The end of winter is finally in sight and before you know it you’ll be entertaining friends and family in celebration of the warm weather. Before you break out the drinks and make the perfect party playlist, take a look around your home. The harsh winter weather probably did a number on your property, both inside and out.
When the temperatures rise it’s the perfect time to spruce up your space. Luckily, you can make impactful renovations that don’t break the bank. Read on to learn about the ways you can get your home ready for the joys of spring while sticking to your budget.
Fertilize your lawn
The first thing visitors will notice about your home is the front lawn. When you fertilize it in the early spring, you’re giving your grass the nutrients it needs to reach its ideal Ph of between six and seven. Fertilizer can also help eliminate weeds in your lawn and it will prime it for healthy growth for the rest of the season.
With just a little bit of hard work and a fertilizer spreader, you can improve the condition of your lawn without hiring pricey landscapers. On average, the cost to fertilize your lawn is about $.03 per square foot. You can maximize its effectiveness by watering your lawn in the early morning or late evening to prevent the sun from drying out the grass and its fertilizer.
Wash your windows
This simple chore can drastically improve your home from the outside and on the inside. First, dust the insides and hose down the outsides of your windows. Using a sponge, wash away the winter grime from the glass with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Wipe the panes clean by using lint-free cloths or even clean coffee filters.
If you’re looking to improve your home’s windows further, consider new window treatments. Homeowners have different needs for window treatments, ranging from decorative to functional or a mix of both. Choose a type that will do double-duty as effective sun protection and appealing decor to get the most out of your purchase.
Give your bathroom a minor makeover
When you hear “bathroom renovation” you probably also hear the cha-ching of a cash register in the background. While a full bathroom remodel can give you a return on investment of 70%, you don’t have to empty your savings into your bathroom to make it look better.
Start by updating the cabinet hardware. These may be the smallest detail in your bathroom, but installing new pulls and knobs can give the space a completely different feel. If you like the impact this makes, move on to replacing the faucets and fixtures in your sink, tub, and shower and upgrade the towel bars and toilet paper holder to match. To keep these new fixtures from rusting, use a rust protection fluid with a concentration of 3.3%. If that is adequate in the fall and winter, increase it to 4% or until you can no longer see the rust. Finish off the makeover by adding colorful towels, candles, and soaps.
Repaint the walls
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. Brush away the final dregs of winter by choosing one or two spaces that need a facelift. Be sure that you actually spend time in these rooms and aren’t painting a room just for the sake of it. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your money and time.
One can of paint typically costs between $25 and $50, so try to choose a neutral color that you won’t need to paint over when you eventually sell your home. Earth tones, yellows, blues, and light grays are all popular choices that can change the entire vibe of the room.
Even the smallest changes can change how you see your home. From a greener lawn to new cabinet handles in your bathroom, each minor improvement will remind you of the beautiful home you have.
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Dual Income, No Kids launched in the spring of 2006 and is now part of District Media, LLC. With over 10 million visitors and syndication on Google News, District Media delivers high-quality personal finance news and advice. Our 58 blogs inform, empower, educate and entertain the public -- free of charge, with all operating expenses financed by advertising.
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Are you ready for Spring season? This Spring season is incredible weather. Always check there first before buying anything full price. I bet you are surprised what you can get for just a few bucks.