It seems that many of our recent newsletters have been about expensive projects, like bathroom remodels and pricey updates to you home. Not every project has to cost a lot of money; there are many things you can do around your house that are well within even the smallest budget. For example, you can for:
Less than $100
~~update the paint in a room (or multiple rooms)~~new bathroom accessories, like a new shower curtain and plush towels~~new window treatments: inexpensive sheers, drapes, valances~~reupholster your dining room chairs (this is an easy do-it-yourself project)~~enjoy the outdoors with a new chiminea or patio fire pit~~splurge on new small kitchen appliances like a coffeemaker, toaster oven, or electric skillet. Today's models take up less space and do much more than older models~~new artwork or wall mirror~~update your décor with a new tablecloth and runner, placemats if you use them~~new bedspread and shams (and don't we all need new pillows!) ~~rent a pressure washer and make the exterior of your house and your deck look brand new
Less than $500
~~new gas logs for your fireplace~~purchase a room-sized area rug. If your carpet is worn out and stained, a new rug is much less money than new carpet~~if you have boring recessed lights in your dining and living rooms, consider replacing one of the room's lights with an eye-catching chandelier. Home stores offer a wide range of inexpensive, but nice-looking, ceiling fixtures these days~~for a few hundred dollars, you can replace the kitchen faucet set, add new cabinet door handles and update old lighting fixtures with brighter, more energy-efficient ones~~upgrading to a new toilet in a bathroom is a valuable addition for not a lot of money. Some municipalities even give you a rebate for replacing an old toilet with a new water saving model~~update your closets with new rods and shelves
Less than $1000
~~a new front door~~new stone backsplash in your kitchen~~replace an appliance or two~~a comfortable new sofa or recliner for the family room~~recarpet your staircase. Patterned carpets are great for a staircase---the print hides stains and wear, and is a wow factor in your highly visible stairwell
Less than $1500
~~replacing your garage door boosts curb appeal and improves a significant portion of the front of your home for little money~~new wrought iron balusters for your staircase~~sleep better with a new mattress set~~new carpet and pad for the family room
Less than $2500
~~if you have a small kitchen, new granite or quartz countertops~~replace the carpet on your staircase with real hardwood stair treads and risers~~new carpet and padding for your bedrooms~~new hardwood floor for your family room or kitchen
National Karastan Month
If new carpet is on your list of "things to get done before the holidays" you will be happy to know it is National Karastan Month. All Karastan carpets are eligible for 24 Month Zero Interest Financing plus you will receive a rebate up to $1000 on your purchase. Come in today and see our large selection of Karastan carpets and live beautifully!
Word to the Wise
We just got a call from a panicked appliance repair company. Their technician had moved the refrigerator in a client's home and had scratched the hardwood floors. And of course there is no easy (cheap) solution to this type of damage. Please...... when it is necessary to move your refrigerator (or anything else really heavy) first place protective floor mats (bed sheets will also work) over your hardwood floors along the path you'll be using. Then lay quarter-inch plywood over the protective floor mats. Place the refrigerator onto an appliance dolly. Strap the appliance to the dolly and roll the refrigerator over the protective mats and plywood sheets. These extra steps will definitely save you an expensive repair or the replacement of your hardwood floors!
