14 Home Improvement Ideas Perfect for Small Houses

When you apply to refinance, your lender will require an appraisal of the property to determine property value. Adding a simple wood trim to the ceiling will draw the eye up — a classic visual trick to give the room an illusion of height. It also adds some design flair to the room; depending on your style, you can try understated plain molding or ornate three-piece molding. It’s tempting to cave to the gallery wall trend, but the more individual items you hang on walls in an already-small space, the smaller it will look. Instead, pack a powerful punch with one piece of large-scale art on a wall in your living room. Having a single dramatic piece of art of the wall will draw the eye towards it, rather than highlight the limited dimensions of the room.

• We’ve made some suggestions below of home improvements that would be allowed under PD but carry out your own research to be certain.
• With Leanne’s interior design expertise and Steve’s experience as a carpenter and licensed contractor, there’s no stopping this dream team.
• You’ll more than make your money back with a loft conversion, too, but it’s not quite as lucrative as other means of extending because of the costs involved.
• But one of his favorite hobbies is rebuilding classic cars, something he does in the garage of the house.
• Improve lighting and ventilation by replacing an existing light fixture with a ceiling fan.

A disabled facilities grant will be no more than £30,000 in England and £36,000 in Wales. However, your local authority can top up this up, as it can give you other help with home improvements . The amount of grant you get depends on your income and savings, unless the work is to meet the needs of a disabled person under 16, or in some cases, over 16 but under 19. Generally, a local authority does not have to pay a grant or loan within any particular time limit. However, if your local authority’s own rules set a time limit, it must pay you within this time limit. Local authority loans are available to owner-occupiers towards the cost of necessary works to improve, repair or extend their existing houses.

Weatherstrip Hatches and Doors

But the hidden elements of a renovation are well worth our attention. Stripping and staining cabinets will give your space a major facelift. Sealing cabinets with polyurethane will also increase durability. Begin by removing cabinet doors and hardware, then wipe cabinet fronts and doors with mineral spirits to remove any dirt, dust, and grease.

How to Make Kitchen Cabinet Doors

These loans are only available from some local authorities, so you should contact your local authority to check whether the scheme operates in your area. Some outlet centers have flooring stores, where you can sometimes find great deals on older styles that have been discontinued, Matke says. If an upgrade absolutely isn’t in the budget, then look to have your carpeting and hardwoods professionally cleaned.

Add wood trim to the ceilings

In their latest HGTV series, Drew and Jonathan Scott help celebrities like Brad Pitt and Melissa McCarthy surprise their loved ones with amazing home renovations. This show had millions of viewers everywhere daydreaming of downsizing their homes. This mother-daughter duo has taken the world of home renovation by storm with their super popular HGTV show. Their ability to remodel rundown homes into jaw-dropping works of art is unmatched.

Equipping your fireplace with glass doors blocks heated and cooled air from escaping and amplifies the fire’s heat, which in turn reduces energy costs. Closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use will help keep cold out of your home and add to heating efficiency. Having your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned will also improve fireplace efficiency. A cheery front-door color and a touch of landscaping can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and make a lasting impression on guests. Dress the door with new hardware, and add potted plants near the entrance. Consider installing outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s architecture and illuminate the walkway.

It’s probably less expensive and certainly more convenient to install a backyard shed or hire a handyperson to create access to hidden places in your house than renting space long-term. Many utility companies provide free energy audits for their customers’ homes. However, you’ll have to spend a few hundred dollars for a company to do one in some places. Even newly constructed homes can see huge benefits from having an energy audit performed. It also comes with a long list of things to do to keep the home in working order or improve our surroundings.