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Budget-Friendly Remodel Ideas
Paint the Front Door
 Using a vibrant or contrasting color on your front door creates a "lipstick" effect, according to "This Old House" magazine editor Amy Hughes in a recent USA Today article. By drawing attention to a small part of the home's exterior you can make the entire picture more pleasing, so don't be afraid to make a statement here. Popular colors for front doors include deep reds, blues, browns, black, and dark purple. Estimated Cost: $30 to $100 for paint and materials. Tip: Most paint company websites let you upload a photo of your home so that you can test color combinations online. Try the Benjamin Moore color viewer page as an example (click the camera to upload a photo). How-To Link: Thrifty Decor Chick's tutorial on painting a front door.
Add a Skylight Creating natural light in a room or hallway that's too dark can really boost the resale value and enjoyment you get out of your home, especially when it comes to core areas such as the kitchen or family room. Typically people choose one of two options:
Standard Skylight: This is less likely to be a do-it-yourself project because it requires drywall along the walls of the opening from the skylight to the ceiling border.
Tube Skylight: Companies like Solatube and Velux make tube-based skylights that fit between rafters and don't require framing or drywall. They are easier to install and provide light that is more similar to an electric light than a standard skylight. Click here to see a before-and-after photo of a hallway with Velux Sun Tunnels installed.
Estimated Cost: $500 to $2,000 for a standard skylight, installed. $250 to $1,000 for a tubular skylight, installed.
Tip: For a standard skylight, note the direction from which it will receive the sun. South-facing skylights generate more light and heat, whereas north-facing skylights tend to provide more diffuse light throughout the day.
How-To Link: Ron Hazelton's video showing how to install a tubular skylight.
Use Recycled Materials to Upgrade Surfaces Would your kitchen or bathroom look more impressive with new countertops or tile floors? If you've been debating the investment, try looking on a website like Craigslist under the "Materials" section, or searching on eBay. Many homeowners list leftover items from their own remodel projects, and it's especially easy to find quantities that work for smaller areas such as bathroom floors and countertops. Dealers also sometimes list close-out items at great deals on both of those sites. Estimated Cost: Variable, but discounted. Tip: Use care when contacting sellers, especially on Craigslist. Click the How-To Link below for tips on buying safely and successfully. How-To Link: "Craigslist 101: How to Buy Successfully" from the Simple Organized Living blog. Spruce Up Kitchen and Bathroom Hardware 
Replacing cabinet drawer pulls and hinges is a small investment that can really pay off by making kitchens and bathrooms appear far more updated. Take a look at this HGTV slideshow to get ideas for appealing hardware designs. Estimated Cost: $80 to $800, according to "Realtor Magazine." Tip: When in doubt, it's safer to go for hardware with a clean, classic look rather than an ornate style. Brushed nickel and weathered metal finishes are still popular, and silver chrome is making a comeback. How-To Link: A step-by-step guide to replacing cabinet hardware from ManageMyLife.com. Use Our Expertise! There are many other relatively simple projects that can increase the appeal of your home, such as interior painting and decor, new lighting fixtures, and exterior upgrades such as window shutters and landscaping. If you're considering something that wasn't covered here and would like some advice before you get started, please give us a call. We'll give you our expert opinion regarding the latest trends, including fads to steer clear of, so that you get the most bang for your buck from any remodel project. Are you planning to buy or sell a home, or do you know someone who is? Please call or email us - we're never too busy to help you and the people you care about with real estate. (What the lawyers make us say: The information in this newsletter is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please always consult a qualified expert before making decisions based on this content. Nothing in this article is meant to be taken as expert legal, financial, or medical advice.) | 
