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<\/a>Choose which projects you want to tackle based on the needs of your home<\/h2>\n
Because there are so many choices for budget home improvement projects, choosing the best projects to add marketability and value to your home can be a little difficult. John Thomas Sinclair<\/a>, a leading real estate agent in Kootenai County, ID, with 23 years of experience, tells us that the best choice comes down to the unique characteristics of your individual property.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most impactful project depends on the condition of your house. If it\u2019s super dark, we\u2019ll go with getting the lighting right. It\u2019s totally dependent on the situation we\u2019re walking into. As a real estate agent, I\u2019d look for how we could spend the available budget to make the biggest impact and weigh the cost against the impact on value.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Sinclair tells us that the first upgrades to consider are those that make your bathroom look \u201cspa-like.\u201d According to US News, the average return on investment for bathroom renovations is more than 62%<\/a>. To get started on a bathroom remodel, consider these options:<\/p>\n Often, the first thing people get excited about when looking at a bathroom is the shower head. After all, who doesn\u2019t want their daily wash to feel luxurious? Not only will you enjoy your new shower head every time you bathe, but you\u2019ll also love how it catches prospective buyers\u2019 attention when it\u2019s time to sell.<\/p>\n Some great options include:<\/p>\n If your bathroom lacks windows or isn\u2019t well-ventilated, installing a vent is the best way to ensure the room has a steady supply of fresh air. While you\u2019ll likely need to get help from an HVAC expert to complete the installation, the whole project usually costs only about $387<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bathroom countertops usually don\u2019t account for a whole lot of space. Still, since they\u2019re often the visual focal point of the room, a nice countertop can transform the entire space. Because vanities are smaller than kitchen cabinets, you can install even more expensive materials like granite or quartz on a budget<\/a>, with material costs ranging from $50 to $300 per linear foot.<\/p>\n Finally, a surefire way to make your bathroom shine is to add some shiny new hardware. Items like bath towel bars, sinks, toilet paper roll holders, and light switches are relatively inexpensive and can transform your bathroom from a utility space into an elegant experience.<\/p>\n Kitchen backsplashes aren\u2019t just for looks; they protect your walls from all of the food and liquid splashes while you\u2019re cooking. Furthermore, according to data from Remodeling.com, minor kitchen renovations in 2021 have an average return on investment of 72.2%<\/a>.<\/p>\n While HomeAdvisor puts the average cost of a kitchen backsplash installation at $1,000<\/a>, Sinclair shares that homeowners often get the job done for less than $500. To keep the project within budget, only add a backsplash where you need it (usually above your stove and sink).<\/p>\n The cost of labor for a backsplash installation varies depending on your location but typically lands between $10 to $15 per square foot, with more complicated patterns resulting in increased prices. The biggest cost factor for the project is the material you choose.<\/p>\n Popular choices include:<\/p>\n With a small backsplash, you\u2019ll cut down on both material and labor costs, and potentially get the job done for as little as $260 for a 20-square-foot area. Sinclair suggests using the rest of your $500 budget to purchase some new hardware for your kitchen like switches<\/a>, cabinet handles<\/a>, or lighting fixtures<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your home could have an absolutely stunning interior, but without proper lighting, no one would ever know. Upgrading or adding light fixtures brightens rooms and often gives spaces an entirely different look and feel. As a bonus, newer light fixtures can save you money<\/a> on your electricity bill.<\/p>\n A chandelier in your home\u2019s entryway or dining room may seem extravagant, but there are many styles that will brilliantly illuminate your home without breaking the bank:<\/p>\n Sometimes, upgraded lighting is all it takes to transform a dingy bathroom. Popular options include:<\/p>\n Outdoor lights are wonderful for entertaining and highlighting features of your home and garden. Some quality options include:<\/p>\n Your front door sets the tone for entering your home \u2014 especially for buyers touring your home. Sinclair shares that the front of your home makes a first impression on buyers before they even enter. A front door that\u2019s seen better days and old, beat-up house numbers makes potential buyers think they\u2019re about to step into a fixer-upper.<\/p>\n The National Association of Realtors reports that curb appeal upgrades typically net a return on investment of anywhere from 74% to 107%<\/a>, meaning you\u2019ll likely recoup your project costs on the following:<\/p>\n This home improvement may be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. For finicky door locks, graphite powder<\/a> only costs a few dollars and can make an old lock work like new. For front doors in worse condition, replacement may be preferable. Although front doors can be pricey, there are plenty of attractive options for under $500:<\/p>\n House numbers are an inexpensive, eye-catching way to make a statement. Some options include:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for the best low-cost, high-impact home improvements, you should consult a top real estate agent in your area. Experienced agents have intimate knowledge of their local housing markets \u2014 they\u2019ll have their finger on which renovations get the most attention (and inspire the most bids) from buyers, as well as which projects you can probably skip.<\/p>\nTurn your bathroom into a spa with a few simple changes<\/h2>\n
Estimated cost: $60-$500 \u00a0 | \u00a0 Project duration: 1-5 days<\/h3>\n
Add a new shower head<\/h3>\n
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Install a bathroom vent<\/h3>\n
Update countertops<\/h3>\n
Replace the hardware<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Add a kitchen backsplash for a functional, eye-catching finish<\/h2>\n
Estimated cost: $150-$400 \u00a0 | \u00a0 Project duration: 2 days<\/h3>\n
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Emphasize your home\u2019s beauty with upgraded lighting<\/h2>\n
Estimated cost: $20-$500\u00a0 |\u00a0 Project duration: 1-2 days<\/h3>\n
Hang lighting fixtures<\/h3>\n
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Upgrade bathroom lights<\/h3>\n
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Enhance outdoor lighting<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Boost curb appeal with a new front door and house numbers<\/h2>\n
Estimated cost: $150-$500 \u00a0 | \u00a0 Project duration: 1 day<\/h3>\n
Update the front door<\/h3>\n
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Add new house numbers<\/h3>\n
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Consult a top real estate agent for tailored advice<\/h2>\n