The Seven Best Home Improvements Under $50

March 24, 2010

Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to home improvements. Check out some of the simple and effective home improvements you can make for $0 to $50.

Install dimmer switches. These smart lighting solutions add ambiance to any room of the home. Dimmer switches give you control over the mood you want to set in a room. Plus, dimmer switches are easy to install and inexpensive.

Investment: Usually $12 to $20 per dimmer switch.

Change window treatments. You may be surprised at the change in the atmosphere of a room when you switch out the window treatments. Try a fabric store for inexpensive material, or just switch the curtains in two rooms of your home for instant change.

Investment: $0 to $50 depending on material.

Fill in the gaps with caulk. A home improvement you will benefit from year-round, applying caulk to the gaps in the exterior of your home will save you money by preventing air leakage.

Investment: Usually $1 to $6 for a tube of caulk.

Make good use of leftover paint. If you've been saving your leftover paint for touchup jobs, you may want to reconsider. Paint has a limited shelf life, even more so once it's been opened. Since paint is one of the easiest ways to makeover a space, why not paint a door or single wall for a pop of color, or reinvent your kitchen by painting the cabinets?

Investment: $0.

Open up kitchen shelving. If painting the kitchen cabinet doors doesn't sound appealing, why not remove them all together? Try open shelving to show off your dishware. To do this, simply remove the doors of your kitchen cabinets and fill in the screw holes with a little wood putty.

Investment: $0.

Change the hardware on bathroom or kitchen cabinets. Another easy transformation, changing the hardware on cabinet doors can give the whole room a different feel. With the myriad of hardware options available, you can go a long way with $50 and a screwdriver.

Investment: $1 to $50 depending on hardware.

Clean up your storage areas. Cleaning is often the best way to renew any space. By cleaning out storage areas, you can have a more organized home that actually appears larger. Use closet organizers or storage systems to put everything in its place, and don't be afraid to let go of things you no longer use. When you're finished, you can put some money back into your pocket by having a yard sale.

Investment: $0 to $50 (depending on organization supplies purchased).

Many times, creativity can go further than your pocketbook when it comes to home improvements. See what transformations you can accomplish for under $50.

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