32 | SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 ELK RIVER STAR NEWS
Small renovations that make a big impact
Homeowners may think they have to tear down walls or build room extensions to transform their homes with renovation projects. But small projects can yield impressive results, and that’ s something homeowners working with limited budgets can keep in mind.
There’ s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment.
Front door replacement: A new front door instantly improves curb appeal and can make a home more secure and energy-efficient. Painting the existing front door is an even smaller project that still offers appeal.
Lighting addition: Whether a homeowner enlarges a window or adds skylights, natural light can produce incredible results. Investing in new lighting can feel like expanding a space without pushing out walls.
Kitchen and bath fixture upgrades: Faucets and door pulls are used every day. Swapping existing fixtures for something a little more modern can unify spaces and provide subtle changes that enhance these popular spaces.
Wood floor restoration: Scuffing and scratches can adversely affect the pristine look of a natural wood floor. Homeowners can polish a floor to restore its shine. A professional service will sand down and refinish older floors at a fraction of the cost of a new floor installation.
Exterior lighting: Lighting isn’ t just important inside. A welcoming glow in the yard is awe-inspiring. There are many energy-efficient lighting options, including ones that do not need to be hard-wired to the circuitry inside the home.
Staircase renovation: Coordinate the staircase to the style in the home with a decorative carpet runner. A secure runner is attractive and can help reduce slipping down the stairs. Tighten shaky railings or replace them while upgrading the stair treads.
Interior paint: Change the color of walls, doors, cabinets, or even furniture with paint. All homeowners need is a paint color that inspires them and a little bit of time.
Replace outlet covers: Upgrade outlet covers with screwless options. Screwless plates for outlets and light switches can make walls look more sleek.
Entry organizer installation: Banish clutter from the home by catching it at the door. An entry organizer with spaces for shoes, coats, backpacks, and shopping bags can be eye-catching and functional.
Carpets cleaning: Soiled carpets can look drab and dingy. Homeowners can rent carpet-cleaning machines or hire services to revitalize carpets with a deep cleaning.
There’ s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment.
Small changes around a home can create a big impact without breaking the bank.
Did you know?
A well-manicured lawn appeals to homeowners when they look out their windows. But such a view also can look nice when homeowners peruse their bank statements after selling a property. Landscape maintenance, with an estimated cost recovery of 104 percent, and an overall landscape upgrade( 100 percent) also yield great returns for homeowners. The NAR¨ report also noted the effects of such projects related to homeowners’ desire to spend time on their property. Among homeowners who participated in the NAR¨ report and committed to standard lawn care service, 58 percent indicated they had a greater desire to be at home since completing the project, while 46 percent indicated they have an increased sense of enjoyment when spending time at home. www. americandoorworks. com • 320-253-1310
American Door Works has been Minnesota’ s leading provider of residential and commercial overhead doors and openers since 1972.— ST. CLOUD— ALEXANDRIA— BRAINERD— WILLMAR—
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