Many people think "too expensive" when they hear "home renovation." However, updating your home does not have to cost an arm and a leg. We've compiled a list of quick and easy budget upgrades to help you get started on your next home improvement project. Here are a few suggestions for cost-effective upgrades to update your home.

Begin with Simple Fixes

There are numerous inexpensive ideas to update your home decor without spending large sums of money. Here are four innovative ideas:

●      Redecorate a room in a modern color with a fresh coat of paint. It is a low-cost way to remodel a room for maximum impact.

●      Wooden floors look great but are expensive to have sand and varnish, so consider using a less expensive option like durable floor paint to spruce up the floor.

●      To give a room a boost, replace old or outdated light fixtures with modern lighting.

●      Installing wider profile skirting and architraves will look more luxurious than thin skirtings and architraves.

Focus on the Kitchen and Bathroom

Concentrate on increasing the value of the kitchen and bathroom, as these are the rooms in your house that will increase the value of your property when the time comes to sell. Even on a low budget, you can make changes to a kitchen and bathroom that will have a significant impact. Consider updating cabinet handles, repairing chipped tiles, or replacing outdated faucets with more modern options. Adding a splashback and drawer organizers or extra shelves will give the space a different feel without costing a fortune.

If your kitchen or bathroom has dark laminated cabinets, the interior will appear dreary and outdated. Apply an undercoat and paint right over the top to give them a fresh, new look using laminate paints. Another suggestion is to replace old fixtures and fittings with new ones that seem high-end but aren't too expensive.

Search for Good Deals

When it comes to decorating a house on a budget, online auctions and dealers are your best friends. While it may take a little longer to find what you need, buying rebranded goods or second-hand materials can save you hundreds of dollars. However, not everyone is comfortable with purchasing a previously owned item. In this case, you can save or invest to afford to buy brand-new items that cost more. Have a look at the best investment apps for beginners online, and consider trying your hand at investing as an option to generate the funds for your renovation.

Include an Area for Outdoor Entertaining

An area for outdoor entertaining is high on many buyers' wish lists most times, and it may make or break a home's sale. If you already have a patio, you can quickly transform it into an outside entertainment space by adding inexpensive furniture, lighting, and a grilling area. If you do not have a patio, consider building a deck off the lounge to create an indoor-outdoor flow. If the project is small enough, it doesn't have to be expensive or require official permits.

DIY Where Possible

Do these jobs yourself to save money if you're handy with a paintbrush or complete a simple tiling job. When it comes to electrical, plumbing, and structural work, always hire professionals, get at least three quotes, and check recommendations. Doing your homework can save you a great deal of money on labor. While not hiring a contractor can help you save money on your home renovation project, make sure you have the necessary skills and tools to complete your entire to-do list. If you need to hire a contractor for some work, bear in mind the cost of the contractor's fees and materials.

Completing renovation projects yourself can help you save money in a variety of ways. It's also a good idea to enlist the help of family and friends for gardening tasks such as weeding, painting fences, and planting trees. They shouldn't mind too much, especially if you order pizza and have cold drinks waiting for them!

Don't be afraid to look into sustainable alternatives when renovating! You're not only helping the environment, but you're also saving money in the long run.

Modify a Fireplace

A fireplace is a focal point to any room, and it can be a challenging task to renovate one. However, it does not have to be as daunting as it appears, and you do not need to spend a lot of money!

You may be able to modify the fireplace on a shoestring budget, or you may need to replace the existing furnace. In any case, you should be aware of today's modern furnaces and which alternative will best meet your needs and keep your family warm in winter.

In the same vein, the most common type of heating system installed in homes across the country is a gas furnace. This type of furnace operates through central air ducts and requires a connection to a municipal gas line. The gas heats the air, which then travels through the ductwork to different rooms in your house. Gas heating is the most cost-effective furnace type, and natural gas is generally less expensive than oil and electricity.

Furniture Rearrangement and Refurbishment

Rearranging furniture can completely transform a room's look and feel, and it's a crucial part of completing a home remodel on a budget. Choose a focal point in a room and arrange your furniture around it. You can also spruce up old furniture by refinishing the wood or reupholstering couches and chairs for a fresh look.

Innovative Lighting

Overhead fixtures and portable lamps are only a matter of perspective when it comes to lighting. You can use pops of illumination to give your home a warm glow—and a personalized touch—in addition to providing functional task lighting on a friendly budget. Hang a pendant light bedside your bed in place of using a traditional lamp or highlight a bookshelf with mini lights that showcase artwork or other display pieces. You can also uplight a plant by placing a small spotlight next to a large container and angling it up toward the foliage at about a 45-degree angle.

Conclusion

The key to renovating or redecorating your home beautifully while staying within your budget is to set a goal for yourself, paint an entire picture of what you want, and then renovate each part of your home one by one, as described above.

Guest Contributor: Ellie Lott