Start With the Basics of Home Remodeling

If you're thinking of embarking on a home remodeling project but don't have sufficient funds to really do something dramatic, you may want to think about covering the basics first. Almost every house is primed to do some basic work that doesn't cost a lot of money, yet can make a big difference in the overall appearance and function of the space. If you walk through your house—or even a particular room—and feel dissatisfied, ask yourself if doing one or more of the following things might not make you feel better about your living space. Until you can afford it, put the major projects on the backburner and do the following.

Clean It and Fix It

Even if you stay on a fairly regular housecleaning schedule, you'll be amazed at what a difference a good top to bottom cleaning can do for your house. Yes, get out the vacuum, the mop, and the Windex, but go further than that. Get your carpets steam cleaned. Wash the walls. Get the dust inside those lampshades. But beyond getting the most out of cleaning supplies, use this chance to get rid of some of the clutter. We have a tendency to let belongings accumulate. If you have a lot of stuff you don't really need, consider getting rid of it. Sometimes home remodeling is really just a matter of making different use of the space you have.

Slap Some Paint on the Walls

Nothing can change the appearance of a room like putting a new coat of paint on the walls. Get imaginative and pick some colors. You'll want to use your furniture and overall aesthetic design as a starting place when it comes to choosing those colors, but don't be afraid to be bold. Start with a "fun" room if you need some help getting started. A back bedroom is a perfect place to start. Painting is one of the cheapest forms of home remodeling you can embark upon, yet it is also one of the most expressive and can make a dramatic difference.

Art and Beauty

You can get rid of that "institutional" feeling crowding your home by using artwork to bring life to the space. In fact, you should think about going this route before worrying about home remodeling, even if you have an unlimited budget. Art on the walls and accessories out on your tables are the things that often make a house a home and can really personalize your space. You can scarcely go wrong with choosing wall art. Find some paintings or photographs that reflect your tastes, have them nicely framed, and read a bit about how best to display them.