Changing up your home’s decor can be an exciting, but daunting experience. Especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. Where do you even start? How do you know which updates are worth the money? DIY projects can be intimidating, but there are lots of easy home improvement projects that you can tackle yourself when starting out. Here are some simple home improvement tips for first-time homeowners that will help you get started.
Start small and work your way up. Do little things at first that don’t take a lot of time or money, like sprucing up the yard and putting potted plants around your house. Update your home’s exterior with a coat of fresh paint. This simple change can bring a huge impact.
Don’t be afraid to shop around and get creative. If you’re looking for a piece of furniture, got to flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales. You may even come by something unique and vintage that you can’t find anywhere else.
Create a home office or hobby area. Use any extra space that you have to create a place to work or enjoy hobbies. Make sure that it’s a comfortable space, with all the furniture and supplies that you need.
Replace old windows and doors. Old windows and doors let in drafts and can be costly in terms of energy savings. Look for energy-efficient replacements that meet the Energy Star rating. Not only are these models better for the environment, but they will also help keep your energy bills low.
Give your walls a makeover. Paint, wallpaper, wainscoting, etc. all are great options that you can easily do yourself. If you have a small budget, adding wall art or creating a gallery wall can be a great way to give your space some personality without breaking the bank.
Make the most of warm weather. During the warmer months, you can tackle some outdoor projects, like building a patio or deck, installing outdoor lighting, planting trees and shrubs to create curb appeal, etc.
Upgrade your kitchen. The kitchen is a great place to start when it comes to home improvement projects. New appliances, countertops, and cabinet pulls can make a big difference. If your kitchen is lacking in counter space, consider looking into adding a kitchen island or bar to give you extra room to work with.
Organize and declutter. One of the most important home improvement projects is creating an uncluttered home. To help create a space that is calm and inviting, declutter your rooms and organize anything you keep. Put things into storage bins and only keep what you actually use.
Invest in lighting. Updating your light fixtures to something more modern and energy efficient can make a huge difference. You can install LED lights in key areas to add brightness and warmth to the room.
Switch out small fixtures. There are lots of small updates you can do that don’t take much time or money. Try switching out all of your outlet covers, light switch plates, and door knobs.
Freshen up the bathroom. Give your bathroom a face-lift by adding a new tile floor, a shower head, a new sink and toilet, or a fresh coat of paint. Swapping out old fixtures with new ones can instantly give your bathroom an updated, refreshed look.
Make energy efficient upgrades. Investing in energy efficient upgrades can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy consumption. Look into replacing old heating and cooling systems with ones that are energy-efficient. You can also change out your old windows for ones that are energy-star rated.
Add soundproofing. You can improve your home’s noise insulation by adding some soundproofing to the walls. This is an especially great investment if you live in a noisy neighborhood, and it can help make your home more peaceful.
Spruce up your Fireplace. If you have a fireplace in your home, give it a major update with a new mantle, tile surround, and accessories like fireplace tools. These small changes can make a big difference in livening up the overall look and feel of the room.
Install hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are timeless, elegant, and affordable. If you have carpet that’s seen better days, trade it out for fresh, beautiful hardwood floors.
Focus on curb appeal. Curb appeal is all about making the front of your house look attractive. Start by pressure washing and cleaning the outside of your house. Plant some flowers or shrubs for a welcoming look. You can also add outdoor lights, new paint, and a new mailbox to instantly give your house a facelift.
Revamp your landscaping. Landscaping can do wonders for upping the value of your home. Plant shrubs and trees, install pavers or a retaining wall, and add some rocks or mulch beds for extra style.
These home improvement tips for first-time homeowners will help you get started. From small projects like adding plants to bigger projects like adding a new kitchen island, you’ll soon see a difference in the look and feel of your space.
Tackle DIY projects. Home improvement projects don’t have to break the bank. Small DIY projects like painting a wall, changing out wiring covers, or refinishing hardwood floors can make a big impact. If you’re feeling intimidated, start small and work your way up.
Make energy saving upgrades. Reducing your energy consumption not only helps the environment, but it can help reduce your energy bills as well. Install Energy Star rated products like lights, windows, and other appliances for maximum energy savings.
Switch out old hardware. Small upgrades like new cabinet handles and knobs, and light switch plates can make a big difference in improving your home’s aesthetics. Choose hardware that matches the rest of your decor for a cohesive look.
Install smart devices. Smart devices can help reduce energy bills, make your home safer, and be more convenient. Install a smart thermostat, smart lighting controls, smart locks, and more for an easier, more modern home.
Upgrade your bathrooms. Bathroom renovations can be costly, but you don’t have to do a full renovation in order to make a big impact. Swap out fixtures like the sink, toilet, and shower head. Add a new backsplash, and paint the walls, and you can add elegance and style to your bathroom.
Keep your yard tidy. Curb appeal isn’t just about the front of the house. Mow the lawn every week or two and trim back any runaway branches. Plant flowers, lay down new mulch, and make sure to keep your pathways and driveways clean and free of debris.
Repaint your walls. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to update your home without spending too much money. Go for a classic neutral paint color or a bright color you love. Painting your walls is one of the fastest and cheapest home improvement projects that you can do.
Add storage. Maximize storage space without taking up valuable floor area with wall storage. Install floating shelves and add hanging hooks to store accessories, tools, towels, and other items. This not only gives you more space, but it can also add style and personality to your home.
Install new countertops and flooring. Installing new countertops and flooring is a great way to give your kitchen and bathrooms an upgrade. There are lots of materials to choose from, so be sure to do your research on the pros and cons of each option.