(This post is brought to you by New Leaf Cabinets.)

Budgeting for your kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a bad situation. And you certainly don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Many people assume that they have to spend upwards of $20,000 for a kitchen remodeling, but the truth is, you can enhance the appearance of your kitchen on the cheap—without compromising quality of the kitchen’s integrity. If you’re looking to make some changes in your home—and increase your home value—here are six budgeting tips for a kitchen makeover.

Create a Budget

This first tip may seem like the most obvious one, but it’s the tip that’s most often ignored. Sticking to a budget is much harder than you think. Some homeowners falsely assume that, because they’re buying and remodeling inexpensively, they don’t have to keep up with the costs. But as you might have already learned from going to low-cost department stores like Target, the little things add up. Take a look at your income, your bills, and decide home much you can afford to spend. Use budgeting apps to help you keep track of your budget along the way.

Be Smart About Your Backsplash

Your backsplash is functional and visually appealing. After all, a tiled backsplash can prevent you from having to spend thousands replacing walls that may become water damaged from condensation and grime in this area. Depending on your kitchen, this is an area where your eyes might be naturally drawn to. One of the most important budgeting decisions you’ll make is choosing what tiles to use. High-end tile will, of course, cost more money, but you can save by purchasing a tile product that has been discounted, answering ads on seller marketplaces like Craigslist, or purchasing the leftover tiles that weren’t use for a different project.

Don’t Forget About the Lighting

The lighting in your kitchen can completely change the ambiance of your space. Overhead lighting should be bright to help you concentrate on your kitchen’s cooking areas. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great addition that won’t hurt your budget, but will prove very effective and functional in your kitchen.

For your primary lighting source, consider track lighting over recessed lighting, which costs more and is a time-consuming, laborious project. Because holes will need be cut into the ceiling, you’ll have to consider the costs of adding electrical wiring—and the hidden costs associated with repairing the ceiling.

Think About Your Counters & Cabinetry

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets and counters isn’t easy, as these are the focal point of your kitchen. When guests walk into your kitchen, they make first impressions based on this. As such, it should be a priority in your remodeling efforts. If you already have good cabinetry, you could simply add new doors and hardware and retain the frame. You could also save money by painting or spray painting your current doors, and simply installing new hardware pieces.

A good paint job always makes an incredible difference. For outdated cabinets that are still in good condition, consider painting them white and then priming them with a semi-gloss. White cabinetry also makes a space feel bigger and brighter than it actually is.

When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to know when to renovate and when to replace. “A full renovation of cabinets involves removing the cabinet frames and starting from scratch,” says New Leaf, a maker of kitchen cabinets and countertops in Tacoma WA. “Of course, this will cost more, but it’s often necessary when you realize that simple coat of paint won’t hide the damages and wear and tear of your cabinetry.”

Work With Your Plumbing

Each time your move your appliances, you’re likely going to add another $5,000 to your budget. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do your best to work with your current layout—especially when it comes to your piping and utilities. You may, however, choose to decide on new appliances, which can complement all the changes that you’ve made to the kitchen. Many department stores offer stellar appliances on credit, and of course there are warehouses where you can find cheaper, high-quality appliances, too. This property blog will help you on more cool kitchen remodeling ideas.

Add or Renovate an Island

An island can do wonders for the overall appearance of your space. It doesn’t interfere with the preparation areas, creates more seating, and is also great for having help in the kitchen and turning the space into an efficient cooking area and social space. If your kitchen is already equipped with an island, you can give it a new look. If you want to install an island from scratch, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $5,000—but it will likely be a worthwhile investment. To save a bit of money, consider using a butcher block countertop instead of traditional granite and the more expensive stone options.

(A big “thank you” to porch.com for sponsoring this post!)

It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re constantly surrounded by your nearest and dearest. But if you live in a crowded household, a lack of privacy can become a problem. Many parents know their children’s presence can be felt in virtually every area of a home—even when they’re not around. As a result, many parents simply give up on having personal space. However, it’s often possible to carve out a cozy retreat in the master bedroom.

Personal Furnishings

While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, many parents don’t put a lot of thought into their bedroom décor. Since kitchens and living rooms typically serve as the main centers of household activity, most parents opt to focus their efforts on those areas. However, if your bedroom’s furnishings lack any semblance of a personal touch, it’s only natural that this space won’t feel as if it’s truly yours. With this in mind, make a point of implementing bedroom décor choices that reflect your personality. Repainting the walls in your favorite color and picking out sheets, bedspreads and curtains that you truly love can have a tremendous impact on the way you feel about your bedroom. Additionally, purchasing chairs, loveseats and other furniture specifically for your bedroom can add an air of laidback relaxation to the space.

Entertainment Center

When looking for effective ways to unwind, many people head straight for their favorite TV shows, movies and video games—and the best way to enjoy these things is with a top-shelf entertainment center. Just because entertainment setups are commonly associated with living rooms doesn’t mean you can’t have one in the bedroom as well. Parents interested in enjoying their favorite visual media in the comfort of their bedroom should consider purchasing TVs, streaming devices and gaming consoles specifically for this area.

If you lack the space for a full-blown media cabinet, wall-mounting your bedroom television can be a great way to save space. Furthermore, if you’re uncomfortable mounting a TV on your own, a number of professional handymen can carry out the job in a timely manner. Motor City residents are sure to appreciate the wide variety of TV mounting services in Detroit.

Reading Nooks

There are a plethora of advantages to reading on a regular basis. Not only does reading improve memory function, it also helps most people relax and set their minds at ease. For maximum impact, reading should be done in a quiet spot, and, as any seasoned parent can attest, such spots can be hard to find in a busy household. Consider creating a bedroom-based reading nook.

Fortunately, this project can be undertaken on virtually any budget, and you only need a little bit of free space to bring this plan to fruition. Simply clear out one corner of the room—preferably one in the immediate vicinity of a window—for a comfortable chair or loveseat and a bookshelf or two. You may discover that creating your own reading nook will help you rekindle your love of the written word in a spot that’s all your own.

(A big “thank you” to TruGreen for sponsoring this post!)

Even in a seller’s market, you’ll want to take a strategic approach to make sure your home sells as quickly as possible—and for the best price possible.

There are four key elements you can take into consideration when preparing to sell your home.

Curb Appeal

A good first impression will likely have a major impact on whether potential buyers even bother to take a closer look. Most buyers will form a first impression within seconds(seven, to be precise), and this means that how the front of your house and yard looks is crucially important. Things that might help include painting, putting in a new door, adding lighting, and taking care of your lawn.

Timing is Everything

Next on the list is timing. If at all possible, try to put your house on the market during the peak selling months in the spring and summer. Many buyers like to shop when the weather is nicer. Many parents also try to time a home purchase and move over the summer months so their children can be in a new school district before the next academic year starts.

During the fall and winter months, the housing market tends to slow down as kids return to school and the days grow shorter.

Look at Your Neighborhood

Sometimes things that don’t belong to you can have an impact. Cleaning up common areas around your neighborhood can also make your home look more attractive.

Make a Good First Impression Inside the Front Door

As we all know, kitchens can sell houses. However, when it comes to that quick sale, your hallway can be even more important. This almost relates to curb appeal and those first impressions that visitors get as they enter your home. Your hallway is most likely the first thing they will see, so keeping this spacious, free of clutter and in general good condition should be at the top of your to-do list.

(This post brought to you by North Coast Financial Inc.)

Great home staging can make all the difference between a disappointing experience listing a house for sale and experiencing phenomenal success in today’s home market.

Whether you are selling your family residence to upgrade or need to make the most out of your investment property financing, learning to make a home attractive to buyers is well worth the time commitment and reasonable expenses incurred.

Take a look below for some areas you may want to focus on to make the most of your listing.

Exterior and Curb Appeal

In the real estate market, first impressions are incredibly important. Thankfully, proper landscaping can make a huge difference. Be sure to trim back overgrown trees and replace tired plants. If needed, invest in fresh sod.

Also consider whether it would pay to resurface a cracked driveway, add an off-street parking area, and repaint or replace fencing. Don’t forget to also consider the condition of house numbers and the mailbox. Some simple and inexpensive changes can make a big difference.

Make Sure Flooring is in Good Condition

Take a critical look at the flooring. Professionally cleaning, stretching, or replacing carpets may be necessary. Refinishing wood floors will also greatly improve the overall appeal of the house when potential buyers step through the door.

Upgrade the Kitchen

Since it is the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the best areas to invest in prior to selling a home. That said, be carefully to invest strategically since the sky is the limit when it comes to the amount of money that could go into a kitchen renovation. Smart money can be spent giving it a fantastic facelift by replacing hardware, painting cabinets, and updating lighting.

Renovate Bathrooms

Potential buyers are also attracted to homes with clean, comfortable, bathrooms. Consider replacing an old vanity, cleaning grout, updating hardware, and replacing an old toilet seat. You may also impress budget-conscious home buyers with new fixtures including eco-friendly taps and shower fittings that will conserve water.

Focus on Lighting

A dark, depressing atmosphere is likely to turn away potential buyers. Consider ways to make the most of available natural light and consider investing in new fixtures to give dark areas a light and airy atmosphere.

Maximize Storage

These days home buyers are likely to prefer homes with great storage areas. This is especially important if you’re trying to sell a small house. Great shelving can make even a small home extremely functional—and help buyers imagine how the home could be the perfect fit for their family.

(A big “thank you” to our friends at American Home Shield for sponsoring this post.)

If you have bought or sold a home recently, you’ve likely stumbled across the term “curb appeal”.

Suffice to say, this is that special something that makes homes sell. And even if you don’t plan to put your home on the market great curb appeal can make your home the pride of the neighborhood.

Thankfully, it’s also often simpler—and less expensive—than big changes and repairs that are sometimes needed for long-term maintenance, or carried out courtesy of home warranty coverage.

Instead, you can focus on small changes that will have an out-sized impact.

Make Your Front Door Welcoming

One thing that you will notice with curb appeal is that you can go as far as you want in a bid to perfect it. In the case of this first suggestion, you can go all-out and buy a completely new door, or you can just add a fresh coat of paint to your existing one.

Both are going to make a monumental difference to your curb appeal, for the simple reason that this is the first thing that people look at. Don’t be a afraid to get a little adventurous with the color either—often an eye-catching color will draw attention for all the right reasons.

Transform Your Night-Time Curb Appeal with Lighting

If you have any sort of yard, don’t hesitate to install lighting. Of course, you shouldn’t be going overboard at this point. Going with big lights will likely spoil the effect.

The trick with outdoor lighting is to be as subtle as possible. This might mean adding some tiny lights alongside the path to the front door, or even concealing a light in a tree just to enhance the effect.

Refresh Your Walls

Again, this really is one of those cases where you can go as far as your enthusiasm and budget allows. If you aren’t limited by home owner’s association restrictions, consider the best options for your home’s exterior. Adding stucco, applying a render, painting, sandblasting, or simply power washing can make a huge difference.

Considering the fact that this is the element which is the largest in relation to curb appeal, getting this right should be one of your top priorities.

Spruce Up Your Windows

Something else that is going to take up a large portion of space is your windows. Make sure window coverings look as attractive from the outside of the home as they do from the inside. Premium shutters or quality blinds can provide an immediate boost to curb appeal.

Moving into your own apartment for the first time can be exciting, yet challenging.

(A big “thank you” to our friends at Bouclair’s Blog for sponsoring this post!)

If you’ve been living in a sprawling home with your parents, a much smaller space, tiny patio, and the lack of garage storage space will likely require a lot of adjustment.

However, it is still possible to have room for your personal belongings without living in a cluttered filled home—you just need to implement the right strategies.

There are several things you can do to maximize your space inside your apartment and even on your tiny patio.

Below are some suggestions on how to make your first apartment feel like home. You can also check out design tips and trick from stylists at Bouclair’s blog for more insights and ideas.

Take Your Time

You might feel tempted to furnish and decorate your first apartment all at once. There is no need to rush. You will be better off taking your time and planning before jumping in and rushing out to immediately buy everything. Talk to family and friends to see if they have furniture they aren’t using and can help you out in your new home. Even if what is offered to you is not something you would choose to buy, you can use it until you have the money to buy something you like better.

The role planning plays when working in a small space with a small budget cannot be overstated. The axiom measure twice, cut once reminds us to be careful at first in order to avoid extra work later. You’ll avoid costly mistakes when you start slowly and plan carefully.

Even though you might want to be able to design your apartment with brand new furniture, if you have budgetary constraints, consider painting hand-me-down furniture or yard sale finds. Also, check out used furniture available at estate sales and consignment stores. Even when buying used make sure anything you purchase will last. It is better to spend a little more money for a quality item than spend less money now but have to replace it in the near future.

Keep It Simple

The phrase “less is more” applies to many things including how you furnish your apartment. Too much or oversized furniture in a small space can be overwhelming. If you look at design blogs you will see that many design experts create attractive rooms might with only a few pieces of furniture. Carefully select a few accessories like art, plants, rugs, and window treatments to make your apartment feel more like home.

Find Creative Storage Options

Storage is often a problem in small apartments. Storage beds used to be like the unstylish orthopedic shoe of the design world. Thankfully, today you can find modern attractive storage beds in various colors and designs. A storage bed turns the usually wasted space under your bed into drawers and can be used in lieu of a dresser if your bedroom is too small.

Shop for Bargains

Keep your eyes open for online sales. You can sign up for email updates so that online stores will let you know about upcoming sales. Some online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Overstock generally have good prices and often have sales. Make sure you do compare prices to make sure you are getting the best deal.

And here’s an advanced bargain hunting tip: some online sites will offer you an additional discount if you add something to your cart but don’t complete your purchase. You can try various sites to see if that will work by creating and account and providing your email address.

Decorating your first apartment should be fun and exciting opportunity to display your own personal style. We’d love to hear about your challenges and successes! Comment below.

An open house event can be a great strategic move to get attention from potential buyers. And your most important task is to make the property look as attractive as possible.

(A big “thank you” to our friends at Klamen Real Estate Group for sponsoring this post!)

Here are some great tips from experienced cash buyers of real estate in St. Louis.

Focus on Cleaning

This might seem obvious, yet all too often homeowners don’t properly clean their homes before open house events. Be sure to dust everywhere. And don’t neglect annoying deep cleaning projects. You don’t want to let something like soap scum in the shower to cost you a sale!

If you don’t have time to clean yourself, consider hiring a cleaning company. Remember to keep the big picture in mind. Paying for a full home cleaning is a small investment to drastically increase the possibility of successfully selling your home.

It’s especially important to make sure bathrooms and kitchens are clean. They are the areas that usually get dirty fast. They are also areas buyers are likely to scrutinize closely.

Depersonalize and Declutter

You want to give potential buyers a blank slate—so they can imagine themselves in a new beautiful home.

That means you need to remove all personal items including knickknacks and family photos. You want potential buyers to feel like they’re walking into their next home—not intruding on your personal space.

Also, be sure to organize and clean out storage space and closets. Most buyers want to see these areas—and you want them to get excited about filling these spaces in their own way.

It’s a good idea to remove seasonal items including holiday decorations and winter clothing. This is a good time to donate any items you no longer need and somewhere else to store the rest.

Try a Fresh Coat of Paint

Interior walls need to look great and a fresh coat paint can do wonders.

New exterior paints is also a highly effective way to increase your home’s curb appeal for an open house event. Make sure you choose a neutral paint color. You want something that will appeal to most homebuyers. They can easily customize the home after purchasing.

Painting cabinetry and updating cabinet hardware can also be inexpensive upgrades that will help position your house to sell.

Replace Damaged Flooring

Most sellers are reluctant to make flooring upgrades. In some cases the seller will offer a credit so buyers can have the work done, but that’s usually not a good idea. Potential buyers often have a difficult time imagining what’s possible. Instead, they are likely to focus on existing problems.

Start with flooring cleaning and see if that is enough. If not, see if it’s possible to make minor repairs. Sometimes this can make a huge difference.

Update Light Fixtures

If you want to make an older home look more modern, installing contemporary light fixtures is a smart move. You also want to be sure all light fixtures work and have working bulbs. Some visitors may want reassurance the electrical wiring in the home fully functioning.

Are you trying to sell a home? What are some of the biggest challenges you are facing? Are you in the market to buy? What’s the most important thing you want to find? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below.  

This time of year it may be tempting to head outside to smell the flowers, but there’s a reason spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition. A fresh, clean look will help your family be more productive and comfortable in this new season.

Four Spring Cleaning Tips (Plus Bonus Cleaning Inspiration!)

House Cleaning Checklist

First, you need a plan. You can schedule chores for each day or, for bigger projects, each week. Also, consider whether you can divide up the necessary tasks among family members.

Figure out what rooms you want to tackle first, what needs to be packed away, or given away, and what to clean out and replace. A house cleaning checklist will help.

Ceiling Cleaning

Everyone from seasoned homemakers to cleaning professionals adhere to this simple rule: start from the top and work your way to the bottom as you clean. That means your first step is to look up for cobwebs and dust. You can use a duster with an extension rod to dust ceiling fans. This is also a good time to clean light fixtures and replace burned out bulbs.

Window Cleaning

Window cleaning is not usually on the top of anyone’s “want to do list,” but it can make a stunning difference. In addition to polishing the glass, dust the frames and blinds. Also, decide whether you need to wash, dry-clean, or vacuum the curtains.  Finally, check your windows to see if they need resealing anywhere. (Last year we had a mysterious recurring puddle in our laundry room. New sealant on the exterior of the window was a quick and easy fix.)

Surface Cleaning

Now, let’s talk about floor cleaning. This “most used” surface in your home needs some TLC. Spring clean provides an opportunity to assess whether your floors simply need a deep cleaning, special treatment to rejuvenate them, or even replaced.  For carpet, deep clean and vacuum.  Lift up any rugs and, if possible for that material type, wash them.  For hardwoods and stone tile give them a good sweeping, and mopping– paying extra attention to cleaning the edges where the wall meets the floor. Be sure to use safe cleaning materials that won’t damage your floors. (This is especially important if you have hardwood floors.)

This is also a good time to consider whether you have materials that need special care such as granite or travertine tile that should be resealed.

Inspiration to Clean Like a Pro

I recently found an online Maid Training Academy which claims graduates can clean a 3,500 square foot house in four hours. I’m impressed! You can check out their free cleaning videos with commentary.

Do you have spring cleaning tips to share?

Do you have home improvement ideas for your abode, but don’t know how you will afford them? Sagging gutters and missing siding can be an eyesore and difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, most projects around the home don’t come cheap. In some instances such as a new roof, it may feel like you’re saving for another down payment on a house. But there are some easy ways for you to secure money and make the necessary home improvement fixes.

6 Ways to Find Money for your Home Improvement Ideas

1. Save Money for your Home Improvement Ideas:

Even homes that are newly constructed have blemishes that are in need of repair. Whether your dwelling is new or old, you may feel like you want to rush into the repairs without giving much thought as to how you’ll actually pay for them. But before you begin to cross the jobs off your to-do checklist, you want to put money away for the projects. When you receive your paycheck, set up a transfer that automatically places the money into your home savings account. After you’ve paid your bills, any money left over in your checking can also be placed into your savings, before you have time to spend it.

2. Home Improvement Grants Could Help:

Consider applying for home improvement grants offered by the government or your local city. Tax season is an excellent time of year to use your money from a sizeable income tax refund, have the IRS automatically put the money into your savings account. Then when you’re ready to make household repairs, you’ll have the funds available. Focus on the much-needed repairs first. Since the exterior of your dwelling is at the mercy of Mother Nature, you want to focus on the roof, siding, and foundation. Vinyl siding for the home is a versatile and maintenance-free choice. Because it can withstand the elements, it’s also more durable and cost-effective than other varieties. Money from your tax refund can also go to repair missing roof shingles or leaks or help with a bathroom renovation in the future.

3. Qualifying Tax Breaks for Home Repairs:

Certain home improvement ideas and projects could also qualify you for additional credits or tax deductions when you go to file your next return. If you’ve taken out a home equity line of credit or home improvement loan, you could deduct the interest. If your home renovation upgrades are needed for a disabled resident such as to widen doorways or add on ramps to the exterior, you could qualify for medical tax deductions. Energy.gov also has a list of energy efficient tax credits such as a biomass stove, heat pumps, appliances, and Energy Star windows.

4. Consider a Home Improvement Loan:

Have you considered a home improvement loan? Your home improvement ideas could change from a dream to a reality if you borrow the funds to update your home.  A loan could help you make repairs that you normally couldn’t afford. This is especially important for fixes that just can’t be put off. For those with good credit, you may want to try a credit card with promotional offers. These include no financing for a year to 18 months. You may also be able to qualify for a low-interest rate on a personal loan. Before you commit, you want to crunch the numbers to ensure you can afford the payments that come with the borrowed money.

5. Do Your Research for your Home Improvement Projects:

Once you’ve secured the money for your upcoming home improvement projects, you want to research the materials. Prices vary from store to store. Make a list of the necessary items you need and see if the store can offer additional discounts. If you purchase everything from one location, you may qualify for added price breaks.

6. Consider Hiring a Contractor or DIY for Less:

Certain projects painting, power washing, deck staining and caulking are simple fixes you can DIY. If you have jobs that only the expert can tackle, get several bids before hiring a contractor. You can also check online reviews or referrals from friends and family members for reputable recommendations.

Maintaining a dwelling is one of the most important duties of a homeowner. But in order to do it right, you need the necessary funds. With the above saving options, you’ll be able to take pride in your house while staying out of debt.

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Updated bathroom cabinets can change everything about the room. But it does not mean that you only have the option to replace them, you can also bring life into old cabinets by a simple makeover. Not only will it help you give your bathroom a facelift but will also help you save a lot of money. Here are some easy ways to breathe life into old bathroom cabinetry.

Paint bathroom vanity cabinets  

Are your bathroom cabinets looking tired from years and years of use? Consider giving them a fresh coat of paint in a quality semi or high gloss paint. It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to instantly update the look. Make sure they are sanded free of old stain/finish. If unsure, consult a home improvement store for help.

Learn how to paint your bathroom vanity at Do It Yourself

Increase bathroom storage space

Boast the cabinet efficiency by adding pullouts to deep bathroom vanities. You can also include amenities like plate racks, display shelves, and wine storage. Not only will these help to update the current look but will also keep necessities in order and viewable. And of course, will help you avoid more of the things you already have on hand.

Here are some clever bathroom storage ideas from HGTV we love.

Remove cabinet doors

Who says bathroom cabinet need doors? For an easy and budget friendly way to give your bathroom an update, remove the doors on the cabinetry. Not only will give your space an instant face lift but also make the small space feel larger. Add a few perfectly placed and folded towels, and the look is complete.

Install mirror on bathroom wall cabinets

Another great way to instantly spruce up your bathroom is by adding mirror on the wall cabinet. It is a functional addition that will provide a stylish complement to your daily grooming needs and will make your space seem much larger. And you will be surprised how easy this project is.

Who says that bathroom cabinets need to be all work and no play? After all, it is an important element of your space. Use these easy ideas to inspire your next bathroom update and do let us know how it was?