Is your home feeling old and tired? Or did you just move into a house that looks like it was designed in 1986? It could be time for some changes.

But maybe you don’t have the funds right now to make a lot of changes.

Don’t worry. You CAN remodel on a budget.

Sure, you probably won’t be able to make the sweeping and dramatic changes you’re hoping to make. But with some creativity and ingenuity, there are some things you can do to update and enhance the elements of your home.

And you might be surprised how a few small changes can make a big difference.

How to Remodel on a Budget

When working with a limited budget, it’s going to be tough to make big changes like replacing your appliances or putting in hardwood floors.

But you still have options.

We’ll take a look at ten ways you can freshen up your interior without draining your bank account.

1. Start with Straightening

Sometimes the need for change stems from wanting to escape a messy or cluttered space.

Once you start clearing out and straightening your space, you’ll be able to see more clearly just what you’re working with. It could be that by simply rearranging some furniture and moving things around, you have an entirely new room.

Plus, getting rid of clutter will also make your space look bigger.

So by taking this first step, you’ll start to discover how to make your home more functional long before you spend a cent. And this increased functionality could even spare you from spending more down the road.

2. Spruce Up Your Walls

The simple act of switching out the old artwork for something new can make a huge difference.

If your rooms are looking a little drab, add some color. It could be in the form of new framed posters or artwork. But you can also create your own design using inexpensive stencils and paint.

You can get mylar stencils from a craft store or the internet. They come in hundreds of patterns and are reusable. Just be sure to practice on paper or scrap drywall first.

And if you don’t end up really liking the finished piece, you can always paint over it.

3. The Magic of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is an economical way to achieve a quick makeover.

For example, you could paint those old kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. Or paint some wall stripes rather than getting wallpaper.

Rather than replacing an interior door, consider painting it a bold color that will contrast with the walls. It’s a cheap and easy way to create an architectural element that stands out.

Then there’s the ceiling.

Most people choose to paint their ceiling a pale color in order to spread more light around the room. But painting the ceiling in a dark color lends an elegance to a room and allows for more accentuation of the furniture in the room.

4. Add in Some Crown Molding

If you have cabinets in your kitchen or anywhere else in your house that meet the ceiling directly, adding crown molding can change the look completely.

It’s pretty easy to install by yourself. And if you’re doing a paint job on those cabinets, you can paint the crown molding at the same time before installing it.

5. Install a Medallion

Okay, this one is pretty specific.

But since we’ve been focusing on the ceiling, another architectural element you can add is a medallion at the base of a hanging light.

At the turn of the century, these medallions were standard plaster ornamentation in high-end homes. But today, you can by one made from lightweight urethane. And like the molding, it’s easy to install.

6. Put in Faux Wainscoting

While you’re giving your ceiling a classy touch, you can also spruce up your dining room, entryway or other space with a little wainscoting.

Purchase the right amount of inexpensive 1-inch-thick boards and then paint them in a color that complements the wall.

Consider adding a flat board at the top to create a small shelf for artwork or decorative knickknacks.

7. Pretty Up the Floors

Shifting from the ceiling and walls to the floor, there are a lot of relatively inexpensive ways to change your flooring.

The easiest and most obvious way is to get some new rugs. Switching out an old dingy rug for something new and colorful will quickly brighten a room. Or even putting a rug where there wasn’t one can change the look significantly.

If you’ve got some scuffed-up linoleum, pull it up and put down some vinyl flooring that looks like wood. It’s just as durable and looks a thousand times better.

You could also paint your floor. Just keep in mind that while this is an inexpensive way to change the look, it is something you’ll need to maintain.

8. Shop around

Now that you have some ideas about the changes you want to make, you might be eager to get out or online to start buying supplies.

Be sure to compare prices though. Especially when it comes to prices on the internet versus prices at a store.

It may actually be cheaper to buy an item at a store when it’s on sale, and then install it yourself. Plus, going into a store will allow you to pick out the exact item you want.

Also, forget about the latest trends. You’ll find much better prices on last year’s clearance items that are still in good condition.

9. Do It Yourself

Of course, you’ll save the most money if you can do these remodels yourself. If you don’t feel 100% confident, you can always turn to YouTube or read informative articles or tutorials on the internet.

It is very important to remember though that if you feel any sort of remodel is way outside your wheelhouse, then you’ll want to hire experts that know more about construction and remodeling.

If you take on a job that’s too big or complicated, you could end up creating more damage. And that’ll cost you more in the long run.

10. Trade and Barter

And finally, if your budget is so tight that it doesn’t allow for any sort of hiring of professionals, then think about which friends or family members might have the skill set you need.

See if they’d be willing to install that medallion, for instance, while you run errands or cook for them.

Now Get to Work

When you’re working to remodel on a budget, you quickly learn that small changes can make a huge difference.

But you also won’t have your kitchen or bathroom tied up for weeks and contractors coming in and out of your house.

And if you’re doing some updates in preparation for selling your home, contact us today. We know what sells.