5 budget-friendly but financially rewarding home upgrades
Convert. Extend. Add. Repair. Transform. There’s an endless stream of activity that can enhance your home’s look and feel and add value, of course.
If a major remodelling or renovation looks expensive, you can focus on smaller projects that won’t cost as much but will deliver the desired results in the long run.

Worthwhile Home Improvements
Paint
Give your home’s interior and exterior a fresh coat of paint in the right tones or hues. Consider the 2018 Zillow Paint Colors Analysis, which takes into account over 135,000 photos of homes listed and sold in the US in an eight-year timeframe. These are some of the color trends:
- A front door painted in black can increase the house’s sale price by 2.9 percent.
- A living room colored pinkish taupe contributes 1.3 percent to the price.
A professional paint job commands hundreds to thousands of dollars, a cost you can lower when you take on the task. Be that as it may, painting your house remains one of the most affordable ways to improve your home and its value.
Update the Bathroom
No walls will go down for this update. The makeover can be as simple as replacing the shower curtain or giving the shower head a deep cleaning to remove mineral deposits and restore its sparkle.
Other noteworthy tweaks:
- Repairing or replace leaking faucets
- Installing cabinets or upgrade existing ones with new paint and handles
- Cleaning and regrouting tiles
- Cleaning glass surfaces like mirrors, windows, and shower doors
Your rule of thumb is to free up storage, replace dated fixtures, and present a clutter-free space with costs associated with plumbing and installing cabinetry.
Redefine Your Space
Crown moldings accomplish the task of providing dimension and elegance to your house. They make their appearance primarily in the living room, kitchen, and dining area. Moldings are made of solid wood, plaster, MDF, or PVC. You can have them painted, stained, or installed as is.
Take these into account:
- The choice of material and how the space is ornately decorated affect the cost.
- Take note of the ceiling height when choosing a design.
- Consider trims on windows and doors to give the room a finished look.
- Go DIY, or ask the help of experts.
Get or Maintain Your Lawn
In the real estate market, a house with landscaping is always valuable than none at all. You can undoubtedly have green and well-trimmed grass surrounding your property.
Start from scratch by preparing the ground, removing the weeds, and improving the soil. Choose the grass species and whether to sow seeds or install sod.
- Grass seed is cheaper but takes longer to grow.
- Sod is more expensive but offers you an instant lawn.
For your existing lawn to remain healthy and strong, ensure it is adequately watered and properly nourished. Mow as required.
Grow Trees
Your house’s curb appeal benefits from a tree or two that provide shade and add thousands of dollars to your property value. Trees lend beauty, color, and character to your overall landscape. In choosing which tree fits your property, consider your area’s climate, the tendency for the tree to produce surface roots, and the maintenance when the tree sheds its leaves.
You can worry about fall garden chores later. What’s critical is for your newly planted tree to mature. And it needs frequent watering that you can do through drip irrigation. This system with drips and microirrigation parts from Netafim is suitable because of the following reasons:
- It provides the right amount of water to your tree.
- It delivers water directly into the root zone.
- It thus lessens the chances of water going to waste or evaporating.
Funding Home Improvement
People improve their homes for many reasons, primarily to rake in profits for the money and work invested in each project. While not all upgrades translate to higher sale prices, some provide good returns on investment.
The most conventional, if not the best, way to pay for upgrades is to save. However, life happens, and your savings are earmarked for other priorities.
Financing fills the gap for homeowners who want to move forward with their projects when cash is not available. In case you plan to finance your improvements, you have these options:
- A cash-out refinance allows you to tap your home’s equity. It’s effectively taking out a new, bigger mortgage to pay off the old loan and get the difference in cash.
- A home equity line of credit serves as a second mortgage. A HELOC has a draw period when you can borrow and a repayment period that entails paying off the loan.
- A personal loan appears less risky than the above options because your home is not on the line. Still, you need to present a high credit score to get a loan with reasonable terms.
Each loan carries risks and requires a stringent qualification process. How about checking with your local municipal office for home improvement grants? While you and the project need to meet the eligibility guidelines, it’s money that you are not obligated to repay.
Likewise, you can consider innovative alternatives like Plenti to get your loans with ease and comfort for your big home renovation plans. There are several reasons why a personal loan is practical for funding your renovation, including debt consolidation, a better alternative to a payday loan, and excellent for completing your home upgrade and other necessary repairs such as plumbing and electrical rewiring.
With a budget and a possible source for it, which projects will provide value for your money? Give your property, including the plants, the love and care they deserve, and you’ll see your efforts bearing fruits.

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
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![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)



