Submitted Photo A simple faucet upgrade boosts home appeal and improves kitchen functionality.

From StatePoint News Service

Congratulations, you’ve purchased a home! Now what? You’ve saved a million ideas on Pinterest and you’re ready to start making improvements. But how do you prioritize to make the most of your money? Consider these simple upgrades to transform your new house into your dream home.

1. Update Lighting

Cost: $10 (box of light bulbs)-$300 (new fixture)

Benefits: Brightens the room, enhances ambience, increases energy efficiency.

Let there be light! There are several ways to make a room feel brighter. Start with something quick, like swapping out bulbs to brighter or more efficient choices. For a mid-level task and a dose of style, add new lampshades. Or go big by replacing outdated fixtures with on-trend options.

2. Find a Better Faucet

Cost: $150-$500

Benefits: Boosts home appeal, improves kitchen functionality.

One in five millennials say they want to update their kitchen, according to Moen research, and a simple faucet upgrade can be impactful. Replacing a basic kitchen faucet with a one-handle pulldown, like Moen’s Sleek faucet, creates a clean, modern look while adding functionality that makes cleanup a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-maneuver spray wand. Equipped with Power Clean technology, it provides more spray power while containing splash, which means faster cleanup for tough-to-rinse foods.

3. Install a Kitchen Backsplash

Cost: $125-$250 (varies based on materials and if paying a pro)

Benefits: Creates a focal point, protects walls from cooking splatter, prevents water damage.

If your new kitchen has the blahs, a fresh backsplash may be the solution. In addition to protective and easy-to-clean qualities, a backsplash provides many customization possibilities, from material and color, to cost. Options could be glass mosaics, salvaged brick, or even peel-and-stick tile for easy installation (hello afternoon project)!

4. Replace Your Showerhead

Cost: $75-$150

Benefits: Offers personalization, adds style, enhances daily routine.

New to DIY? Replacing a showerhead is an easy way to get your feet wet – pun intended! Whether trying to save water with a low-flow fixture or updating something out of style, swapping showerheads can be done in minutes. For ultimate customization, try a multi-function showerhead like Moen’s Attract combination handshower and rainshower with Magnetix, which provides three showering options for your perfectly personalized shower every time. Plus, the magnetic dock on the handshower makes re-docking a snap.

5. Add a Coat of Paint

Cost: $25-$60

Benefits: Provides an instant makeover.

Whether your space is screaming for a makeover (mustard walls, anyone?), or you’re itching to try new trends, a coat of paint makes a big impact. Try creating an accent wall with a pop of color or fun pattern – it’s a smaller project that’s easy for first-time DIYers.

6. Maximize Space with Shelves

Cost: $10-$45

Benefits: Maximizes space, revamps walls.

One in three millennials lacks the confidence to hang a shelf, according to Moen research, but they shouldn’t! With practice and the right tools, installing shelving is an inexpensive project to help better utilize space Creative ways to add storage include installing floating shelves for books or adding floor-to-ceiling shelving in a closet.

7. Coordinate Accessories

Cost: $20-$40

Benefits: Creates a consistent look, easy to install.

Create a cohesive look throughout your home with coordinating accessories. Choose hardware matching in color and style with the existing fixtures, sink and flooring to achieve a sophisticated feel from top to bottom. Easy-to-install accessories, like towel bars and rings with Moen’s innovative Press & Mark technology, ensure fast and accurate installation. Accessories with the technology have a washable ink stamp to show exactly where to drill (perfect for novice DIYers).

Homebuyers (especially first timers) can often be overwhelmed with improvements, but tackling one project at a time will leave you saying “there’s no place like home.”