Home improvement is a great way to upgrade your home in a cost-effective manner. Whether you’re renovating your current home or just sprucing it up, these five most common projects can help you turn it into the house of your dreams, and you can be your own home improvement contractor.
Painting is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your home without breaking the bank. It’s also a home improvement project you can tackle on your own to save money. Use a combination of the right brush, roller, and paint type for the job you’re tackling and you’ll have a great-looking space in no time.
Updating your floors can make a big difference in the look of your home. While some flooring options—like hardwood—can be quite expensive, you can save some serious cash by tackling the installation yourself. Sheet vinyl is one of the easiest and most forgiving projects you can tackle and you can often find it for a reasonable price.
You can also update your existing cabinets and countertops to give your kitchen a whole new look. Peel-and-stick tiles are a great option for adding a modern kitchen backsplash without busting the budget. You don’t need any special tools to install them and the results can look quite impressive.
Adding trim and other small details can add character to a room without costing too much. Trim, wainscoting, and other details can be painted or stained to suit your style. You can even buy molding pre-cut to size and install it yourself with a few basic tools.
A new front door can also make a great upgrade to your home and can be a fun project to tackle. There are plenty of options for all budgets—from pre-hung fiberglass doors to custom-made designs. Choose your style and color with the plan of how you want to spruce up your entrance, and measure carefully before you purchase.
Finally, you can add a big impact to any room of your house with the right window treatments. You can easily find curtains, blinds, and window shades in many different styles that will fit right into your budget. They can help control light, provide insulation, give you privacy, and add some style to any space.
Another quick and easy way to give your home a facelift is by repainting the outside. Pressure washing your house is an important first step depending on the age and condition, and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to spruce up the exterior of your home. You may be able to find a paint color that matches moderately well to the existing paint, though to get the best coverage and even color, you’ll want to use the same brand and type.
When you’re ready to take on a full kitchen renovation, there are some big decisions to be made. Do you want a kitchen with clean lines and up-to-date appliances or a more traditional one with all the trimmings? Will you go for an affordable option such as laminate countertops or splurge for a luxury look with marble or granite?
Whichever route you take, you can save money by tackling some of the installation yourself. If you’re planning a complex renovation that requires professional help, you can still take some steps to save money. Investigate what type of prep work you can do to help speed up the overall process and save labor costs.
Beyond the kitchen, you can remodel and upgrade other areas of your home with the right materials for the job. Installing a tile or marble floor in your bathroom can create a luxurious and spa-like look and feel. You can find beautiful tile varieties at any home improvement store and the installation process doesn’t require too much skill.
You can also add storage by adding shelves, moldings, or built-in cabinets to your home. Oftentimes, you can build these with basic tools such as saws and drills. Using durable materials will ensure they last for years to come.
With advancements in technology, home automation projects can also spruce up a home’s interior. Installing a wi-fi thermostat can save money and provide convenience. You can also use your smartphone to open, close, and control various devices in your home.
Outside the home, garden projects can be a great way to beautify your outdoor living area. Adding special features such as fountains, birdbaths, or rock features can provide a more luxurious look and feel to your yard. To save some money, you can even pocket a few for a DIY project.
Adding an outdoor living area is also a great home improvement project to consider. It’s a great way to add a new level of comfort to your outdoor area. Whether you opt for a simple deck or a luxurious resort-style space, creating an outdoor living area doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right materials, you can create your own DIY retreat in no time.
Landscaping is another great way to upgrade your outdoor space and can be done on a reasonable budget. Planting some flowers, bushes, and shrubs can add some color and character to your outdoor space. Adding a few trees can also provide a great outdoor backdrop. You can also save money by using a water-based fertilizer and taking care of the plants and shrubs yourself.
You can also choose to improve your outdoor living space by installing a new patio or walkway. If you’re looking for something a bit more porous, concrete overlays are one of the most popular choices. It’s a great way to add texture and style to your outdoor space, and it’s relatively easy to install yourself.
Redoing your roof is another popular home improvement project. You’ll want to use the right materials for different climates, and you’ll need to make sure your roof is properly vented and insulated during installation. To get the job done correctly, you may want to consider hiring a professional.
Adding or replacing a garage or shed can be a great way to add additional storage space to your home. Sheds can be built quickly and inexpensively with the right building materials. Adding a garage to your home can give you extra storage, but can also add value and curb appeal.
Whether you hire a professional or take on the project on your own, there’s no shortage of home improvement projects to choose from. From adding storage to pain-free projects such as installing curtains, you can take your space from ordinary to extraordinary with a bit of work and a bit of creativity.