5/15/2025 (Updated: 8/4/2026) - Personal Banking
Whether due to budget or busy schedules, renovations may not be at the top of your to-do list. Keeping the home environment fresh and updated, however, will not only breathe life into your home, but it can also keep you on trend for future resale value.
You may be up for tackling a weekend project or committing to a larger reno. There’s no wrong way to make your house a home. Consider one of the projects below. We’ve kept budgets in mind with several ideas around $100, but our bankers can also help with something as large as financing a home addition.
Your child or teen has been begging for a room makeover for months, and you’re ready to agree to a remodeling project.
Knowing their tastes fluctuate may lead you to negotiate for minimal changes. Or you may opt to give them the room of their dreams as motivation for good grades. As a bonus, shopping for new art or posters can also be a fun bonding activity on a Saturday afternoon if you’re planning on an easy DIY project.
Higher-Cost – upgrade to queen bed, new desk for schoolwork and hobbies, new artwork.
Estimated cost: $550
Budget-Friendly – window treatments, organizing storage for desk, new bedding.
Estimated cost: $70
Your family and friends spend a lot of time in your living room or den, so it’s natural to want to keep it looking fresh. Upgrades to this larger space can be expensive, but your family may decide it’s worth the cost based on the use of the room.
Higher-Cost – sectional and matching armchairs, sound system for movie nights, coffee table with storage, new area rug.
Estimated cost: $4,100
Budget-Friendly – fresh coat of paint, new family portrait and wall frames.
Estimated cost: $80
Another busy room in the home, the kitchen is often the first place homeowners spend money. Investing in upgrades can bring a positive ROI if you decide to list your home in the future. Spending a few dollars on paint and dishware, however, can refresh the space sufficiently.
Higher-Cost – energy-friendly appliances, cabinetry upgrades.
Estimated cost: $5,600
Budget-Friendly – pantry organization bins, new paint in a bold color.
Estimated cost: $80
Whether you want to entertain more in the backyard or add curb appeal to the front, small renovations can go a long way outdoors. Older children may also mean doing away with the swing set to make room for more seating.
Higher-Cost – replace fencing, add screened-in patio, patio umbrella.
Estimated cost: $6,500
Budget-Friendly – mulch for flower beds, seasonal plants, fire pit.
Estimated cost: $150
How many people wish their garage was more efficient and cleaner? It can feel like an impossible task with the amount of foot traffic and items stored there. Consider setting aside a cool weekend day to create a space that works for the whole family. This may look like reorganizing or setting up as another hangout space.
Higher-Cost – floor-to-ceiling shelving, professional garage floor coating.
Estimated cost: $3,100
Budget-Friendly – DIY power-washing of garage floor, bike racks, storage hooks, bins for seasonal items.
Estimated cost: $200
Your home should be exactly how you envision it. As your family grows, décor taste and storage needs change, and you may find yourself in a season of Googling ”cool stuff to build” or ”steps to remodel a kitchen.”
So, how do you want to finance the home improvement projects you choose?
Funding minor updates may not impact your monthly budget, but it’s important to show your children the importance of saving. Consider opening a savings account and putting aside a few dollars each paycheck. Once you’ve saved up enough money for the project, it’s time to go shopping!
You and your partner can also choose a higher-cost upgrade or to complete multiple projects at once. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a great way to use the equity in your property.
A HELOC works as a revolving line of credit to help you finance large purchases – like new fencing or cabinetry – or consolidate high-interest debt. You can borrow as little or as much as you need. Benefits include low-interest rates and accessing funds via online banking.
Find out more about HELOC rates or opening a savings account with SouthState.
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