Fancy revamping your home, but don't have a big budget to make changes? There are plenty of things you can do to improve your property which won't break the bank.
Here are eight ways you can update your home without spending thousands.
1. Get decorating
If you can't remember the last time you redecorated, it's time to get the paintbrushes out.
Painting is one of the cheapest DIY jobs you can do, and it often has the biggest impact, particularly if you're changing the colour scheme. Make sure you prepare the walls properly before you get stuck in, by filling any holes and stripping back and sanding any peeling paint.
2. Change door handles
Even just changing all the door handles around your home can have a dramatic impact on the overall look of your property.
3. Review your pictures
Swapping around paintings and photos that have been on the same walls for years can update your rooms. If your walls are bare, why not frame some photos and get them up?
Clustering a few black and white pictures in either black or white frames can give a contemporary feel to your room. If you're keen on buying artwork but find it too expensive, check out original-art-under100.com for affordable original paintings. Or, look for prints on sites such as www.etsy.com to find something unique and original.
4. Clear out the clutter
If you feel you can barely move for clutter, have a good clear out and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Sell them at a boot sale or on eBay and you'll not only have more space, but also some extra cash in your pocket. Invest in some storage for the things you want to keep so they aren't just sitting there gathering dust.
5. Re-tile a floor
If you've got a bathroom or kitchen with cracked, grubby tiles, replacing them might not be as expensive as you think. According to Checkatrade, plain tiles for a kitchen floor can be as little as £20 per square metre.
Labour costs would typically be around £150-£200 a day, so if you can do it yourself you could save a big chunk of cash, but getting help in won’t necessarily cost the earth.
6. Upcycle furniture
Upcycling is the latest trend and it’s not only sustainable, it can be great fun too. Look around your home for any chests of drawers or cupboards that are past their best and transform them with a lick of paint.
For a shabby chic look, rub the painted furniture with some sandpaper to reveal a bit of the wood beneath and then finish with a layer of furniture wax.
7. Save energy
If you're fed up with your home feeling freezing even when the heating is cranked up, a few simple energy-saving measures could help keep you warmer and cut your energy bills. Start by draught-proofing your windows and doors and see if you can get financial help with bigger improvements.
Local authorities and energy suppliers often provide grants to help you implement energy saving measures in your home, such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. For more information, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
8. Tackle the garden
Don't forget to look at ways you can improve the outside of your home as well as the inside. Trim back any trees or shrubs that might be obscuring the natural light in your home and pull out any weeds that have taken over your flowerbeds.
You should also regularly rake up leaves and make sure they aren't blocking any gutters attached to your home.
