My grandmother had left me money for a down payment and after meeting the original owner it just felt right.” Although Sarah had big plans for the home (updating the sorely outdated kitchen was a must!), she wanted her renovation to be respectful to the home’s original ethos.
“Rather than spring for a whole new cabinet system, which can be expensive, look into hiring a refacing company,” says serial remodeler Gwen Moran, co-author of “Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring.” “Many companies can remove cabinet doors and drawers, refinish the cabinet boxes, then add brand-new doors and drawers.When Persley called the dishwasher manufacturer to see about ordering a new, black face panel, the customer service representative clued her in on a big secret: Many dishwasher panels are white on one side and black on the other.“All I had to do was unscrew two screws, slide out the panel and flip it around. ” Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update. “Even simple things like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are pretty easy for homeowners to install, and they make a big difference in the look of the bath,” says Moran.Looking for ways to spruce up your home without putting yourself in the poorhouse?Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or want to spiff it up inexpensively for your own enjoyment, we’ve got 10 good strategies for you to consider.