Some people have just bought a house and they start renovating or remodeling it, with the goal of removing all traces of the previous owner’s taste and making the reality their own. Others know that major renovations (and even modest remodeling projects) can take a long time, make a huge mess, cause a lot of stress, and cost a lot more than you expect.

Much of that stress, mess, and expense comes from the demolition work: removing all the old stuff so you can put in the new stuff. While swinging that sledgehammer might look fun, you don’t always have to tear down everything in sight and start with a blank canvas for your renovation or remodel to make an impact. You can leave almost everything in place and still completely change the look and feel of your home by covering up the parts of your home that need a makeover. You’ll skip the dust and live more comfortably in your home while you work.

Here are nine ways to remodel or renovate your home without demolition.

Everyone knows that paint is the cheapest renovation there is, but it’s always worth repeating: it’s surprising how much a fresh coat of paint can transform a space. Plus, you can paint almost anything if you prep the surface properly and use the right kind of paint. Think about painting tiles, your bathtub, your countertops, cabinets, faucets, your refrigerator, and anything else that could use a pop of color or a clean, neutral canvas. There’s no demo involved, and if you don’t like the result, you can just repaint.