Gone are the dog days of summer, when just looking out the window is enough to make you sweat. The mild days full of autumn color and breezy mornings are enough to make you motivated. Now’s the time to consider the numerous potential updates and upgrades that can enhance both the comfort and value of your home.
And yes, these renovations need not be a major investment or a time-consuming project. Here are some of the best low-cost projects you can tackle this season to make your home feel brand new. But first, here’s why it’s best to do them this fall.
Fewer distractions – Summer has ended, which means for most people, trips are over, school starts, houses settle down, and noise levels decrease. With this change in energy, scenery, and fewer scheduling conflicts, you can now focus on home improvement projects that will breathe life into your space.
Prepare your home for the holiday season – With the holidays fast-approaching, the fall months are the ideal time to prepare your home for entertaining. Home maintenance and renovation should be a priority before guests and parties take over.
Adding pendant lights, table lamps, or wall sconces is also a great way to add personality and charm. Plus, they’re ideal to make your home feel warm and inviting during autumn evenings.
Average cost: Standard LED bulbs cost around $4 to $10; other costs may depend on the style of your replacement and if you already have basic tools
Pro tip: Don’t forget to measure the width of your existing cabinet pulls before ordering. Also, be prepared to sand and touch up small scratches that may occur while removing old hardware.
Average cost: Hardware cost as low as $3 to $25 each (low to mid-range), depending on your preferred style, material, and finish.
Average cost: Expect to spend roughly $50 to $150
Chances are, you haven’t thought about your fireplace in several months. But soot and debris might have built up in your fireplace and chimney, which can become major fire hazards. This is when professional inspection and cleaning are essential to ensure your fireplace is in working order.
Once a thorough checkup and all necessary repairs are done, it’s time to give your dated fireplace a cozy makeover. Revamping your fireplace will help create a more inviting focal point in your home. Consider adding a fresh coat of high-heat paint to give it a modern look. Incorporate a stylish metal, glass, or mesh screen to revamp the look. You can also refinish the mantel and surrounding tiles for extra character, and add built-in shelves or cabinets for extra storage and display.
Average cost: $30-$80 for high-heat paint/primer, $20-$100 for basic cleaning materials; other costs may depend on how elaborate the makeover is.
Average cost: Budget throws and pillows range from $10–25, but you can adjust the cost based on what you need
