Decision to fix-up the house rather than move, some cash in-hand and a new Lowe’s opens within a mile of my house all makes for a very dangerous combination. We’ve developed a long list of projects and purchases for the house and it seems that I’m singlehandedly knocking stuff off the list everyday. Somewhere along the way I got the idea to get it done quickly, so every evening I’m laboring away cleaning, painting, shopping and scheming my next move.
One thing I’ve quickly discovered is that each choice impacts the pocketbook. Afterall, I’m not trying to build a Taj Mahal Texas style, just spruce up the old homestead. The basic question is what to upgrade and what to fix-up. The first inclination I have is to replace an item, that is until I investigate the cost. I’m both an optimistic dreamer and a cheapskate.
Originally, I was thinking of replacing the front door and the back sliding glass door. As Sabrina and I did the leg work to order the new doors we found a new creative edge when faced with the cost for replacement. It’s amazing what a little paint, new hardware, new screen door and molding will do to an existing surface.
What is really maddening is dealing with the big box stores. For the work we are going to have done, namely new tile for two-thirds of the house we are hiring an independent contractor. Love Lowe’s for the convenience factor but their and Home Depot’s rates are too costly and I figure labor for laying tile is cheaper than knee replacements.
So here’s my list of stuff that can be done very cheaply to spruce-up the homestead with little out-of-pocket expense and a little elbow grease:
- Paint – Probably no greater bang-for-your-remodelling-buck than a good can of top-quality paint. The cost is in the elbow grease, don’t skimp on paint quality. You’ll regret it later.
- New light fixtures and ceilng fans – Lighting really does set the mood. Hanging a ceiling fan is a cinch. The most challenging part is putting the darn thing together. If it’s your first time, look for a good used one at Goodwill or a garage sale and save yourself the headache. I’m amazed that no two seem to be built the same.
- New hardware for the doors - Unless you have a love for brass, imagine what a dark or silver metal would do for your home. A real stylin’ measure is to match your lighting with the hardware with something swank like brushed bronze.
- Outdoor furniture and coverings - we scored a heavy-duty pergola kit for the backyard at Lowe’s made of sturdy black metal beams. The same item built from red wood, would have been three times the labor and cost of materials.
- Landscaping - Patience grasshopper is a good thing to remember with gardening. I’m also a bit of a gardening evolutionist believing in survival of the fittest. If you don’t have a green thumb, just plant stuff that is native to the area and it will do fine without a lot of fuss.
- Throw rugs and pot plants – a few well chosen accent pieces do wonders to finish-out a room.
Even if you are new to home ownership or feel intimidated even walking into a Home Depot, you can learn how to do some basic remodelling and upgrade your environment on a budget. Just watch-out for the refurb madness, It’ll get ya.
