Home improvement on the cheap

[pipercat]

Every summer, I try do complete a few projects that spruce up our house. Some years, I've done small things (paint the front door). Some years, my projects have been much larger, such as more involved renovation type jobs.

So this year, I'm looking for ideas for things that will give me the biggest impact for the lowest cost. I have lots of different tools, and I can borrow whatever I don't have.

What projects have you completed for minimal cost?

[mooreprop]

Landscaping and painting are the cheapest, high visual impact items.  For example, I have used salvaged bricks (free) and nearly dying plants on clearance (Lowe's has a money-back guarantee if they do not live for a year) to create a brick walkway and a "professionally landscaped" yard that looked great.  Our local nursery will draw up a professional landscape plan for free if you agree to purchase from them.  I bought the only large cost item that I purchased from them to honor our agreement.  Everything else was clearance for $5 or less or borrowed cuttings from friends.  If you use root stimulator, most nearly dead plants will miraculously survive and grow.

[ProfWinkie]

+1 Painting and you can find salvage molding - do chair rails and the like - fast cheap and adds value fast. Much easier the Crown molding

If you add chair rails paint rails bright white and the top half of the walls one color and the bottom just a shade darker of the same color, adds real pop to the room,

Refinish the kitch cabs if needed