If you want something done right, you should do it yourself. This saying applies to many aspects of life, including home renovations. Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be challenging but worthwhile if you want to increase your home’s value. You’ll also save money by not hiring a contractor. Follow this list of eight home renovations you can do on your own.
1. Paint the Walls
Sometimes, you only need a fresh coat of paint to make a room feel brand new. If you see scratches or the current paint chipping away, it’s time to pick up a can and rollers to get started. The best part about painting is it doesn’t occupy any more space than you already have. So it’s an excellent project for tiny houses.
When considering home value, there are ways to be mindful when selecting the paint you want. First, pick a neutral color scheme because it’s a safe choice for yourself and potential buyers. For example, white is a good color for a living room because of its simplicity and calming presence.
Also, be mindful of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint because of their adverse health effects. Find a low-VOC can to improve sustainability.
2. Spruce Up the Entrance
When guests come to your house, what’s the first thing they see? Your curb appeal can go a long way in giving your friends and family an inviting feeling when they arrive at your house. It doesn’t take much to spruce up the entrance with a DIY touch.
First, you could add greenery. Plants like petunias, marigolds, and begonias are beautiful flowers that don’t require much maintenance. They’re an easy way to provide a happy and positive feeling on the porch.
Another way to improve the entrance is to add a swing or rocker. These seating arrangements are aesthetically pleasing on the porch and provide another social space for your house.
3. Upgrade the Lighting
If you’re at home during the day, the lighting can significantly affect the feel of your home. One way to improve it is to allow more natural light into your house.
You can achieve more natural light by moving around furniture if they block the windows. The sun’s rays can heat your home quickly if you live in a hot climate. Consider investing in double-paned windows because they’ll stabilize your house’s temperature without heating up too much.
There are also ways to improve interior lighting. One upgrade is switching to LED devices. LEDs are one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your lighting. These bulbs have a longer life span than incandescent lights and emit much less heat. LEDs are more environmentally conscious and lower your utility bills.
4. Remodel the Kitchen
The kitchen is where the magic happens. But would Gordon Ramsay want to cook in your kitchen if he saw your appliances, lack of storage, and old cabinets? Kitchen remodeling is an excellent project to improve your home’s appearance.
A complete overhaul would be tough to accomplish on your own, but there are some DIY ideas you can tackle. First, take a look at the cabinets. Installing new ones is worth it if yours are old and falling off the hinges. Consider hardwood cabinets for the sake of durability and aesthetics.
Another terrific idea for remodeling is the dining room table. Here, your family will share meals and memories for years. Instead of buying a table from a furniture store, you can build one. If you plan to DIY the table, it will help to use a bandsaw. Beginners could benefit from an automatic bandsaw because you can use preset cut settings so you don’t need an expert’s knowledge.
5. Start a Garden
Depending on your area’s climate, a garden is a beautiful home renovation project. You could start one in your backyard, front yard, or a room with a lot of natural light. Gardening is an excellent way to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and boost your self-esteem.
Even if you live in a cold-weather environment, you can still grow plants. Pansies, hostas, and the Siberian iris are notorious for their resilience.
6. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
In the summer and winter, the weather can be brutal. Or, in some cases, the weather can change dramatically in only a few days. Investing in a smart thermostat is one way to control your house’s temperature. These devices are becoming more popular worldwide and can be an excellent way to improve your home’s value.
The primary benefit of smart thermostats is how energy-efficient they are. This technology detects the air temperature and keeps it stable all day long, even when temperatures soar above 100 or dip below freezing. Smart thermostats also allow you to control the temperature while away from home. So, you can monitor the temperature while at work or on vacation. You can turn on the heater or air conditioner before heading home so it’s comfortable upon arrival.
7. Restore the Flooring
Over time, your flooring sees a lot of activity. You, the kids, dogs, and others will bring outside dirt, grass, and debris onto the hardwood. The elements can cause your floors to lose their shine and look dull. One worthwhile home renovation project is to restore your flooring.
Refinishing your floors is a much cheaper option than replacing them entirely. You’ll extend the life of your floors and consume fewer raw materials if you refurbish the current layout. Refinishing your hardwood can protect your home from unwanted pests, too. Your wood may have crevices small enough for bugs to fit through. Also, you’ll do your family a favor by fixing hardwood floors that are splintering.
8. Install Crown Molding
If you plan to sell your home soon, you should find easy additions to make your home look better. One of these renovations is crown molding. Buyers love seeing crown molding because of its aesthetic appeal. It adds charm to any room, so put crown molding on your DIY list.
Many companies make crown moldings with plaster. This material allows for easier repetition with its patterns than wood, for example. Although, some people find crown molding made from wood easier to install. You also have the option to get crown molding that is a composite. You may see crown molding containing polystyrene or polyurethane. These materials are durable and excellent for fighting moisture.
Getting Started on DIY Projects
Home renovations can be a terrific way to spruce up your home and challenge yourself. If you’ve never done a DIY project, start small with lighting upgrades or designing your front porch. Then, you can tackle bigger projects. Use this list of eight home renovation projects to get started.
