Whether you want to fix up your house for your own enjoyment or to prepare to sell, it's easy for those dollar signs to stack up. With the right planning, you can transform parts of your home with simple projects that fit within your budget.
Between your savings and a Home Equity Line of Credit available through Apple Federal Credit Union, there are several ways to access the funds you need to undertake home renovations of any size.
Read on to learn more about how you can boost your home's value and transform your living space on any budget.
Under $100
Upgrade Old Hardware
Upgrading old-fashioned hardware can be an inexpensive way to update older-looking cabinets or doors. New knobs, handles and hinges can bring a fresh look to your kitchen or bathroom without a major renovation.
Paint
Simple and effective, changing the color of a room makes for an easy facelift. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up a space and make it feel new again. Choose modern, neutral colors to appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Install Track Lighting
Installing track lighting on the underside of cabinets in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms will brighten the room and make for easier navigation in the dark. This is a quick way to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your space.
Apply Peel and Stick Backsplash
Peel and stick backsplash has become popular because it's a simple, cost-effective way to modernize a space, and it comes in a variety of colors and styles. This easy DIY project can give your kitchen or bathroom a stylish update in no time.
Spend an Hour with a Pro
When in doubt, check with local designers. They can give you plenty of tips and ideas on where to start. A standard hourly fee is usually less than $100. This investment can provide you with valuable insights and a clear direction for your renovation projects.
$100-$200
Landscape
Planting a tree or adding a flower garden can give your home more curb appeal. Landscaping improvements are a great way to make your home more inviting and attractive from the outside.
Install a Water Filtration System
Installing a water filtration system in your kitchen is inexpensive and adds convenience, while lowering grocery bills and reducing the use of plastic bottles. It's a practical upgrade that can enhance your daily life and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Remove Popcorn Ceilings
Nothing dates a house more than popcorn ceilings. Dedicate a weekend, grab a removal solution from your local hardware store and get scraping! A word of advice: some older ceilings could contain asbestos, so have yours tested by a professional before you start.
Spruce Up Your Entryway
Creating a functional entryway can be an affordable weekend project. A well-organized entryway sets a welcoming tone for your home. Depending on the size of the area, adding shelves, a table, a shoe rack or other storage solutions can transform the space.
Give Your Fireplace a Makeover
If your fireplace has seen better days, a coat of paint or a new mantle can make all the difference. This simple update can turn an outdated fireplace into a stylish focal point in your living room.
$200-$400
Hire a Professional Lawn Care Company
Is it time to hand over your lawn to the pros? Calling in a lawn service company may save you the headache of dealing with overgrown bushes and dead patches. Service will typically run a few hundred dollars (and may become a recurring expense).
Check Out Small Bathroom Projects
There are endless possibilities for your small bathroom that can make a huge difference. Add some wallpaper, frame the mirror, replace light fixtures, paint cabinetry or add shelving, to name a few. These updates can make your bathroom more functional and attractive.
Update Your Flooring
If your wood floors have seen brighter days, rent an orbital sander from your local hardware store and spend the weekend refinishing them. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, installing laminate wood flooring is an easy-to-install and durable option that typically costs around $400 for an average-sized room.
Replace Dated Fixtures
If your home is from the 80s or 90s, chances are you may have those shiny brass fixtures that were popular during that time. Replacing faucets and knobs with brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze can update the feel of a house instantly.
Add Recessed Lighting
Adding updated lighting in the kitchen or living areas can bring light to a dim space, making it feel bigger and more open. Recessed lighting is both functional and stylish, enhancing the overall ambiance of your home.
$500 and Up
Install a Kitchen Island
A kitchen island can add function and appeal to a kitchen, and you can choose your budget! You can opt for a pre-built island or visit your local hardware store and build one yourself using cabinets and countertop material.
Update Appliances
If you've been considering a new fridge or washer and dryer, take this as your sign to do it. Many appliances may be offered during seasonal sales depending on when the manufacturer is rolling out new models. Check out deals over holiday weekends, and you could save big!
Mount New Countertops
A fresh countertop in a kitchen or bathroom can be transformative. Often, local granite and countertop suppliers will sell their leftovers at a much lower cost, so be sure to check out some local suppliers near you.
Build Deck Railing
A well-maintained deck can become a favorite spot for relaxation and entertaining, and a new railing can make an old deck feel new again. Plus, while the railing is off, it would be a perfect time to re-stain and seal your deck.
Invest in Window Replacements
Updating old windows may be costly upfront but can save you in the long run if those old frames are letting out heat or air. If replacing the frames themselves is too much for your budget right now, try adding window treatments designed to help keep in some of that energy. Blackout curtains help reduce the inside temperature during summer months.
Why Choose Apple FCU's HELOC?
Funding home renovations can be a challenge, but Apple FCU's Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) provides a flexible and affordable solution.
Here's why a HELOC from Apple FCU is a smart choice:
- Competitive Rates: Apple FCU offers low, variable rates, making it more cost-effective to finance your renovations.
- Flexible Access to Funds: Use your HELOC whenever you need it! Easily transfer funds from your HELOC to your Checking account for easy spending with your Debit Card or via Bill Pay.
- Interest-Only Payments up to 10 Years: Enjoy interest-only, monthly payments for up to 10 years. Plus, your minimum monthly payment is based on the interest due for your current balance.
Plus, now through November 30, you can enjoy no closing costs* and a locked-in rate for all of 20241 when you open a HELOC with Apple FCU!
Invest in your home and watch its value soar. With the right renovations and the financial support of Apple FCU, your dream home is within reach.
Apply for an Apple FCU HELOC today and start transforming your home into the perfect living space!
*Pay no closing costs on any new HELOC when you apply 01/01/2024-11/30/2024. Your settlement statement at closing will reflect closing costs; however, you will receive a credit equal to the amount of the closing costs. To qualify for the promotion, the member must use the title company selected by Apple FCU. Member must still pay the appraisal fee if a full appraisal is required. Members who increase their existing HELOC by applying for a new HELOC will also qualify, with a minimum increase of $5,000. No closing costs offer is valid for one-time use during any 12-month period.
Apple FCU can finance equities for property within Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. The HMDA data about our residential mortgage lending is available for review. The data shows geographic distribution of Loans and applications; ethnicity, race, sex, and income of applicants and borrowers; and information about loan approvals and denials. Inquire at 703-788-4800 regarding the locations where HMDA data may be inspected. Applicable APR; if the APR is variable, a statement that the rate can change
1APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Offer ONLY available for NEW HELOCs closed between 01/01/2024 and 11/30/2024. Advances made between 01/01/2024 and 11/30/2024 will be locked at the guaranteed rate until 12/31/2024. Your guaranteed rate will be adjusted on 01/01/2025, and the new rate will be applied to the remaining balance. Rate advertised is a variable rate. On 01/01/2025, the APR will be adjusted to either your floor rate or the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal (whichever is higher) on 12/21/2024 plus or minus your current margin on the remaining balance and will be subject to change each quarter thereafter as stipulated by your original terms and conditions. Maximum interest rate 18.00% APR. Advance amounts must be within your existing credit limit. Advances in excess of your current credit limit will not be honored and may be subject to additional fees. If you had an outstanding balance of $10,000 during the Draw Period, the minimum monthly payment at the maximum APR of 18 % would be $150.00. Maximum loan amount is $250,000, with a maximum combined loan to value ratio of 90%.
