Tax Return Projects: Home Updates for Every Budget

Updates for Small Budgets

Little updates can make a big difference. Here are some budget-friendly projects for your home. Bonus: many of them are suitable for beginning DIYers.

Paint  

Few do-it-yourself projects pack more of a design punch than repainting. Adding fresh coat of paint is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to change the look and mood of a room. Use a new wall color as a jumping off point to completely update the decor in a space, or choose a shade to complement a favorite rug or piece of art.

Cabinet Hardware

Replacing outdated cabinet knobs and drawer pulls is a quick, inexpensive way to update kitchen or bathroom cabinetry. Choose the same size hardware to make the job easier. Our Cabinet Hardware Buying Guide will help you make the right choice.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans help cool your home in the summer and recirculate warm air in the winter. Available in a range of styles, finishes, and blade lengths, ceiling fans can be purchased with or without light kits. Learn about the different installation types, optional features, and how to choose the right size fan for your space with our Ceiling Fan Guide.

Decor

Adding wall art, mirrors, pillows and other decorative accessories to your home is a simple way to express your style, and decor is easy to swap out when you need a change. Area rugs add color, comfort, and texture to your design. Learn how to choose the perfect size and material with our Area Rug Buying Guide.

Curb Appeal

Make a great first impression by sprucing up the front of your home. Choose outdoor decor — like arbors, fountains, planters, bird baths, and statues — to complement the architectural style of your house.  

Outdoor lighting safely illuminates the path to the front door, eliminates shadows where intruders can hide, and highlights landscaping and architectural features. Read our Outdoor Lighting Guide to learn about the different types of fixtures and their uses.

Update the front door with new entry hardware. Available in a variety of styles, finishes, and with security options like electronic locks, door hardware can improve the look and safety of your home. Check out our Door Hardware Buying Guide to learn how to choose the ideal features and options.  Accessorize the front door with a mail slot, kick plate, door knocker, or push plate. Finally, install large, easy-to-read house numbers so visitors, delivery people, and emergency services can find your home.

Moderate-Budget Projects

Indoor Lighting  

Replacing a single fixture can add a stylish touch to any room, but creating a comprehensive lighting design plan — which includes ambient, task, and accent lighting — will change the way a space looks and functions. Learn more about the three types of fixtures, and their purposes, with our Lighting Design Guide.

Bathroom Fittings and Fixtures  

Ideally, all the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom will be updated at once. This gives you the opportunity to choose a matching suite of lavatory faucets, showers or shower systems, and bathtub faucets, as well as complementary hardware and accessories. It also means you’ll only have to set one appointment for the plumber to complete installation, rather than incurring the expense and inconvenience of multiple visits.

Like the metal fixtures in the bathroom, sinks, toilets, and tubs come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes. It’s perfectly acceptable to replace each piece separately as the budget allows, but updating everything at once could save you time, money, and inconvenience in the long run.

Kitchen Faucets and Sinks

Touch, touchless, pull-down, and multi-spray heads — if you haven’t replaced your kitchen faucet in awhile, you could be missing out on the latest convenience features. Putting some of your tax return dollars toward an updated model will make everyday chores easier. There are also new features, finishes, and styles to be found in kitchen sinks.

Kitchen Appliances  

From kitchen basics like stoves and cooktops, range hoods, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers, to luxury items like wine coolers, beverage centers, ice makers, and kegerators, there are appliances available with exciting new features and finishes.

Kitchen Organization  

Having a designated spot for your cookware, dishes, and pantry staples will streamline kitchen chores. Check out our Home Organization article to learn more about getting your things in order.

Flooring  

If your carpet is looking worn or your hard-surface flooring is out of date, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Consider how each space is used and the style you’re aiming for, then choose tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, cork, or carpet tiles suitable for your project.

Big Projects   

Ready to invest in a complete remodel? Use the tips above to choose the right products for your project: lighting, hardware, flooring, plumbing, decor, and more. Renovating your kitchen or bathroom can add value to your home and make it function better so you’ll enjoy it more. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our step-by-step guides to kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

Reinvesting some or all of your tax refund in your home can add to its value and increase your enjoyment for years to come. If you need a little guidance, our product experts are available by phone or live chat to help you find everything you need for your project.