Eight Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms may be small, but they have a big impact on both your home's value and your daily comfort. You don't need a huge budget to make significant improvements. Here are eight ideas to upgrade your bathroom without breaking the bank:

1. Fresh Air, Fresh Space

Proper ventilation is crucial for a healthy bathroom environment. If your bathroom doesn't have a good fan, consider installing one to prevent mold and mildew. It's an easy DIY project that can cost less than $100, and it will make a noticeable difference in air quality.

2. Go Green with Water-Saving Fixtures

Saving water is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Look for water-saving fixtures like low-flow showerheads and faucets. These options are widely available and can reduce water usage by up to 30%, helping you cut down on utility bills while doing your part for the planet.

3. Effortless Cleanliness with Shower Doors

Tired of water spots and soap scum on your shower doors? Upgrade to doors with a water-resistant coating. These coatings repel water droplets, reducing the buildup of stains and making cleaning much easier. It's a small change that can save you time and hassle.

4. Stylish Storage Solutions

Want to refresh your bathroom cabinets without a full replacement? Consider semi-custom options or cabinet overlays. These solutions allow you to update the look of your cabinets without the cost of custom work. A fresh coat of paint or new hardware can also make a big impact for minimal cost.

5. Get Organized with Drawer Inserts

Maximize your bathroom storage with drawer inserts and organizers. These can help you keep your essentials neatly arranged and easily accessible. Say goodbye to digging through cluttered drawers and hello to a more organized space.

6. Update Your Lighting and Mirrors

Swapping out old lighting fixtures and mirrors can instantly modernize your bathroom. Look for energy-efficient LED lighting and stylish mirrors to add a touch of elegance. Backlit mirrors are especially popular and can create a warm, inviting ambiance.

7. Affordable Countertop Makeovers

Granite and quartz countertops can be pricey, but you can still achieve a high-end look on a budget. Consider laminate countertops that mimic the appearance of more expensive materials. You can also find great deals on remnant stone slabs, perfect for smaller spaces like bathrooms.

8. Add Spa-Like Features

Create a spa-like experience with simple upgrades like a new showerhead. Rain showerheads provide a luxurious feel, while handheld sprayers offer convenience and versatility. Adding a new shower curtain or bath mat can also freshen up the space without a big investment.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For more tips or to schedule a consultation, contact Bob at (860) 589-5155 or visit O'Donnell Bros. Inc.. Your questions can also be sent to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” Advice is for general guidance only.

Five DIY Home Improvement Projects for Summer

If you’re looking for a few easy ways to give your house a facelift this summer, there are several projects that can make a big difference on a relatively small budget. Warmer weather generally makes these kinds of jobs easier so it’s a good idea to start planning now. Here are five of my favorite DIY improvements. 

1. Exterior Refresh: Refreshing the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint can make a significant difference in its appearance. Of course, painting the entire house isn’t exactly an easy job and will depend on the house's condition and the homeowner’s skill and experience. A front door spruce-up or shutter refresh can be a great place to start as well as a powerwash of the entire exterior.

2. Landscaping and Garden Improvements: Take advantage of the warm weather to spruce up your yard and garden. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, weed the flower beds, and plant new flowers or shrubs to add color and vibrancy. Installing a simple DIY pathway using gravel, stepping stones, or mulch can also enhance the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

3. Outdoor Lighting: Upgrade your outdoor lighting to create a welcoming ambiance and improve safety. Install solar-powered lights along pathways, around the porch, or in the garden. You can also consider string lights or lanterns to add a cozy and festive touch to your outdoor living areas.

4. Kitchen Backsplash: Adding or updating a backsplash in your kitchen can instantly transform the area. If you have a smaller space, visit a local tile outlet center to score a great deal on leftovers from a bigger job. This renovation can give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without breaking the bank.

5. Bathroom Updates: Refreshing your bathroom doesn't have to be expensive. Consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, or cabinet hardware to give the space a modern touch. Re-caulking the bathtub or shower, adding a new shower curtain, and installing a fresh mirror can also make a significant difference.

Remember, even though these renovations are relatively inexpensive, it's important to set a budget and plan accordingly. DIY projects can save money, but it's essential to have the necessary skills and tools for the task at hand. Also, if you’re making improvements to put a home on the market, be sure to stick with neutral colors and patterns. Bold, bright, and busy tend to turn people off if they don’t have your same tastes and preferences. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Making the Most Out of a Rental Property

The current real estate market is a booming one for many rental property owners. Whether it’s short, weekly occupancy, or long-term tenants, having an additional property that can be rented out is a smart move, especially considering how many people are looking for places in our area. So whether you’re ready to list on Airbnb or you’re interested in a longer-term commitment, here are a few things you can do to make the most out of your investment property. 

Treat it like a house, not a home. Spending time and money creating the perfect aesthetic is a waste because the people who will be occupying the property likely won’t have the same taste that you do. Instead, focus on function while maintaining an inviting and warm atmosphere. Keep it simple and comfortable to appeal to a wider audience.

Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms. These rooms are key for rentals as they generally come “as-is” with fewer furniture and styling opportunities. With a kitchen, be sure that there is plenty of storage and that the appliances are clean and new. For the bathroom, make sure it’s absolutely mold-free and has good ventilation. Everyone loves a strong, hot shower but no one wants a bathroom riddled with mildew from the heat and humidity. Again, it’s important to remember that no one is going to treat a rental property with the same love and care as their own house, so plan for wear and tear.

Keep it clean. Walls and carpets can get used and abused pretty easily, but most of the time they can look new with a thorough cleaning. Before you go ripping, replacing, and repainting, see what you can do with a Magic Eraser and a carpet cleaner which can be rented from a home improvement store for around $30 per day. If your walls and carpet are damaged and you need to repaint or replace them, stick with simple, neutral colors that are easy to clean and will complement any style.

Fixture focus. One inexpensive upgrade is giving the fixtures a facelift. Cabinet knobs, door handles, blinds, and lighting can give a dated space a whole new look without spending a fortune. I can’t tell you how many homes and apartments I have been in with broken, plastic mini-blinds that make a whole room look dark and dingy. A simple replacement using wide faux wood blinds or a simple and easy-to-clean panel shade can really change a room on the cheap.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Good quality photography can really make a listing shine. Professional images will get more people interested in your space, giving you a wider selection of better prospects to choose from. Attracting good people who will take care of your property is key and will save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so it’s important to go the extra mile to find them.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.