home updates that add value Archives

Written By: Holli McCray | 5 Minute Read

Make these simple and affordable home improvements now to help boost the value and appeal of your home!

Even if you don’t plan to sell your home anytime soon, The Holli McCray Home Marketing Group always recommends staying current with home updates and improvements. These 4 budget-friendly “DIY” home improvement ideas will not only boost the appearance and appeal of your home, but they can also help your home sell faster when it comes time to put it on the market. Here are a few tips to get you started…

1. Add A Backsplash

It’s incredible how much a new backsplash can change the look and feel of a kitchen. Many DIY backsplashes even have adhesive backings to make it easier than ever to add this upgrade to your kitchen. The Spruce has some helpful hacks to get you started!

And backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens! Consider adding a backsplash in the bathrooms to dress them up a bit. 4 inches is the standard height of a bathroom sink backsplash, but some may be much taller. Adding a backsplash behind the bathroom sink is a simple way to add color, texture and more visual interest into a room that may otherwise be overlooked! The Home Depot is here with some tips to make this bathroom backsplash project as easy as possible.

2. Re-Caulk & Clean Grout In The Wet Areas

DO NOT overlook the potentially grimy caulk and grout around your home even if it seems like a daunting task to refresh it. It’s not that difficult! You might be accustomed to what it looks like, but it may be a turnoff to those who visit your home. Start by cleaning the grout and then add straight, clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink. This task does require some elbow grease, but it’s simple, affordable, and you’ll be amazed at what a big difference this can make to the overall look and feel of your home for just a few dollars. The Coupon Project tells you how to re-grout a shower for under $50.

3. Add Extra Outdoor Seating

Create an outdoor seating area by adding a table and chairs to your deck, patio, front porch, or fire pit area. This creates an illusion of more space and brings the eye to an area where future potential buyers can picture themselves entertaining family and friends. Peruse Knoxville Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or a local consignment/thrift store before buying new furniture. You’d be surprised at how many budget-friendly furniture options are out there and they can make SUCH a big difference in your outdoor space.

4. Paint Trim & Baseboards

We came across this helpful article by DIY Decor Mom on painting the trim and baseboards around the home. This small project can make a HUGE difference in the look of your home, giving it the appearance of a lighter and brighter space. If you aren’t sure which color to choose, we generally recommend using a bright white with most homes.

The best part about this project? All it takes is some time, a few rolls of painter’s tape and a gallon or two of semi-gloss paint!

If you’ve been working hard to update your Knoxville area home and are curious if now may be the right time sell hit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

7 Home Improvement Ideas Under $1,000

Implementing one or more of these affordable upgrades can help increase your home’s value…

1. Install programmable thermostats

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating your home accounts for more than 40% of its total energy usage. Adding programmable thermostats help to maintain a consistent temperature in your home to avoid costly highs and lows. Remember to drop the temperature inside your home by a few degrees while sleeping or when you’re out of town. This strategy can lead to huge monthly savings. The long-term savings in utility costs will be also appealing to potential buyers when your house is on the market.

2. Updated fixtures

It’s amazing how much a new fixture can breathe new life into any space. Both your kitchen and bathrooms will benefit from items such as new drawer and cabinet handles. When new cabinets for the kitchen aren’t an option for your budget, new hardware and possibly fresh cabinet paint are simple (and affordable) ways to update the overall look of the room. Other items such as faucets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and doorknobs also help create a fresh new look for a home. Just make sure the new fixtures you install match and are the same style throughout…

3. New tile floors

Bathroom a bit “blah?” Install a brand new tile floor to breathe life into the space for an instant upgrade. Tile is easy to clean, low maintenance and also resists germs as well as allergens. Tile is also ideal for high-traffic areas both in the bathroom and throughout the home. There are thousands of tile options out there that can fit almost any budget. If you’ve never installed tile before, we recommend a professional tile installation contractor, so please let us know if we can refer one to you.

4. Replace old toilets

The overall visual appeal of your bathroom can be enhanced by simply replacing an old, cracked, or outdated toilet. It only costs a few hundred dollars to purchase a new one, and the impact will be worth every penny. Also, many newer toilets use less water than older ones, which will help to reduce your water bill.

5. Updated window treatments

New window coverings are an easy way to enhance a room. We love the look of plantation shutters and upgraded blinds! We recommend the faux wood blinds, not only because they are cheaper than traditional wood blinds, but because they tend to last a lot longer. Standard width windows are easy to shop for, so check any large home improvement store for basic blinds (most allow you to customize the length right in the store). For custom or irregular windows, odds are you’re looking at a special order situation. If your budget allows, definitely consider plantation shutters for that upscale vibe — they can be a major selling point when it comes time to sell…

6. Replace the front door

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Curb appeal is everything, and the front door is one of the first things a potential buyer will see! It’s also the outdoor focal point of your entryway. Give your home a facelift and replace (or re-paint) the front door. Keep in mind practicality and safety when choosing a door, and don’t skimp on the hardware.

7. Create a walkway

There are many options when it comes to adding a new walkway path leading to the front door of your home, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Brick pavers add a classic look to the exterior of your home, but depending on your budget you may also consider stone, concrete, or even rocks. Just make sure the walkway falls within the overall style of your home. You only have one chance to make a first impression! It can be easily elevated when walking up a pretty new pathway to the front door.

Have you recently made budget-friendly improvements to your home? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below! When you’re ready to sell your home in the Greater Knoxville area, reach out to our team of experts and let us know. We’ll be glad to come out and provide some ideas to help get your house ready to put on the market…

4 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas