Restoring Old Houses On A Budget: 7 Impactful Projects

restoring an old house on a budget frugal real estate property house remodel ideas

Around 90% of homeowners say they want to remodel their homes at some point. Most people are on a tight budget but need to figure out ways to make their home look and function better.

If you are restoring an old house on a budget, we are here to help you. Continue reading this article to learn how to do the best renovations on a budget with these 7 most impactful projects.


1. Redo the Kitchen Cabinets

The way your kitchen looks has a lot to do with how you feel about your entire house. People gather in the kitchen to get food multiple times a day, from normal meals to a quick snack.

You may even have an eating nook in your kitchen, which means people hang out there even more.

Redoing kitchen cabinets makes a big difference in the way your kitchen looks, and it doesn't have to punch a hole in your budget. You can replace the hardware, repaint the cabinets, or even take the doors off to give it a more open look.

If you aren't sure what you want to do with the cabinets, you can use some kitchen SaaS solutions to make your thoughts come to life.


2. Clean Your Vinyl Siding

While vinyl siding is a solid choice for your home, as it ages, it starts to look dull and can collect dirt.

If you can reach the vinyl siding on your home, all you need is a garden hose, scrub brush, and some good cleaner. You don't have to hire a professional company to clean your siding if you're willing to use a little elbow grease.


3. Spruce Up Your Entryway

You want your entryway to feel welcoming and warm. When people walk in your door, what is the first thing they see? Does it reflect your personality and what you want people to think of you?

If you have hardwood flooring, you can put a thin rug in the entryway to give it a little color and depth. Adding a mirror can make even a small entryway look bigger.

Add a spot to hang your keys, hats, and coats to make it functional as well as attractive.


4. Use Removable Wallpaper

If you hate the thought of putting up wallpaper -- stay calm! Using removable wallpaper allows you to try out different looks, or if you fall in love with the first look, you can keep it.

There are plenty of different designs to choose from, and you won't have to break the bank even when you're papering a large room.


5. Put Up New Backsplashes

Your kitchen and bathrooms can look different when you put up new backsplashes. A backsplash doesn't have to take a lot of work anymore. 

You can find some backsplashes that are easy to stick on and take off if you don't like the look for the long-term. Once you have settled on your favorite backsplash design, you can choose a less frugal permanent material.


6. Upgrade Your Landscaping

Upgrading your landscaping will make your home look like it had a facelift. Landscaping upgrades your curb appeal and yard functionality.

Adding some mulch to your yard might be an attractive option when you want to reduce the time you spend weeding and watering. Though mulch can help reduce your lawn maintenance, it can be rather pricey. You can use grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, or compost, which can be a more cost-effective option.

You might even choose to grow vegetables, which not only looks great in your yard but can help you cut down on your grocery bill when they are in season.


7. Lighting

When you're living in an old home, the lighting isn't as good as it could be. Upgrading the lighting can bring your home into the new century.

Install dimmer switches in as many light fixtures and lamps as possible. When you have dimmer switches, you will be able to set the mood in the rooms you're in, but you will also save energy.

Light strips are another way to add light in hard to reach spots. You can put them underneath cabinets to see when you're cutting on the counter, or under the island to add some accent lighting.


Choosing the Updates That Make Sense for You

With so many options for updating your home, you need to choose the ones that are going to make the most difference for you.

Update the rooms that you spend the most time in. Do the updates that get you the most excited. If you are going to stay in this house for a long time, you want to make it a comfortable and enjoyable space to live in.

When you have a limited budget, you might have to choose between some of the upgrades you'd like to do. You can save some money if you decide to DIY some of the updates to your home. If you are doing things like wallpaper or painting, they shouldn't be too difficult, but if you are doing something more in-depth like cabinetry work -- go with a pro.


You Are Now a Pro at Restoring an Old House on a Budget

Now you know the best way to go about restoring an old house on a budget, and you can get the look and function you want. Put a plan together and get the home of your dreams.

Do you feel like you need more help in the DIY and home decor department? Our site is full of articles that can help you as you are upgrading your home space.

Browse our site, find your favorite DIY and home remodel section, drop a bookmark, and come back soon to read more. Also visit the Real Estate section of our Frugal Finance Blog for more property management and home improvement tips!

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