2014-04-15

Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up an Older Home

Whether buying, selling, or just staying in your home, there are many inexpensive ways to fix up an older home to make it feel new!

1) Get out your paint brush and your paint app.

Paint app? Yes, there are several apps – many available for free on your smartphone – that will help with your painting decisions. They will help coordinate colors, estimate the amount of paint, and suggest various supplies to complete the project. They are wonderful tools to help get you started.

Take a look at your old tired walls painted in egg shell white and spruce them up with the likes of Orange Juice or Squirrel Tail Grey. Not only will spicing up the walls help sell your house, but just changing the wall color will help give you that brand-new feeling.

Painting is inexpensive – and good exercise as well. Like any home improvement activity, there’s plenty of technique involved for positive outcomes. If you just aren’t patient when it comes to coloring between the lines, it might be a good idea to look into a contractor. One of our favorite companies is B&G Painting Contractors in Rippon, WV. They can be contact at (304) 725-9525. Even when that extra cost is factored in, a fresh paint job can have a high return on your overall investment.

2) Power Wash

Another idea for inexpensive ways to fix up an older home is power washing. There’s nothing like a good scrubbing behind the ears, and if your house could talk it would tell you to break out the power washer and blast off all the dirt and mildew!



Spring is a great time to power wash and get rid of the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the winter.  Nothing adds more to curb appeal – especially when you’re selling – than a bright, clean exterior that is free of dirt and mildew. North facing sides tend to accumulate mildew, and it’s a good idea to wash it away to get long lasting wear out our your siding.

Many homeowners own a power washer and use it regularly to keep their homes nice and shiny. If you don’t own one, you can rent one inexpensively at your local tool rental center. Jefferson Rentals in Kearneysville, WV would be a good option if you live in the area. Be careful not to get too close and gouge the siding or fall off the ladder trying to get tough spots. If this does not sound like a project that you want to take on, there are plenty of power washing service providers who will do it for you. Precision Powerwashing in Martinsburg, WV offers great power washing services for your home. They can be contacted at (304) 263-7167.

3) Mulch

Among the many inexpensive ways to fix up an older home, one of the easiest is adding mulch to your yard. Mulch is the exterior equivalent to painting – you can cover up a number of blemishes or add a little interest to your yard.



Spread it around trees, in planting beds, and along walkways and driveways. More mulch means less grass, which ultimately means less mowing, water, and maintenance. Of course many people love lots of grass, but a fresh layer of mulch can also make your lawn look more attractive. As an added bonus, mulch now comes in a variety of colors – like red and various shades of brown.

Many home improvement centers sell bags of mulch that vary in price depending on the wood that’s been mulched. If you need a lot of mulch, your local garden center can deliver by the truckload – usually measured in yards. The Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority sells inexpensive recycled mulch and compost for your garden that was collected, ground, and screened from yard debris and yard waste. The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority also has a similar program.

Find more information about homeowner resources

These are just a few inexpensive ways to fix up an older home and increase the curb appeal. Whether buying or selling in Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Inwood, or Martinsburg, these tips can help. Of course the best way to buy or sell your house is to hire the best real estate agents in West Virginia: The Linda Kilroy Team. With their knowledge and experience they will find you the perfect house or, with a few of these helpful hints,  get you top dollar for the one you already own.

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Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up an Older Home

Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up an Older Home in Charles Town WV | Linda Kilroy's Team

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