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Friday, September 11, 2015

10 Inexpensive Updates For a Builder Grade Home

Inexpensive tips and tricks for updating a basic builder grade home.


It can be extremely overwhelming trying to update an older home or one that is very builder basic.   There's not always money in the budget for expensive upgrades and sticking to a strict budget can sometimes be stressful. That doesn't mean you have to live with dated fixtures and a home that doesn't represent your style and personality.  With a little effort and creativity, you can turn your builder grade home into a beautiful and custom place you love
Inexpensive tips and tricks for updating a basic builder grade home.

1. Make Baseboards Taller
Replacing baseboards can not only be time consuming, but can also be a huge expense.  We eventually replaced all our boring 70's molding in our home, but it was done over the course of a few years.  If you're not ready to go through the hassle and mess of tearing out molding, adding to your existing baseboards is a great option. 

2. Spray Paint Dated Light Fixtures, Door Knobs and Vent Covers.

There's no need to spend hundred's of dollars on new lights and fixtures.  Spray paint and new light bulbs can go a long way in transforming worn or dated fixtures. 
 Spray paint light fixtures, lighting
 spray paint floor vents

3. Update Basic Lighting

Oh, the dreaded boob lights and shiny brass fixtures that are a staple in almost every builder grade home.  If spray paint isn't your thing, you can inexpensively DIY or replace light fixtures to make a bold statement to any space. 
update basic lighting, builder grades homes, easy updates

Psst...that light over her sink is made from a bowl found at Goodwill!
 Goodwill bowl turned pendant light

4. Paint Dated Cabinets

Painting kitchen and bathroom cabinets has to be the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to updating your home.  The color and possibilities are endless!
 Painted kitchen cabinets, builder grade updates
Painted kitchen cabinet

5. Add Finials to Basic Cabinets

Pair together a few inexpensive finials from the hardware store and a quart of paint and you can completely change the look of builder basic cabinets.
 Add finials to basic cabinets

10 Inexpensive Updates For a Builder Grade Home

6. Replace Vertical Blinds and Shades with Bamboo Blinds.

Custom drapes and curtain panels can add up quickly, especially if you have a lot of windows to cover. Adding a few simple bamboo shades can instantly update a space without breaking the bank.

Layer on inexpensive sheers and you instantly have a custom look.
bamboo blinds under sheer curtains

7. Add Molding to Interior Doors

Updating interior doors can make such a dramatic difference in a home.  When we moved into our 35 year old home all the interior doors were original, they were dark, cheap and hallow.  Before replacing all the doors we gave them a temporary update with paint, but if you're looking for a more dramatic look, adding molding can immediately transform your doors from boring to custom.

add molding to basic doors

Molding added to interior doors

8. Add a plank wall

Thanks to Fixer Upper plank walls are all the rage these days.  They are gorgeous and cost next to nothing with a little DIY effort.  I updated our entryway with about $50 in plywood and I can't get over the difference!

DIY plank wall, shiplap

9. Customize Basic Cabinets With Molding

You can update cabinets with paint and hardware or you can go one step further and add decorative molding.   Customize an island by adding a bookshelf, add crown molding or raise your cabinets to the ceiling, either way, it's sure to make a big impact.

add molding to kitchen cabinets

10.  Paint dated vinyl floors

Did you know you can paint vinyl floors?  Tasha from Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body did and the result is stunning!
painted vinyl floors, easy builder grade updates

Pretty amazing, huh?

So many beautiful upgrades that are manageable both for your wallet and skill level. 

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5 Inexpensive updates for a builder grade home


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  1. SO much inspiration!!!! Great ideas and tips Katie!

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  2. I love all of these tips! I'm slowly trying to change our builder grade items for a more modern style! Love these ideas! Only if there more hours in the day so I can be finished with them already!

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  3. Love all these ideas. Treat your house like you love it and you will.

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  4. I love all of these tips! treat your house like you love it and you will.

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