Budget Makeovers? Yes Please!

Remodeling always sounds like a major endeavor. You have to hire a contractor, deal with work crews in and out of the house for weeks, rearrange your life, and, oh yeah, write some really big checks. All your friends with houses are eager to tell you about their remodeling nightmares, which is enough to put you off the idea altogether, and the whole thing sounds like a big hassle even if you'll like the results.

But what if it didn't have to be that way?

Weekend remodeling projects only take a weekend (or two) and allow you to totally freshen up a room at a low cost, without a lot of fuss. You can use them to make yourself feel more at home in a new place, rejuvenate a tired room that's looked the same for the last ten years, or get ready for a new arrival like a baby. I took a look at some fantastic low-budget makeovers on Hometalk to get inspired.

This Seattle-based blogger wanted a bathroom with more personality for her kids, but she didn't want to break the bank in the process. So she whipped out some paint and some creative decor to give it a totally different, and very authentic, feel. She picked up fittings at places like Lowe's and the Home Depot, but if you want to spend even less money on your Seattle remodel, you can explore recycling lots, yard sales, and surplus stores.

Jenna gave this staircase (and foyer) something to sing about with this low-cost remodel. She wanted to turn her home into a more warm, inviting, and friendly place and I think it's safe to say she succeeded with these lovely colors and clean elements that tie together elegantly.

Deb took on a tropical remodel (and it's in multiple parts, so make sure to click through and get the whole story). Here, she's turned a wine closet into a guest bar, recycling elements at the same time she updates to a tropical theme. She kept this whole remodel low-cost by reusing, being clever with old paint, and planning ahead when it came to the resources she did need to purchase.

Laundry rooms need love too! It's so much easier to do laundry when it doesn't feel like a depressing chore in a dull, dark room. This laundry room has useful storage shelving, delightfully stenciled equipment, organizing boards, and more. And you don't even need to call a plumber.