Budget-Friendly Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen This Week

Ready for a kitchen makeover but nervous about the cost? That's a very valid feeling. According to recent reports, the average cost to remodel a kitchen in the US ranges from $12,700 to $33,200 — but never fear! It's possible to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are five quick, easy, and budget-friendly kitchen updates that will completely transform the look of your kitchen.

Give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint.

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Refreshing your cabinets with a new coat of paint is an inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen. It will make everything look fresh for a fraction of the cost of actual new cabinets. Depending on your budget, consider refinishing your kitchen cabinets for a kit for around $75 or focus only on your cabinet doors, trim, or shelves to save money. For the best results, set aside enough time to prepare and paint so you can be sure to clean each surface before painting, fill in any nicks or holes with wood put, sand the surfaces of your cabinets between each layer of paint and allow the paint to dry completely between each layer.

Upgrade your storage space.

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Upgrading your kitchen storage can completely transform your space by eliminating clutter from your drawers, cabinets, and counters. For an easy weekend upgrade, customize your kitchen by installing a shelf for cookbooks, pans, or pantry items, or consider investing in a lazy Susan to store extra utensils and food.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative, bar carts provide instant kitchen storage. In addition to optimizing your functionality, bar carts give add a vintage, retro vibe to your space. By incorporating a few key accessories—like plants, glassware, or even your latest liquor store buys—you can easily upgrade your bar cart to become a focal point in your home. By purchasing a few well-chosen bottles of alcoholic beverages like whiskey, vodka, or rum and some nice looking glasses you can add an elegant addition what may be an otherwise unremarkable kitchen.

Invest in new cookware.

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Cookware is like a throw pillow for your kitchen, only more useful. Invest in a new tea kettle in your favorite color or a rose gold breadbox, and leave it out on your countertop to instantly transform the look of your kitchen.

Although new cookware might sound like a significant investment, it's possible to find purchase cookware on a budget. Premier outlet stores like Outlet Sale sell home and kitchen products from top European brands at discounted rates, making it easy for homeowners to shop for high-quality cookware without breaking the bank. By upgrading your cookware, you'll be able to enjoy cooking in your renovated kitchen twice as much!

Hang up some art.

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A single piece of artwork—whether it's a framed photo, a poster, or a painting sourced at a flea-market — instantly adds character to your kitchen. To add a pop of color to your space, try adding a vibrant framed print above your kitchen counter. To get inspired with ideas for your kitchen style, check out Pinterest.

If you're not sure where to look for art, try browsing Etsy for a wide range of different styles. Many artists offer digital prints under $5, allowing you to download and print your new piece of art at a local copy shop. To add more flair to your kitchen, opt for a frame that matches your current decor or hardware.

Brighten up your space.

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Upgrading your kitchen lighting is a great way to refresh your kitchen's appearance and brighten up your space. Even if you're not planning for a major kitchen remodel, simply swapping your lighting, whether that means a statement chandelier or track lighting, can upgrade your entire kitchen. Lighting is a lot like painting — it's pretty inexpensive, but it can help you update your space in a single afternoon.

Try shopping for a rustic or chrome light fixture that matches your existing kitchen theme and color. If your space allows, consider investing in a statement floor lamp or hanging pendant lights over your kitchen island to create a cozier and more welcoming kitchen space.

If you're working with a limited budget, it's possible to create a functional and inviting kitchen for your family without overspending. Ultimately, simple fixes like hanging art and adding new storage can transform the appearance and functionality of your kitchen space.

3 Warning Signs You May Need a New Roof

If you're thinking your roof looks run down and you notice wear, tear, and other forms of damage, it’s likely time for a new roof. Extreme temperatures, severe weather and precipitation, and old age are all factors that can result in a ruined roof that needs repairing or replacing.

When deciding if you need your roof repaired, ask yourself a few questions. How long has it been since professionals inspected your roof? How long has it been since the initial installation of your roof? Has severe weather in your area impacted your house? Are there water stains or leaks on your ceiling? These questions and answers can help you make an informed decision on whether to have your roof repaired or replaced entirely. Any observation of the following signs may indicate that you need a new roof or some type of roof repair.

Discoloration and dark streaks are present.

While dark streaks aren’t necessarily harmful to your roof, they certainly don't add to your home's curb appeal. Dark streaks may be the result of airborne algae sticking to the roof or moss growth over time which requires removal. Granules falling off shingles may also cause dark areas to appear, indicating that the shingles need replacing.

Your roof can’t pass inspection.

All homeowners could stand to check their roofs at least twice a year and after severe weather—such as a hail storm—hits, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The NRCA recommends homeowners use a ladder to access their roof’s exterior and check the interior by going through the attic.

Homeowners who self-inspect their roofs should look for weak spots, leaks, curling or buckling shingles, soft spots and rotted plywood, rotting boards, trapped moisture, loose material, and more. Homeowners should schedule a professional inspection, especially if one or more of these conditions plague their roof.

The age of your roof is precarious.

Depending on the material used to make a roof, it can last between 20 and 25 years. Asphalt shingles, for example, have a life expectancy of 25 years when taken care of properly. Roofs composed of asphalt shingles may begin curling if they don’t have proper ventilation. This type of roofing material is widely popular, with an estimated 80 percent of households having asphalt shingle roofs, according to the experts at Metro City Roofing Services—a roofing company providing the best residential roofing Denver has to offer.

Roofs over 25 years old are likely to need a complete roof replacement. Consider having a professional roofer handle a roofing project, as expert technicians have professionalism and skill working with the proper tools and materials. A roofing service such as Metro City Roofing Services can provide various types of roofs: asphalt shingles, slate roofing, and metal roofing. This roofing contractor does a great job installing durable residential roofs and commercial roofs.

Damaged roofs can cause leaks, decrease the home’s value by reducing its curb appeal, or eventually collapse. Having a residential roofing contractor conduct regular inspections of the roof enables homeowners to know the condition of their roofs and avoid the occurrence of minor problems that potentially turn into significant issues.

According to Loanpal—the fastest-growing lender of solar loans in the U.S.—solar is the most popular source of energy throughout the nation, with many Americans supporting rooftop solar.

The installation of a new roof is one part of getting your home solar-ready; the other task is upgrading your home’s electrical panel. These changes can be expensive, ranging between $2,000 and $10,000. Homeowners who wish to become solar customers but need a way to finance their upgrades can turn to Loanpal. Loanpal is a solar loan-lending service that specializes in enabling customers to make solar purchases.

Loanpal doesn’t build rooftop solar systems, but it does have a proprietary fintech platform that allows it to connect to banks, installers of clean energy products, and homeowners. This financial decision enables people to harness natural, clean, energy-efficient solutions that are compatible with a new, upgraded roof.

Did any of the above warning signs apply to your home's roof? If so, you should think about new roofing solutions before it's too late.