Can You Afford These 6 Home Improvements?
Your home should always meet your needs and showcase your personality. If you’re daydreaming about moving to a new house with better features but can’t move right now, a few quick projects could make all the difference. See if you can afford these home improvements that make any property feel new.
1. Removing a Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceilings used to be popular because they added texture to otherwise visually bland rooms. People moved on to other household trends in the following decades and never looked back. The good news is that houses with ancient design elements don’t have to stay stuck in the past.
Anyone can remove a popcorn ceiling and apply a fresh coat of paint to smooth everything out. Just take a good look before spending a few dollars on a mask and scraper. Many popcorn ceilings have asbestos that could hurt you if they’re already peeling or chipped. If that’s the case, you could spend an average of $1,707 for professional removal.
2. Using a Keyless Door Lock
Installing more high-tech home features will bring your property into the 21st century. You don’t need a big budget to start living in a smart home. Keyless door locks are commonly available at most home improvement stores and cost anywhere from $50-500, depending on which models interest you. You’ll access your home with the touch of a finger or by inputting a code and never carry a key again.
3. Changing Your Kitchen Countertops
Countertops change the look and feel of your kitchen. Cheap materials make even the most updated appliances less enjoyable because it feels like you’re sacrificing the quality of your home. It’s incredibly challenging to live with if the counters came with your home, but you can update their appearance on a budget.
Countertops change the look and feel of your kitchen. Cheap materials make even the most updated appliances less enjoyable because it feels like you’re sacrificing the quality of your home. It’s incredibly challenging to live with if the counters came with your home, but you can update their appearance on a budget. You might want to update your countertops with many companies offering high-quality, discount quartz countertops. Changing your countertops can be easy as you won’t be paying for a whole new renovation of your kitchen. This means you’ll have a bit more money in your budget to spend on the kitchen upgrades you want.Â
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Browse models at your local home improvement store, and you’ll find estimates between $10-70 per square foot for authentic and faux granite in various colors. The final price will depend on your current counter space.
4. Installing an Elevator
Elevators aren’t a standard home feature, but they can significantly improve your quality of life. If you don’t have to worry about climbing stairs, you can age in place and maintain your independence longer. People with disabilities can also freely move around their homes without depending on others for help.
There’s a common misconception that elevator models are equally expensive. There are actually numerous factors that affect the cost of an elevator, including:
- Your preferred cab style
- The drive system
- Your custom accessories
Talk with a contracting team to personalize your future elevator and get a quote. You can make your future model fit any budget by customizing things like the features and size.
5. Replacing Your Garage Door
Your garage door affects so many aspects of your home. It can make it a safer place to live and even reduce your electricity bill by keeping outdoor air from seeping indoors.
Upgrading to a new model doesn’t cost as much as many homeowners imagine. You just have to select the materials and features that work with your budget. The average garage door installation costs $300-3,500, but you’ll start at $400 for aluminum doors and $650 for steel. Research and talking with experts will help you find the best door for your garage and your financial situation.
Plus, upgrading to variants like roller doors is a smart choice when it comes to enhancing security, convenience, and curb appeal for your home, making it an excellent decision to replace your old garage doors. If you’re interested, search for roller doors Bendigo (or wherever you live) to find the best reputable company in your local area to have the doors fitted.
6. Insulating Your Attic
Every house has insulation, but older homes may not stay as insulated due to age. The materials can thin out and break down with time. It’s difficult to add insulation to your walls on a budget because a contracting team would have to open them, but anyone can pad their attic to maintain their home’s interior temperature more efficiently.
First, you’ll have to research insulation methods to find what works with your financial abilities. You can read about this online or talk with an expert to discuss potential options. There are four types of these methods which include:
- Blown-in
- Spray foam
- Batt
- Structural insulated panels
After choosing an installation method, you can pick your materials. Fiberglass is the most budget-friendly because it starts at 35 cents per square foot, while rock wool costs $2.40 for each square foot. Deciding on how much you can spend will narrow down your options and make your project more manageable.
Budget for Your Home Improvements
Most people can afford these home improvements because they’re easy to personalize. Think about what you want to experience in your home. You could start by upgrading your countertops if you spend all of your time in the kitchen or installing an elevator if it would make staying mobile easier for you. You’ll easily figure out how to customize your home without breaking your budget.
