Unlike what most people think, kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking. Research shows that it is possible to attain high financial returns even with only a few minor changes.

The following are a few strategies on inexpensive kitchen remodeling:

1. Modernizing the floor – dingy flooring can be refinished or replaced with sleekly tiled floors for a very reasonable price. Those who wish to do it personally can attain basic tile installation instructions from the internet or from handyman books. It is important to choose the tiles according to the style of the kitchen and the color of other kitchen fixtures for best results.
2. Renewing appliances – there is no need to replace kitchen appliances with new ones when operating under a tight budget, having them refinished will also uplift the appearance of the kitchen significantly. There are companies that do appliance refinishing all over the internet at just a fraction of what it would cost to purchase new appliances.
3. Replacing or renovating the countertop – unfastening and removing an aged countertop can also be done easily with the right instructions. Replacing the current one with a new one will take the kitchen remodeling venture a notch higher, but for those who can’t afford a new one, it is still possible to modernize the present one through various ways, such as having stone tiles installed.
4. Molding – improving the molding of a kitchen is also another inexpensive kitchen remodeling tactic that can easily be completed within a few hours.
5. Refurbishing the cabinets – refurbishing kitchen cabinets will brighten the face of any kitchen in the same way as having them replaced would do when done well. Painting them is a great and cheap way to refurbish kitchen cabinets, but their surfaces must first be cleaned thoroughly to rid them of grease, dirt, and other debris that would make painting difficult and ineffective.
6. refacing the cabinets – refacing the kitchen cabinets can also be done without the help of a professional. Most home improvement shops stock and sell facing materials at reasonable prices
7. Redecorating the ceiling and the walls – redecorating the ceiling and the walls can easily be accomplished with a clean coat of paint. Having the ceiling and wall repainted by a professional makes the kitchen appear cleaner, bigger, and more appealing to the eye.
8. New lighting – new lighting is another inexpensive kitchen remodeling strategy that will make the kitchen to appear cleaner, warmer, and more welcoming.

Sometimes homeowners find themselves in need of new furniture but want it to look older or antique. It might look better with the other furniture or it may just come down to taste. With just a little work, you can actually get the antiquated look you’re hoping for without doing any damage to your new furniture.

Step 1: Of course, is selecting the right furniture. If you select a very modern piece, it might not look good with an antiquated feel to it.

Once you have your furniture picked out, determine if it is a solid stain or if there is paint on it. If there is any paint on it, you need to remove it with stripper. About 15 minutes after applying the stripper, scrape off any paint that comes off with a putty knife. When doing this, make sure to work against the grain so you don’t scratch our gouge the wood.

Now you’ll want to wipe the chair down. Use a simple wet cloth or rag or, if you prefer, perhaps even steel wool. Do this as soon as you can so any remaining stripper doesn’t dry on the wood.

You’ll want to sand down the furniture next, making sure you get it as smooth as possible. Once you’ve got it sanded smoothly, you can then put on your primer. Choose your color carefully, though, as the primer is more often than not going to serve as the base of the final color of the furniture.

Step 2: In this step, begin to add your creativity and start to outline the direction for the final look. It can be helpful to use a scrap piece of wood to test different paint colors. This can help you decide whether you like what you see before you commit to the final project.

From this point on, your creativity and vision can run wild. Using tape or paper, place “distress” marks strategically; these will be laid down during the rest of the project and will really add to the look. Add some highlight colors to the surface, but only ones you have tried out on a sample piece of wood and know you like. Some people elect to use sandpaper to wear down the fresh primer, giving certain areas a gritty antiquated look. You can even add another layer of color detail after this step. If you do, be sure to use several light coats as opposed to one very heavy coat to really nail down that antiquated feel.

After everything has dried, remove the tape and paper you used for the distress looks. After that, the final step is applying a clear finish. Then you have a new “old” piece of furniture!

Looking for a unique and fun summer project to make your home a bit more unique? Why not consider an outdoor shower. As staple of beach houses and lakeside retreats, an outdoor shower is just the project to kick your summer into high gear.

It’s actually easier than you might think.

First, make sure your home and property allows for such a project. Some people’s yards and the layout of their homes’ exterior simply won’t allow for it. But if your home allows such freedom, it’s a great way to add a flair of fun to your home.

Here are some things to consider before getting started:

Where’s the Water Go?

Will local building codes bring up any drainage issues?

Is your property connected to a septic or dry-well system?

What Will It Be Built From?

You’ll want to use a material that is naturally found outdoors and can stand up against a storm. Therefore, think wood and stone before you think tile and porcelain.

Creating Your Outdoor Shower

Be contentious of cost. There’s no reason an outdoor shower should cost much more than having an indoor shower installed. Keep this in mind when you speak to contractors or builders when you are planning out your project.

Be practical. Sure, an outdoor shower is a fun addition, but think about the logistics: make sure there is a placed for keeping dry towels, hooks for hanging clothes, and areas to store shampoo and soap.

Outdoor showers are one of those accessories that people always think about but never follow through on. But coming in at a surprisingly low price and fairly simple for just about anyone in construction that has ever dealt with a bathroom, the reality of an outdoor shower on your property could be closer than you think.