8 DIY Home Improvement Projects for a Tight Budget

One of the most satisfying aspects of homeownership is the constant effort to spruce up your surroundings. The steady slate of projects makes you feel like you’re making the most of your living quarters.

Unfortunately, there are times when the cash for all these improvements is hard to come by. That’s when it’s time to focus on smaller, more affordable “DIY” jobs. Inexpensive home improvement projects that you can do yourself can give your spirits a lift when money is tight, and you’re even considering emergency loans for bills.

Here are eight jobs to consider when you’re working on a smaller budget.

#1: Add Crown Molding Beneath Your Ceilings

A bit of molding can give your rooms a majestic new look. The supplies are cheap and easy to come by, and the project is easy enough to do yourself. Just don’t forget to take your time on the corners, which is often the trickiest part.

#2: Paint Your Walls

When more comprehensive projects are out of your price range, a simple paint job provides a cheaper way to give your home a whole new look. If it’s been a long time since your last painting, then a new coat in the same color will make everything look fresher and crisper. If you’re up for a bigger change, consider switching to a lighter tone or a new color that will completely rejuvenate the space.

#3: Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets

As far as aesthetics go, your kitchen is one of the most important parts of your home. In order to freshen up the area, a total remodel is not always necessary. Worn out cabinets are often a major culprit in giving a kitchen a tired feel. Just by splashing on a new coat of finish, you can have them shining again as if they were brand new.

#4: Add Some Potted Plants to Your Front Entrance

It might be tough to replace your front door on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t freshen up the appearance of your entranceway. A few potted plants from a nursery can liven up the area for well under a hundred dollars. If you really want to give your home a greener feel, you could buy some additional plants for your windowsills.

#5: Polish Your Wooden Floors

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget about the potential home improvement project that’s always under your feet. Wooden floors lose their luster quickly, but not so quickly that you’ll easily notice. Once you break out the polish and get to work, you’ll realize what a difference the project makes.

#6: Add More Lighting

One of the cheapest and easiest ways you can spruce up your living quarters is by adding some lights in formerly-dark areas. Affordable lamps are easy enough to come by, especially if you go hunting in thrift shops or antique stores. Once you plug in your new lights, you’ll be amazed at how much livelier your home appears.

#7: Build a Workbench

Lots of folks struggle to do their own home improvement projects because they don’t have an appropriate space to work in. You can solve this problem once and for all by building yourself a workbench. If you have a garage or unfinished basement, take advantage of the rustic environs to build a cheap and easy bench. All you need is a piece of plywood and a couple of two-by-fours. Once you’re done, your subsequent projects will become that much easier.

#8: Invest In A Programmable Thermostat

This simple project is great when you’re short on cash because it will save you so much money in the future. Every year, households across the world waste energy by heating or cooling their empty homes. With a programmable thermostat, you can make sure your heating and air conditioning systems only switch on when you actually need them. Not only will this help you save up for future home improvement projects, but it will also lessen your carbon footprint.