100 Smart Home Remodeling Ideas on a Budget

100 practical home remodeling ideas that can be completed on a budget. These home remodeling projects are a mix of inexpensive ideas and do-it-yourself projects, perfect for the average homeowner.- Advertisement -

Sick of remodeling ideas that are only possible for the rich?

The 101 home remodeling ideas in this list will help you make your home more comfortable, valuable, and functional. Most important of all, they are affordable, and almost all of them can be done without hiring an expensive contractor.

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While not all these projects may be appropriate for your home, you should be able to find at least 5 to 10 to do over the next couple of months in your free time.

Even if theyre small projects, they will quickly add up and help you transform your home.

And yes, this is a long article. Do as I did while creating it, grab a hot cup of coffee (see which single serve coffee makers I like), kick back and enjoy this list.

What kid (or man) doesnt want a race car bed? Many bedroom remodeling ideas seem like cool projects until you realize that youve spent a ton of money on an impractical set-up that youll hate in a few years. The ideas weve chosen are relatively affordable and practical projects that youll enjoy for years to come.

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This brilliant makeover can be done in a weekend and can brighten up any bedroom with those old ugly bi-fold doors.

Starting with some cheap hollow core doors, add on some measured wooden panels to create your base. A coat or two of paint and some sharp (but inexpensive) hinges are all that is needed to finish off this project.

The materials should cost approximately $100.

Tools needed:

Read the detailed steps: http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2013/09/closet-door-makeover-reveal-dremel-weekends/

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Its a shame when beautiful decor is ruined by a hideous popcorn ceiling. One elegant solution is to install a beadboard ceiling.

The project appears deceptively simple. Youll need to get beadboard from any local hardware store (easy), but then you need to measure it out correctly and cut it so that it fits your ceiling. While this is fairly easy for the experience DIY-er, it can be tricky lining things up right.

Remember, measure twice, cut once.

Bead board is relatively cheap, but you still dont want to be ruining slabs by making the wrong cuts.

See the steps behind this project: http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2012/06/installing-beadboard-ceiling.html

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Once you notice how much your room resembles a simple box, youll want to do something about it. One popular option is to add crown molding.

Crown molding refers to the trimming that can be added to connect the walls with the ceiling. If you pick the right one for your room, youll add a nice touch of class.

You can get crown molding either online or at a local hardware store. Depending on the style youre looking at, it should cost you around $100-300, and a few hours of your time on a few weekends.

The only tool youll need is a mitre box and saw (to cut those corners perfectly).

Heres a full tutorial on installing crown molding: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-install-crown-molding/index.html

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Minimalist design is not only beautiful when done right, but also clears up a ton of room in smaller spaces. Pick up a cheap shelving unit from a local store (or find a used one on Craigslist) thats appropriate for your closet. Give it a coat of paint if needed.

You can add rods for hangers, hooks, and attractive baskets for storing random objects. These are all inexpensive additions that will make your closet more functional and more attractive.

Heres the behind-the-scenes of the closet above, that was done for under $100: http://www.takethesidestreet.com/2011/04/custom-closet-on-cheap.html?m=1

Heres one more amazingly detailed look at remodeling a larger closet to maximize functionality: http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-a-girl-built-her-closet/

Additionally, heres another 11 ways to hack your closet space.

The difference a sleek headboard can make on the appearance and comfort of your bed cannot be understated. If youre handy and have some spare time, you can put together a beautiful headboard for under $100.

Heres a fantastic resource with 40 other DIYheadboards: http://www.diyncrafts.com/7215/decor/40-dreamy-diy-headboards-can-make-bedtime

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Drum shades are all the rage right now, but often come with a hefty price tag. If you dont mind heading to the craft and hardware store, you can pick up the supplies to make a beautiful shade that wont hurt your wallet.

Before you start, make sure that theres a part of your lighting fixture that you can hook it on to. This type of drum shade will not fit all fixtures.

Also, if you are concerned about flammability, use a fire-proof spray on your shade.

See the full steps at: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-a-diy-drum-shade-169299

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Extra storage is always important in a small kids room. With all their toys, you need somewhere to put them that isnt the ground.

The next time youre thinking of upgrading a bed in your home, consider building your own bed, complete with tons of conveniently sized compartments for storage.

While it will take a significant amount of time, it will be incredibly rewarding and can be done on a budget.

As a note, you will need some common power tools, including the following:

Read the full steps here: http://ana-white.com/2010/05/twin-storage-captains-bed

What inviting bed doesnt have throw pillows to top it off?

While they arent too expensive to buy, they can add up quickly. If youre interested in improving your sewing skills, you can create unique low-cost throw pillows that add some personality to your bedding.

Heres a link to the full tutorial if you want to make a bowtie pillow: http://www.u-createcrafts.com/bow-pillow-tutorial/

Dont limit yourself to just one option though, here are a bunch more, and here is another detailed guide on how to make them (sewing instructions included).

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Make sure to plan ahead if you arent an experienced craftsman, as it will take a significant amount of time and patience to build. On the plus side, youll have a beautiful, functional bed and a huge sense of accomplishment when youre done.

The wood for the project shouldnt cost you more than a few hundred dollars, maximum.

Youll need a circular saw and a good drill for this project, along with other common small equipment like safety glasses and a measuring tape.

See the full plans and construction steps here: http://ana-white.com/2012/08/plans/daybed-storage-trundle-drawers

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This genius shelf can store books and other objects in a bedroom. Instead of a boring shelf, you essentially get a piece of functional artwork.

You can buy it here on Amazon for about $170, which isnt exactly cheap, but not just for millionaires either.

Here is a great guide on how you could make your own and save a bit of money: http://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2012/11/free-diy-plans-and-step-step-video-tutorial-building-modern-tree-shaped-bookshelf

Note that if you dont already have construction tools, its probably cheaper to buy it pre-made.

Benches are not only useful, but they can really improve the look of your room. If you build your own, starting from a cheap (possibly used) bench, you can make a gorgeous bench for $40 or less.

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Heres a great step-by-step guide of turning an unflattering bench into one that will compliment the rest of your room: http://prettydubs.blogspot.ca/2013/02/making-tufted-bench.html

Dont feel that you need to build your own, there are plenty of great options online and in stores that wont cost more than $200.

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This is one of the coolest remodeling ideas there is. If you want to feel like James Bond once in a while, a secret room in your home is a must.

Unfortunately, most secret rooms are incredibly expensive to build, which puts them off-limits for normal people.

The solution: a Murphy door.

While a Murphy door isnt cheap, itll run you around $1500, it is by far the most affordable way to create a secret room. The bookshelf slips into your doorframe, perfect if you have a walk-in closet in your master bedroom.

You can order one online at: http://www.themurphydoor.com/

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Before you start any of these projects, consider the color scheme of your room. Having a great color scheme can make even a boring room look great, while a poor color scheme can make an amazing room look out of sorts.

To pick the perfect color scheme:

Once you have your colors, you can start your projects.

When it comes to paint, do it well. Heres an excellent guide to help you paint like a professional. Dont limit yourself just to walls, you can paint dressers as well to make them look like new.

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Blackout curtains are incredibly stylish, and go with almost any room. On top of looking great, they block out nearly all sunlight, which increases your quality of sleep. Additionally, when closed during the day, they can block out sunlight, keeping your air conditioning bills lower during the summer.

Best of all, theyre relatively cheap. You can get a great set of blackout curtains online for under $50.

Note: Blackout curtains come in all colors.

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Not only is it fun to look at yourself, but the light that mirrors reflect can make your bedroom seem larger and more open than it really is.

The most effective way to do this is to place a large mirror (or a few medium sized ones) on a wall that faces the windows. The mirror doesnt have to face it perfectly, as long as a decent amount of sunlight will hit it.

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Murphy beds are great space-savers in small rooms, especially for kids. Flipping them up on the wall during the day frees up a lot of space for activities.

The problem is that most murphy beds are expensive, which is usually a problem if you live in a small home. Luckily, with a little work over a weekend or two, you can make your own.

This is the cheapest tutorial out there, with a total cost of just $150: http://www.yourmodernfamily.com/diy-wall-bed/

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100 Smart Home Remodeling Ideas on a Budget