My cookie cutter home circa 2005 Over the years I have owned many houses old, new and in between. I will say there are some things about having a brand new house that are pretty great, everything works and nothing leaks but builder grade finishes are no fun. When houses are popping up by the hundreds what gets left behind are the detail. But don’t worry here are ten great budget friendly ways to make your cookie cutter builder home feel custom. Upgrade lighting Most builder grade light fixtures are pretty blahh. Changing out the lighting is easy and worth every penny, If you’re on a budget can also be done one room at a time. Add crown molding and Paint your builder grade cabinets. Paint is probably the most valuable home upgrade tool there is. Look at the difference is can make in standard builder grade cabinets. Photo via Glitter and Goat Cheese Add to your island. Add bead board, corbels, or columns to your kitchen island for a custom made look. Change hardware or add hardware. Put classy or even quirky knobs, drawer pulls on cabinets you can even upgrade your doorknobs Add trim to doors and windows. Some newer homes have no casements at all especially on windows these are great details to add. Photo via Tea and Lime Add crown molding. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, crown molding is well worth the effort Beef up the baseboards. Often new homes have standard trim throughout the house deeper base board can give a home a high end feel. You can also give the illusion of deep baseboards by placing a smaller trim a few inches above the original base board and painting the wall in between to match. Photo via House of Smiths Add wainscoting or picture frame molding. The details in great homes are what make them stand out. Add your own details even on the walls. Photo via BHG Paint your doors. Everyone knows the front door should make a statement but what about the rest of them. Check out the big style you can get from painting your interior doors. Photo via SoulStyle Update the builder bathroom cabinets and mirror. Whether you paint the one you have or go with a new pedestal sink, or unique vanity cabinet this upgrade is relatively inexpensive and will make a huge difference in a small space like a bathroom. While you’re at be sure to frame out the mirror or even replace it with something more fun. Photo via the Idea Room Even if you add only a few of these updates your boring builder home will feel custom in no time.