Cost-saving home DIY projects for the budget-minded are a great way to boost the value of your home while getting crafty, and they don’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re fixing up the bedroom, redecorating a room or remodeling a small kitchen nook, doing the job yourself can save you time and money.
When it comes to home improvement, invest in materials that will last, ones that won’t require frequent repairs or replacements. At the same time, cultivate a cost-conscious attitude and be mindful of the budget. Consider bargain hardware stores for tools and materials. Many of these stores—as well as big box retailers—offer discounts or rewards programs that can help you stretch your dollar even further.
For window coverings, think outside the interiors. Drape recycled wall hangings, fabric banners, or patchwork blankets for an eclectic and thrifty look. Scour local craft bazaars, thrift shops, and estate sales for value-priced clay, fabric, paint, and wood to use for your projects.
When redecorating a room or remodeling a kitchen nook, consider reusing existing fixtures to save on costs. Reusing doors, cabinet fronts, and windows are all ways to save cash. Repurpose furniture, too—a chest of drawers can be outfitted as a sink vanity cabinet in the bathroom.
Drywall is a relatively cheap material and a great way to hide imperfections in the walls, although it requires patience and a steady hand. If you don’t have a lot of prior experience with drywall, it’s best to sketch out the task, rent jackhammers, circular saws, or sanders as needed, and enlist the help of friends or family.
If you’re new to DIY projects, start with something small and simple to get the hang of it before taking on more complex tasks. Also, read up on the topic and watch tutorials and videos to get the basics down. Work with a friend or family members who has experience with this kind of project.
Think beyond paint for sprucing up the walls. Consider designing a personalized mural, applying wallpaper, or making faux wood paneling from thin lauan—a cost-effective way to add texture and style.
Whether you want to tile the kitchen floor or incorporate a custom tile design in the bathroom, consider reusing tile from a home supply store or local salvage yard. Many tile designs look just as striking in a bathroom as they did in a 1950s kitchen.
When it comes to furniture, look for inexpensive pieces at secondhand stores, yard sales, and flea markets to refinish. You don’t have to buy new items every time. Many pieces of furniture just require a bit of re-staining, painting, or wallpapering.
Choose discreet, low-cost cabinet hardware when redoing a kitchen or hallway cupboard. Clear knobs, wooden pulls, and metal handles can all provide a stylish update without breaking the bank. Just be sure to measure and drill holes before screwing in fixtures—you don’t want to make any costly mistakes.
Repurposing and upcycling are the name of the game when it comes to giving your home renovation projects an extra flair. Save pieces of broken tile or brick from a demolition, and turn them into a creative feature. Many DIYers also enjoy repurposing old wood for floors, shelves, and interior outfitting.
When it comes to lighting your home renovation project, try to make efficient use of the existing lights. Brighten up the area by mounting wall-mounted lights, hanging pendants, and repurposing vintage lighting fixtures. Pay attention to the finer details, and you won’t have to replace all of the lights from scratch.
For a budget-friendly kitchen upgrade, consider a fluid layout that focuses on the cooking space, such as adding more counter space under the sinks or even painting the cabinets for a new look. Further, try updating the faucets and hardware to match the new vision for the kitchen.
Repurposing furniture is another great way to stretch the dollar. Try picking up used armoires and other pieces from thrift stores or yard sales. Reupholster and paint to your heart’s content and you’ll get a piece with a unique, custom look.
Replace your kitchen’s lighting fixtures with these simple and affordable solutions. By switching out your existing lights with LED fixtures, you can save money and get creative with your design. Consider installing track lighting along the kitchen countertop, suspending a linear chandelier over kitchen island or hanging pendants over your sink.
Wallpaper is an attractive and inexpensive way to update your home, especially if you go with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Choose patterns that fit your home’s color palette and you’ll get a fashion-forward look with a minor expense. Alternately, bolster the impact of your color scheme with wall decals, murals, or stencils.
Refresh your kitchen and hallway cupboards for a classic look with new hardware. Consider doorknobs, handles, and pulls with a metallic sheen, or maybe earthy grained knobs for a more rustic feel. You don’t have to buy new cupboard panels to make a visual statement.
Upgrade your windows without committing to serious money for a new set with some fashionable fixes. Dress up plain panes with fabric swags or curtains. Install glass window films for a colorful touch or go for faux stained glass to give your windows a geometric flair.
Put up wainscoting or paneling. Not only does it add an upscale look to any room, it also serves as a wall protector from scratches or dents due to furniture contact. Feeling lucky? Try salvaging wood from old wooden fences and barns, and scour resale shops or yard sales for classic frames, moldings, and trim.
Don’t forget to shop around at home and hardware stores for good deals on paint and supplies. As a general rule of thumb, reach for higher quality items that come with a warranty. Pay extra attention to the R-value, insulation, and other features that will make your home renovation project more long-lasting and valuable.
Upholstery is an inexpensive way to give old furniture a new look. Making slipcovers is the most economical way to go, or you can search for textured fabric and haute hues to make each piece unique and special. Don’t forget to measure for accurate sizing and plan ahead for installation.
When redecorating, don’t underestimate the power of throw pillows to give furniture a swanky boost. Look for surprisingly-priced textured pillow covers and blankets in a variety of colors and textures. Recycled fabrics make for comfortable and attractive cushioning.
Attention to detail goes a long way when it comes to home renovation projects. Search for knobs, decorative drawer pulls, and paint in complementary colors. Try brass pulls for an opulent look, or stick with wood tones for a more modest statement.
Finally, furnish your home renovation projects with affordable accents. Keep an eye out for quirky finds at garage sales, curio shops, or antique stores. hunt for decorative glass, pottery, jugs, vintage bottles, and mirrors to add character and style to a room.
When it comes to cutting costs on home DIY projects, take the time to plan projects ahead instead of rushing into them. Start small, research techniques and use bargain shops to get the materials you need. Utilize proper safety gear and always remember to keep the budget in mind.