Spring is in the air, which means it’s home renovation season! After the long winter months spent inside, does spring fever have you wanting to make a few changes around the house? However, just because it’s the perfect time to brighten your space and make it feel brand new again, you don’t have to break the bank in the process. Let the sunshine inspire a home you love even more with a few budget-friendly renovation tips from Angela Desch, Real Estate Broker with Keller Williams Realty. Angela has been a realtor at the shore for more than twenty-five years, is a Certified Global Luxury Agent, and is in the top 1% of all Realtors.
“When I take a new listing, one of the first things I help my clients with is identifying low-cost renovation projects for the resale of a property. However, these tips also work for anyone looking to get a big impact with their home renovations at a low cost,” Angela says. To start, take stock of your living areas: what you like, what you don’t, what’s in good condition, what’s not. You can save a lot of money simply by being strategic with how you approach your projects.
“It’s very important to consider using some materials that are already in existence if they are in good shape,” Angela says. When you’re able to preserve materials, you don’t just save on the hard costs; you also save on labor and create less waste. “For example,” Angela explains, “I recently had a kitchen where the seller was on a tight budget, and we kept the kitchen cabinets but replaced the doors and hardware and painted them. They came out wonderful, and they didn't have to rip them out, which saved thousands.”
This value-minded approach also works well in any space with high-cost materials. “Another example where we were able to preserve material was a recent bathroom renovation I helped clients with. Instead of ripping the tile off the wall, we had it professionally painted, and it turned out beautiful,” Angela says. When it comes to budget-friendly renovations, it’s all in the details. Small changes can make a big impact. Consider easy changes like hardware, new doors instead of complete cabinets, and fresh paint—even on surfaces like tile, cabinets, or furniture that you may not think of initially. “If you’re struggling with this, it helps to find someone who can look at the integrity of what is there already and use it creatively. If the goal is to sell, a realtor can be very helpful, or you can consider getting some help from a trusted handyman or contractor,” Angela says.
Another great way to approach low-cost, high-impact renovations is to consider curb appeal. “Think about first impressions; they often make the biggest impact. Things like changing or painting a front door, fixing storm or screen doors, and styling a porch can really freshen up a home,” Angela says.
Finally, budget-friendly renovations don’t always have to be major undertakings. You can make a big change to a space with décor. “Refreshing your wall colors, adding wallpaper, and using pillows and plants are all relatively low-cost ways to update your home,” Angela says. When you think of painting your home, it doesn’t have to be the whole house. You can paint one room or even have an accent wall. For wallpaper, consider adding it to a small bathroom. Pillows, plants, and small décor updates can refresh any living space with minimal cost but can create a lasting impression.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, but meaningful change doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a thoughtful approach, a little creativity, and a focus on what already works, even small updates can make a noticeable difference. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy your space more, budget-friendly renovations can help you welcome the season with a home that feels brighter, fresher, and renewed.
To learn more about Angela or to see how she can help you with your real estate needs, contact her at:
Angela Desch, Broker and Area Leader with Keller Williams Realty — KW Jersey Shore, 609-457-0410, Adesch5@msn.com
