Let’s face it — the home you’re in now probably isn’t your dream home. In fact, if you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably where you’re at now to build equity and value to then transition into your forever home. That’s why there’s actually a starter home shortage.
More and more homeowners are looking for somewhere to plant roots. Lucky for you, that means you can do some much-needed upgrades to your starter home that will transform it into someone’s forever space! Here are some affordable upgrades you can do for your starter home.
1. Replace the kitchen cabinets. While you might think replacing kitchen cabinets is an expensive undertaking, you can actually save costs by installing RTA cabinets! RTA cabinets — also known as ready-to-assemble cabinets — are great for homeowners who have a budget but are still looking for beautiful, quality cabinets. RTA cabinets come in many finishes, styles, and colors. This means that you can find your dream cabinets.
The only caveat to RTA cabinets is that you have to assemble and install them yourself. If you’re handy with tools, knowledgeable on paying close attention to YouTube videos, and think you can handle it, then consider installing RTA cabinets in your home. You’ll find that your space instantly feels fresh and new with a set of brand new cabinets installed.
2. Install a smart home system. Smart home systems, such as a thermostat, can really increase your property value. Smart thermostats allow you to sync your HVAC system with an app on your phone.
You can adjust the temperature from any room in the house, sync your thermostat with your sound system so you can hear what’s playing on your TV at any place in your home and some even come with adjustable lighting settings. Smart home systems can integrate your entire space, no matter the size — which is a huge pull for interested buyers!
3. Add a deck. Consider your backyard (if you have one). Outdoor entertainment spaces are a huge hit with potential homebuyers, so adding a deck if you can really go a long way to serve as a valuable upgrade to your starter home. Take it even further by adding an awning or covering to your deck with a ceiling fan to keep air circulating during the warm summer months.
If you have the budget, consider creating an outdoor kitchen space, too. For homeowners who are looking for a forever home, an outdoor kitchen is a must. Homeowners who like to entertain will instantly start throwing in bids for a space that has an outdoor entertainment space.
4. Create a master bathroom. A master bathroom that’s accessible from the master bedroom is a win-win for many homeowners. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also private. A private oasis for homeowners is an absolute must, especially if they work long hours during the week and like to relax in a sunken tub or a rainwater shower.
Install cabinets in your bathroom that match your kitchen cabinets to keep the spaces seamless. Use the same hardware and decor style, too! This will create a cohesive space in your home that potential homebuyers will appreciate. A master bathroom is one that should feel luxurious and open, so find ways to utilize glass and other materials that make spaces feel larger than they really are.
5. Install recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is a great upgrade for any home. Homeowners anywhere will love how much larger their spaces feel after installing recessed lights. Because the lights aren’t hanging from the ceiling and taking up space, your living areas will feel much more open and brighter.
Plus, recessed lighting brightens up areas even more simply because of where the lights are located. The light from recessed lights covers much more area than other types of lights. Plus, the white light mimics natural lighting, which is better for your overall health and uses less energy than normal lights.
6. Replace the hardware throughout your home. Hardware might seem like a small detail, but any homeowner will tell you that it’s the small details that really make a home feel upgraded or in need of renovations. A set of fresh hardware throughout your home will make it feel cohesive and upgraded.
Whether you install cup handles on your kitchen cabinets or glass knobs to make everything feel more vintage, hardware is an important part of any home. Change out knobs and handles, light switches, and faucets to all have similar material and style. This will ensure that they look and feel cohesive. Your home should read like a consistent story of you, but still be basic enough that others can see themselves there, too. A starter home is a passing-through for you, after all!
7. Install organization solutions. Who doesn’t need more storage solutions? You’ve probably got lots of things to store. From holiday decorations to clothes, having enough options to store and organize your items in your home is essential for creating a space that works well.
Consider adding built-ins to closets or installing floating shelves on walls for seamless and unique storage solutions. Floating shelves are easily removed and reinstalled, so other homeowners can easily adjust them if needed — they’ll simply patch up the holes and paint over them. Built-ins being in closets help to free up wall space and give homeowners a way to customize their storage away from public view. They are perfect for storing bathroom towels, bedding, or event-specific decor.
8. Paint the shutters. Sometimes, all a home needs is a fresh coat of paint — and the shutters are no different! Paint them a contrasting color to the base of your home to make them stand out. Be sure to have it complement the base color of your home, though! You don’t want bright blue shutters against a home with sage green siding.
Instead, focus on contrasting colors that complement each other. For example, a home with sage green siding would look great with white or black shutters. It’s a simple yet effective way to upgrade your space!
