Update your home this summer without breaking the bank with these low-cost home upgrades!

Home upgrades don’t have to be expensive and time-consuming. Here are five simple upgrades you can do yourself to increase your home’s value.

Update your front entry

You may choose to keep it simple by replacing an old light fixture, or adding some potted plants. Or, you may decide to take it up a notch by painting the front door and updating the house numbers or mailbox. However you choose to spruce up the front, there are ways to do so on a budget.

Refresh your walls

Nothing enhances the feel of a room like a fresh splash of color. This is relatively easy and affordable. Take it one step further by adding an accent wall. This is accomplished by applying a color that contrasts the surrounding walls, or by adhering a printed or textured wallpaper. Wallpaper is gaining popularity and can get pricey, but by only adding it to one wall you can keep this project cost low.

Give your kitchen a facelift

This update is a bit more time-intensive, but the results can change the entire feel of your kitchen. Just by repainting your cabinets and adding new hardware you can take your kitchen from drab to fab. The average cost of hiring a professional to paint kitchen cabinets is around $1,000 but you can cut this cost in half by doing it yourself.

Liven up your outdoor space

Outdoor spaces are the perfect spots to gather friends and family, especially in the summer. You can upgrade your outdoor space by adding more seating, outdoor pillows or an outdoor rug. Create ambiance with string lights or a water feature. Adding a fire pit or table can extend the use of your outdoor space as the evenings become cooler.

Remove popcorn ceilings

If your home was built in the 1960’s or 70’s, chances are you’re familiar with popcorn ceilings. Removing the bumpy texture can seem like a daunting task, but if the plaster underneath is in good shape, the time spent is worth the effort. Wet the area with a spray bottle and let the water sink in for about 10 to 15 minutes, then scrape off with a putty knife. BE AWARE: If your home was built before 1979, get the ceiling testing for asbestos before trying to remove it.

Some larger projects may warrant professional help and a bigger investment, but there are many ways you can update your home (and save money) by doing it yourself.