Redneck Home Improvements

[Ganty]

Everyone has their dream home but because the expense often outweighs the reality, we work with what we have and remodel piece by piece. Even with this more frugal approach, it can be costly; therefore, the list below is an inspirational group of visionaries that have taken their remodeling into their own hands, showing us how to save a buck in the process.


1. Adding Additional Rooms
If you’re looking to add an extra bedroom or two to accommodate your growing kin (or some imposing houseguests), you might want to look to this subtle home expansion as an example. Without knocking out a single wall, this crafty architect has expanded their homestead and proved that seven mobile homes are truly better than one.

2. Country Style Front Porch
Adding a custom crafted front deck to your home can add a wonderful aesthetic appeal but it can also cost thousands of dollars when all is said and done. If the expense isn’t in your budget, simply go to your local scrap yard and find the best piece of plywood available to you. By laying it down where a deck would have gone, you’ll achieve identical results at a fraction of the price. No one will know the difference.

3. Pimping the Patio
If you’ve done all you can to upgrade the interior of your home, you may want to turn your attention to your patio – with some very simple additions, it can be the recreational talk of the town. Try installing a swimming pool, a state of the art BBQ grill or even something as simple as a classic porch swing for those sultry summer nights.

4. Synthetic Siding
Upgrading the siding on your home is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to give your home a dramatic facelift. Especially with older homes, when the original wood starts to weather, you may want to transition into a more durable synthetic material such as vinyl siding or tin license plates.

5. Beautiful Balcony
If your home has a breathtaking view, you’ll want to maximize the amenity with an open-air balcony. However, because building a balcony can cost a pretty penny and requires compliance with a number of building codes, avoid the red tape and put the power in your own hands. After all, a balcony is in the eye of the beholder.

6. Home Theater Experience
With recent advancements in technology, home theaters are becoming a popular trend in the world of home remodeling, as they are more accessible than ever before. All it takes is a flat screen TV and some stadium seating but, for those that have neither, let these photos be a shining example of resourcefulness.

7. Lighting Fixtures
Upgrading your lighting fixtures is an inexpensive remodel that can add immediate value to your home. Yes, even the most mundane space can be brought to life with a modern ceiling fan or a classic chandelier.

8. Upgrading the Appliances
Not all remodels are aesthetic improvements on the surface; sometimes the upgrades exist behind the scenes in the form of appliances or plumbing. Take this alternative as an example; it may not be energy star approved but you can bet this custom hot water heater will only cost as much to operate as a coffee maker.

9. Bonus Room
As your kids get older and more rambunctious, every family needs some sort of bonus room to absorb the recreational overflow. Because this can be an expensive remodel, you’ll want to consider ways to minimize your cost of materials – ever thought of repurposing existing structures?

10. Expanded Entry Way
When the walls of your home seem to be closing in, simple expansions can make a world of difference. Whether you’re adding another room or simply extending a wall, here is a fine example of how additional space can really add a new dimension to your home (and distract from the duct tape holding it all together).

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