4 Simple Ways to Update Your Home

Regular maintenance and improvements can help you maintain your home's value.  If your home as structural or maintenance issues, then of course they should be the priority.  Some repairs can be tackled by the homeowner.  Others such as roofing, plumbing, mold removal or structural problems should be completed by a professional.

Choosing local business owners can help you avoid getting scammed.  This also supports your local community.  Consulting the Better Business Bureau can also help you identify companies that may have raised "red flags" for your neighbors.

However, the small personal improvements to your home make the best do-it-yourself projects.They may not be necessary, but a new look can not only improve your home's resale value, it can also lift your spirits.  We all need a bit of a reboot now and then.  Some simple changes to your home can help it reflect who you are and what you enjoy.

Here are four inexpensive and simple ways to update your home.

1.  Update your entry way - It is easy to forget about the impact of our front door.  Although we tend to take it for granted. It is the first element that your guests see, so an easy way to make your home more inviting is to replace the front door or give it a fresh coat of paint.   No time to paint?  A wreath or other design element can lift your spirits and welcome your guests to your home.

● Paint a room a new color - Repainting a room or adding an accent wall is a quick way to update a room.  A neutral room could get a pop of color.  The blended neutrals that are popular for 2018 could refresh a darker room.

● Refresh your landscaping - Trim and tidy any landscaping at the front of your home, particularly the areas leading up to your door.  Adding perennial flowers can add color without a lot of maintenance.  Filling in with some fast growing annuals can increase the curb appeal of your home. When adding bushes or trees, be sure and check the size of the mature plant, and plan accordingly.

● ​Replace small design elements in the kitchen and bathroom - A bathroom or kitchen remodel can add value, but is usually very expensive.  Consider swapping out the hardware on cupboards and drawers to reflect your taste in textures and colors.  Replacing counters can be daunting, try adding or changing the tile on a back splash to update a room without breaking the bank. Updated light fixtures are much less expensive than you might think--and they can change the look of a room dramatically.