Home Renovation: Little Details, Big Impact

We've now updated three houses, and there are a handful of small details that go a long way. Most of these can be done in less time than some of the larger more stressful house projects that might be on your daunting to do list.

Here's my top 5 smaller updates that have made big impacts:

1. Doorknobs

This one seems like an easy one to tackle, but my biggest advice is to pace yourself and only do a few a day. It's extremely tedious, and if the old knob is damaged it can be extremely aggravating to update one after another.

When I updated them in our current house I found this style for the doors that don't have locks (closets, office, etc.) I love this style and they were very easy to put in place. I couldn't find the same style with a lock for a reasonable price so I installed this kind for the doors requiring locks. While I did use two different doorknob types, I'm happy with both options. (And I think when I was replacing the doorknobs, there were at least 4 different types throughout the house to start with, so it was a definite and noticeable update)

Tip for updating doorknobs: bring a bucket or an empty trashcan with you to easily collect all the old bits from the soon-to-be-trash knobs.

2. Light Switch & Outlet Faceplates

These often go unnoticed, but they jump out when they're yellowing or dingy. When replacing them, you can get as fancy or as simple as you'd like. Personally, I prefer the stainless steel look so that's what I've used to update the faceplates in this house with. The prices can add up quickly, but fortunately I found them in bulk on Amazon and there were different styles available.

Tip for updating these: make a list and count each type you'll need before ordering anything. Double count it, and make sure you check every wall in every room.

3. Baseboards

These aren't the easiest to swap out, but they make a major visual impact once they're updated. You can update baseboards by painting existing ones, or by carefully removing the old ones and putting freshly painted updated pieces in their place. Always remember to double check your measurements before replacing them. I've found that a sketch of the room with the measurements next to it is extremely helpful.

Note- for corners be sure to mark if it's an inside corner or an outside one so you can cut the angle properly. Don't be lazy about the corners- it will be obvious if you just try and jam two boards together.

Tip for updating baseboards: If you remove the old ones, be sure to hammer down the long nails before moving them from the working space. I've stepped on one with a nail that went right through my shoe and into my foot because I was moving too fast without looking. (Seems like an obvious thing to avoid, but when you're deep in some of these projects accidents happen)

4. Doors

Replacing the doors themselves can add up quickly in both time and money, especially if you take into consideration removing and replacing the door casing. (the trim around the wall side of the doors)

However, if you have the time and money, updated doors make a big impact on a space. Especially if it's an exterior outdated door that causes inefficient weather proofing.

If you don't have the time or money to replace the entire door, painting them can make a big impact too.

Tip for updated doors: Be sure to take the doors off their hinges and paint them flat after removing the knobs. Trying to paint a moving or upright door might seem like a faster option, but it's not.

5. Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures might be easier than you think. The cost of it depends entirely up to you- lights tend to come in a wide range of prices. Obviously be sure to follow the instructions when installing new ones and turning off that circuit. Electricity is a dangerous and unforgiving power.

Keep in mind, your house should flow easily from one room to another, so picking a quirky or trendy light fixture might seem like a neat idea, but over time it may not age well. Also, when it comes to resale, new buyers will notice.

Bonus perk: updating light fixtures can help make your home more energy efficient and

Tip for picking out light fixtures: Limit the number of finishes you go with throughout your space. Maybe you like black fixtures, maybe stainless steel, maybe gold... whatever you go with, make sure you're thinking about the other fixtures within sight and how they will age over time.

So if you want to take on a project around your house, but don't want to spend a lot of time or money, take a look around- there's plenty of smaller things you can do to update your space.