5 Easy Home Improvements

5 Easy Home Improvement Projects for Less Than 500

Copyright © 2008 Julie Lohmeier

It is possible to update a room and even remodel it without taking out a loan or raiding your savings.
Here are five easy projects you can do yourself on the cheap for $500 or less.

1) Paint. A $35 can of paint (or two or three) can great a huge impact with minimal expense. In fact, if
you've been ready My Home Redux at all, you've probably seen me write this, oh, say, at least a dozen
times. Truth is, this is the easiest and best way to spruce up your house - inside or out - bar none.

2) New light fixtures. Whether it's a strip light across your bathroom mirror or an in descript ceiling
fixture, changing light fixtures can make an immediate dramatic change. Check out online lighting
fixture sites (my favorites are Lamp Depot http://lampdepot.com , Lamps Plus
http://www.lampsplus.com, and Lighting Universe http://www.lightinguniverse.com/Default.aspx), but
you can also get some nice fixtures at big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot.

3) Cabinet Facelift. I can't tell you how many kitchens could simply be made new with a good coat of
paint on the cabinets. You'll need to prep them well and paint carefully, but you'll save THOUSANDS of
dollars. (Read here for some good advice at: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,783875,00.html
.) Finish off the facelift with new hardware. (You'll notice in the article linked here showing the picture
above that they also painted, added new hardware and changed the light fixtures.)

4) Closet Organizers. Unless you have a really large closet, you can still do this for less than $500.
Simply go to a home improvement store. They carry similar systems as Elfa but much cheaper. Add
shelves, sliding drawers, and two-tiered hanging racks. You'll be more organized and your closet will
also be sporting the latest style.

5) Shutters. Adding painted shutters - or changing the color of your existing shutters - is a great way to
improve the curb appeal of your house. I'm surprised how many houses don't have shutters, and how
many would look so much better if they did. Most traditional styles work wonderfully with these classic
window accents. You can paint vinyl ones, but I prefer wood for this very reason. Ok, wood shutters
could cost more than $500, but the key is the front of the house - save your money and skip the sides
and back.

So before you look at getting a home equity loan or liquidating your savings, take a second look and
see if some simple ideas and a little imagination couldn't go far in enhancing and updating your home.

About The Author:
Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects. From
working hands on and doing much of the work herself to hiring contractors and
construction managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She
shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at
http://www.myhomeredux.com. Subscribe to her free newsletter at:
http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/2005/09/get_my_home_red_2.html

@copyright 2007, Julie Lohmeier, http://www.myhomeredux.com Use this report in its
entirety with proper acknowledgement and copyright.

7 Popular Decorating Colors
Copyright © 2006-2008 Julie Lohmeier

Picking the right color for a room can often
be the most difficult decorating decision.
The best way to find a color you like is to
look at other homes, restaurants, and
good old-fashioned paint chips. Here are
some popular colors in decorating right
now. The specific colors I refer to are from
Benjamin Moore(r).

Buff: This is the new neutral. It looks great
with trim - stained or bright white (my
classic favorite), is neutral but not boring
off-white. I have this color throughout
nearly half of my house including
hallways, foyer, and basement. Everything
works well with it. Buff can range from tan
to deep taupe. Some specific colors are
Tyler Taupe, Porter Ridge Tan, and
Shelburne Buff. Also, consider
Chestertown Buff, a designers' favorite. It's
warm, not too gold, not too taupe and not
too bold. It works well in many settings
and any room.