Darlington Designs

Looking for Home Renovations Under $35,000? Check Out These Ten Options.

Remodeling a House Was Never This Fun Before

When you think about your home today, how do you feel about it? Does it match your idea of an inviting, beautiful space? Does it inspire you to entertain and offer a relaxing refuge from the stress of work? 

All too often, we live with the status quo in our homes because we imagine that it would be too much of a hassle to change it. We keep our vision of a perfect home tucked away and out of sight, because we think it’s impossible to achieve. 

At Darlington Designs, we’re all about changing that. Uncovering our clients’ dreams and then making them a reality is what gets us up in the morning. Because we believe that your home should be your favorite place in the world. Sometimes, even small changes make a profound difference to your home life. So if you’re looking for home renovations under $35000, you’ll find that there are many options to accomplish your goals.

Whether you’re looking for a 30K house renovation or want to spend 50k to renovate the house, Darlington Designs is now able to offer financing on projects up to $35,000 through Wells Fargo. We’re excited about the potential of this partnership to open up new possibilities for folks who want to renovate but haven’t gotten started yet.

Here are our top 10 ideas for ways to spruce things up– with all home renovations under $35000:

1. Outdoor Kitchen or Appliance Upgrade

Everything tastes better when it’s made on the grill. But why limit your outdoor experience to just a grill when that means you’ll be running back and forth to get utensils, condiments, and beverages? An outdoor kitchen simplifies meal prep by giving you access to all the tools you need–– think counterspace, utensil storage, and a sink for easy washing. Or, you’re more concerned with getting  your indoor kitchen up to snuff, upgrade your appliances. Professional-grade appliances guarantee high performance and continue to look nice even if they get heavy usage.

Outdoor brick barbecue space with stainless steel grill in backyard.

2. Amazing Trees

Planting trees is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to make your outdoor space more vibrant and welcoming. Choosing the right tree helps to ensure it will live a long, healthy life for years to come. Trees can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space, reduce noise, improve air quality, block unpleasant views, and even increase the value of your home. Our expert landscapers can assist you in selecting the size, shape, and type of tree that would be best for the environment where you live. 

3. Small Water Features

Water features energize a garden space with sound and movement. Fountains come in all shapes and styles, adding an elegant focal point to your patio, garden, or even indoors! A recirculating fountain allows you to enjoy the soothing sounds of water running without feeling like it’s being wasted. A recirculating fountain includes a pump that moves the water upwards, where it cascades or trickles down into a lower basin. 

You could also try a simple “bubbler,” where the water is piped up through the center of the fountain to bubble over at the top. Then, it quietly runs down the sides instead of splashing into a pool below. It all depends on the effect you’re trying to achieve!

View of small water features in backyard garden.

4. Raised Planters for a Veggie Garden

Elevated garden beds are easier to plant, cultivate, and harvest – and no extra  bending necessary. The raised beds means growing vegetables in soil that is higher than the ground. You can place them where the sun or shade is best for the plants you’d like to grow. The beds put dimension into your outdoor space, whether they’re made of brick, stone, or other materials. They can be as humble or creative as you like!

5. Shade Structures

If you’re looking for a great way to add interest to your landscape, consider building a pergola in your backyard. The timeless look of a pergola will complement any style outdoor space, as well as bringing a whole new level of functionality. While it might start out as a simple shade structure, a pergola can take on new elegance with climbing roses or hanging wisteria. Or, simply cover it with a canopy for more shade during the hot months. The beauty of a pergola is that it can be as simple or posh as you decide to make it.

Brown pergola on brick floor in backyard, with 2 red chairs underneath.

6. Flagstone Path 

A flagstone path could be just the eye-catching enhancement you need for your side yard. The term flagstone simply refers to a flat stone slab used for paving –which comes in many colors and textures. It’s often chosen as an accent to existing patio areas or as a walkway thanks to its nonslip, textured surface. Flagstones are a good size for use as stepping stones in walkways, offering a permeable walking surface that absorbs water. Natural looking, durable, and versatile, flagstones are an excellent choice if you’d like to put character and practicality into your outdoor space.

Flagstone path leading to backyard, black fence gate opened.

7. Landscape Lighting

Bring sparkle to your outdoor space with landscape lighting! Usually, the lighting itself is unobtrusive, since it’s designed to draw the eye to key features of the landscape. It can make your landscape more dramatic by highlighting the most beautiful plants, water features, and other important details. Well-placed spotlights cast flattering shadows, adding texture and intrigue during the night hours. Also, of course, landscape lighting helps guide people across your property safely. 

Evening view of landscape lighting in backyard.

8. Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Adding a fire feature to your backyard makes it a destination. You and your guests will be drawn to the fire pit to relax, enjoy food and drinks, and spend precious moments together. Equip your wood-burning fire pit with a grill to start cooking over an open flame –after all, what’s summer without barbecued chicken or grilled hamburgers? Fire pits can be built with brick, stone, or other materials that enhance the space and complement your home. Place them wherever you want people to gather – adjacent to a patio, near a pool or spa, in a side yard– it’s up to you!

Brick floor leading to brick fire pit and long, concrete bench in backyard.

9. Portico Front or Side Entry

A portico is a fancy little word that just means a covered entrance. They can be simple with a small roof supported by basic columns, or ornate, with intricately carved columns and brackets. Front porticos are a popular way to improve your home’s facade and increase curb appeal, making them an excellent investment if you’re thinking of resale down the road. They’re the ideal solution for homes that aren’t designed for a front porch, as they protect guests (and you!) from the elements. If you already have a front portico, you can always upgrade your home with another for an elegant side entry.

Evening view of house with portico porch.

10. Front Foundation Planting

The visual transition from the horizontal planes of the yard to the hard vertical lines of the house can be abrupt–– unless it’s softened with foundation plantings. At the most basic level, foundation plantings are beds of plants installed along the foundation of the house. When done right, they make the front of your home appealing and welcoming. But if you’re tired of unshapely shrubs that don’t bring much aesthetic value, then maybe it’s time to get help. Our landscape designers consider form, structure, texture, and color to select plantings that will harmonize with the style of your home.

Partnering with the Experts

If you’re remodeling a house now, you shouldn’t hire just anyone to do the job. Home construction contractors vary greatly in terms of the quality product they can deliver. Darlington Designs brings more than 15 years of design and building experience to each project we undertake. Our dedication to original design and excellent craftsmanship keep our clients coming back! 

Which of our ideas for home renovations under $35,000 would you pick? Let us know if they sparked inspiration for you. Click here to learn more about special financing options or give us a call at 856-442-0440 to set up a design consultation.