23 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Home Worth A Million

Busting the budget is everyone’s biggest fear when it comes to renovation. And with good reason. Even if you follow professional advice, it’s hard not to end up shelling out more than you want. You can get your dream renovation at a price you can afford without compromising on what matters. With our 23 inexpensive ways to make your home worth a million, you can cut costs without cutting corners.

1. Paint kitchen cabinets.
   Adding new cabinetry can be super expensive, but a couple coats of new paint can make an outdated kitchen look much more modern and clean.
2. Update cabinet handles.
   Swapping out generic or older cabinet handles can make a kitchen look completely different.
3. Add extra seating areas outside.
   Adding an outdoor dining table to a porch or yard makes it seem like there’s even more space, even if it’s a little crowded
4. Get new outlet and lightswitch plates.These get super dirty with use, but are really cheap to replace (<$1 each). If you want to go really fancy, paint your plates the same color as the wall so they disappear more. 
5. Add crown molding.
   Once you get the hang of a miter saw, DIY crown molding is pretty easy 
6. Bump up the curb appeal.
   The front of your house is the first thing potential buyers see, so make sure it’s stately and welcoming. Add some extra plants to the porch or the entryway, paint the door. 
7. Make upgrades to your landscaping.
   According to the landscaping pros, landscaping and a good first impression can increase a home’s value up to 27%. 
   
8. Turn any room into a bedroom with a closet or wardrobe.
   Turn your office or den into a useable bedroom by either adding a closet, or a freestanding wardrobe. 
9. Get rid of the popcorn ceiling.
   Just make sure to get it tested for asbestos before you try this one yourself—some homes built before the 1970’s have it in the ceiling.
   
10. Add visible storage.
    Hidden storage might be good for living in a home, but buyers want to SEE a lot of storage space without having to open everything. A few extra shelves in a blank space can make a big difference. See how to easily add some floating shelves to a tiny bathroom here. 
    
11. Stow your personal photos.
    Buyers want to picture themselves in your home, not your whole extended family. While you’re selling, stash the majority of your specifically personal heirlooms to make the space feel a little more like a blank slate. 
12. Paint unsightly tile.
    If you don’t want to fully replace any tiled floors, you can actually paint them to look fresh and clean. 
    
13. Upgrade your fixtures.
    Door knobs, faucets and locks are all fairly cheap to paint to make them look brand new.
14. Swap out your lighting.
    Upgrading lighting in the main rooms can make the whole space feel more expensive.
15. Go for neutral paint colors.
    A brightly colored living room might be your cup of tea, but a neutral clean palette is much more palatable for most buyers.
16. Update your window frames.
    Make windows look larger by adding molding and a new apron.
17. Paint the inside of your window frames.
    Most builder-grade windows are bland inside. Painting the interior frames will make the window look bigger and more modern.
    
18. Add mirrors.
    Mirrors are the simplest way to make any space feel bigger and lighter.
19. Hide some of your home’s eyesores.
    Some things necessary to a home’s function can be covered or hidden and still work perfectly. This trick lets you cover up a water shutoff or visible plumbing cleanout with just a canvas portrait and some hinges.
    
20. Paint older bathtubs.
    If you don’t want to buy a whole new tub, older (or dated color) tubs can actually be painted. Learn how here.
    
21. If you’re really going to invest, start in the kitchen.
    Kitchen upgrades like new appliances and countertops will usually give the biggest return on your investment.
    
22. Call an inspector BEFORE you list.
    Potential buyers will hire their own inspector, but if there are problems you didn’t know about, it can cost you a lot off your asking price. Go through all the things your pickiest buyer will have checked, and make sure there aren’t any surprises. 
    
23. Ask your realtor what people are looking for, then do those things.
    Before you make any major changes, ask your own realtor what people ask for the most in your area, and then make those updates yourself. They are a treasure trove of knowledge about what people are looking for at the same time you are selling, and they want to make the sale just as much as you do.
    

If you’re thinking of remodeling or selling your home, before you get started make sure to check out these inspiring ideas and smart tips for all your home renovations and makeovers needs from the home maintenance experts at Green America Home Inspections