save a bundle. With all of the how-to videos online now, you can do virtually anything yourself now. Why not give it a try?
Hardware and Fixtures
It’s amazing what switching out the fixtures and hardware can do. Just changing out the hinges and handles on your cabinets can give your kitchen/bath a whole new look!
Piece by Piece
If you cannot afford to do it now, buy one piece at a time. Look for sales and discounts and buy then. Before you know it, you will have all of the things you need to do your room and the cost wont be as noticeable.
Redo What You Have
Have you looked to see whats under that linoleum? Maybe it’s hard wood. Counters in good shape? Why not try refinishing them? You could try tile or faux granite. Whatever is in good shape can be re-purposed into something wonderful with a little imagination and elbow grease.
Whatever it is you decide to do it will make a difference. Take notice of things you like online or at a friends house and think of ways to recreate it cheaply. You’ll be amazed at what you can do when you put your mind to it!
Part of remodeling your kitchen is ripping out and installing a new sink. It doesn’t look easy, but it can be with the right tools and know how. Here are a couple of short videos that show you how to remove the old sink and how to install the new one. You’ll have your kitchen upgraded in no time. So grab your tools and let’s get to work!
HOW TO REMOVE THE OLD
HOW TO INSTALL THE NEW
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where friends and family gather. It’s where we spend most of our time, so we want it to look the best that it can. Whether you are replacing or refinishing, here are some helpful tips to help you make the right decisions and the kitchen of your dreams.
Still need some more ideas? Check out this link from HGTV on different styles ideas! Some of them are really cool!
Good luck!
I love the look of a kitchen island. Not only does it add value to your home, but it adds warmth, design and best of all…STORAGE! Adding an island doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There are so many styles and tricks that can keep costs to a minimum. Here is a short video that shows you how to make your own our of stock cabinets. Look how easy it is…
Think that’s too much work? Well here is a link with 33 kitchen island ideas. Everything from re-purposed desks to bookshelves! If you can dream it, it can happen!
BACK TO BLOG
Increasing your homes value is easier than you think. With these tips and tricks, your home will be worth more in no time!
Plan Your Remodel
Have a plan. Whether it’s new construction or an older home, impulse decisions are never a good idea. Start slowly. It’s a work in progress, not a race. Make a list of the things you want to change and categorize them according to cost. Once you’ve done that, narrow it down to the “must haves” and the “wants,” keeping your budget in mind as well as what ones will add actually value to your home. The rest you can work when you have some spare cash.
Take On One Room At A Time
Whether it’s a simple coat of paint or gutting an entire room, taking on one room at makes things attainable and get’s things done! This way the rest of the house still functions instead of living in complete disorder.
Small Improvements Can Really Pay Off
Homeowners are usually torn between making decorative changes or upgrades. I say do a little of both. Make two lists. One for upgrades and the other for decor. Pick some from each list, the ones that fit your budget and go with them. Add something from alternating lists say every other month. Whether it’s new hardware, a new faucet, new window treatments or a new lamp, over time you will see an increase in your enjoyment of the home and in it’s value!
Clean Your House
Everyone loves a clean house. People can tell a lot about you by how you keep your home. Take one room at a time. Organize and throw out anything that you don’t want/need anymore. By cleaning your house one room at a time you accomplish many things. First, you are able to spot and stay on top of any maintenance issues. Second, you don’t allow dirt and clutter to build up over time. Third and most important, a clean home is healthier and better for your family!
Curb Appeal
Take a walk around the neighborhood. Take note of all of the things you admire about your neighbors homes. Things that make them feel warm and welcoming. When you get back, stand in the road and look at your house. Does it have any of those qualities you liked? If not, change it. Paint the door, add a flower bed, some new light fixtures maybe? Whatever you saw around the neighborhood that you liked. Whatever you do to improve your home’s curb appeal will increase the value of your home.
The Kitchen
Paint the walls a different color. Sounds simple but it makes a world of difference. Maybe paint the cabinets instead or try a different finish on them. If that’s too much try swapping out the hardware. Maybe add a tile back splash* or redo your counter tops.* Add stainless steel appliances or an island. The possibilities are endless.
*For ideas on faux finishes on counter tops and for tile back splash ideas, see some of our previous blogs for step by step videos
Bathroom
As we’ve already covered, keep it clean. The bathroom is the first place to get grime and mold so stay on top of it. Nothing looks worse than that! Try adding a new vanity. The big hardware stores carry box sets now. They come with the vanity, sink and matching mirror. They have several different choices and they are all very reasonable in price. Add an upgraded faucet and it will look like you spent a fortune. You could use the same faux granite technique we discussed earlier on your old vanity. Changing out lighting make a huge difference. If you want to really pamper yourself, install heated towel holders and a toilet seat. Now that’s living!
Pay Down Your Principle
Before we go there is one more thing to increase value on your home and that is pay down the principle. You don’t have to go crazy but a little extra here and there can make a huge difference in the end. Also look into refinancing. When and if the market changes, so will the rates. Take advantage of lower rates but be careful of the fine print. You don’t want to get into something that could be worse in the long run
Well that’s it for now. Whether you plan to sell or retire in your home, these tips will help you get the most enjoyment and investment out of your home!
Last week we showed you how to tile a back splash. But if you have a counter top that you’re unhappy with, why even bother? So this week we are showing you how to transform your counter tops on a budget. Everyone loves the look of granite but not everyone loves the price. Here is a great alternative to update the look of your counter tops and transform your kitchen. It’s pretty simple and the results are amazing!
Newhouse & Sun Construction 
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