Whether you bought the house you could afford or inherited an old house from a relative, there are certain things you won’t like. While home improvement shows throw around money like its waste paper, what if you don’t have the budget for that?

Keep reading and we’ll give you five solid tips for fixing up an old house with a low income.

1.  Paint Is Your Friend

Getting custom home renovations done by a contractor can transform your home, no question. Since that’s not in the budget for most low-income families, start with things that have a big psychological impact.

Old, faded paint or a color you don’t like can make a room a source of frustration. You can pick up a can or two of paint for a modest price and paint the room yourself.

A coat of paint can transform how a room looks and make you happier at the same time. Win-win.

2. Paint Is Your Friend 2.0

Not happy with the look of the floors either? Hardwood and nice tile out of the budget for the foreseeable future?

You can paint the floors as well. A solid color always works or you can paint on a pattern. Pro tip: If you do pick a pattern, go with something simple.

3. Update Kitchen Hardware

Under the heading of “Small Changes Create Big Results,” consider updating the handles and drawer pulls on your kitchen cabinets. Much as certain colors or patterns go in and out of fashion, so do styles and materials for kitchen hardware.

Right now, brass hardware is popular. Of course, minimalist nickel hardware enjoys a state of permanent acceptability. As a bonus, kitchen handles and drawer pulls won’t cost you a lot.

You can often find used hardware at secondhand shops or restores. You can also order new online or buy new at your local hardware store.

4. New Vanity Top

A bathroom is one of those high traffic areas in a home. That means your vanity top takes a lot of abuse. Even when cleaned regularly and cared for, they can accumulate nicks, dings, and stains.

A new vanity top can run you less than $100 dollars and a new faucet set can come in under $30. If you really shop around, you can get both for a lot less.

A new vanity top and faucet creates an immediate change in the whole feel of your bathroom.

5. Mirror Frame

Bathroom mirrors often get installed with no frame, just some plastic keepers that hold the mirror in position. You can make that mirror look like a new addition by adding a basic frame around it yourself. Use some inexpensive pine from the hardware store and paint or varnish it.

Parting Thoughts on Fixing Up an Old House with Low Income

Fixing up an old house with a low income can prove a challenge, but it’s something you can achieve over time. Focus on improvement with lots of visual bang for your buck, like paint, new hardware, and occasional splurges like a vanity top.

Thinking about selling the house you’re fixing up on a budget? Check out some of the articles on this site for home sellers.