Every homeowner dreams of doing home improvement projects that are both cheap and easy. Unfortunately, as busy as we are in our daily lives, it can be difficult to find the time or motivation to start a home improvement project. But when it comes to making your home more livable or giving it the ‘wow’ factor, there are many simple projects that you can complete, no matter how busy you are. To make your life easier, here is your Busy Homeowner’s Guide to Easy Home Improvement Projects.
The first step to making improvements in your home is to identify areas that need the most improvement. Whether you want to freshen up your living room or create more storage space in your bedroom, it’s important to know what your goals are before you start. Once you have an idea of what kind of project you’d like to do, you can then shop around for the materials and supplies that you’ll need.
Secondly, you’ll want to look for ways to make your project easier. If you’re not sure where to start, start simple. Simple home improvement projects such as painting walls, updating light fixtures, and adding wall decals can be quick and easy, plus they’re fairly inexpensive. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try heavier tasks such as laying down tile, installing new countertops, or putting in a new ceiling fan. You’ll often find easy-to-follow instructions or “how-to” guides for each project online or in stores.
Thirdly, you’ll need to find the right tools to use while doing your project. While it may be tempting to borrow tools from your neighbor or buy the cheapest tools you can find, this isn’t necessarily a good idea. Quality tools will make your project easier and ultimately help it turn out better. Be sure to research the right tool for the job so that you’re not wasting your time or money.
Fourthly, figure out a time frame for completing the project. Before you get started, ask yourself how much time you have to dedicate to it. If your project is something small, then you can probably complete it in a day or two. If it’s a bigger project, like replacing a floor or tiling a bathroom, it may be better to spread it out over several days.
Fifth, to make the most of your time, try to plan ahead and get started on your project as soon as you can. If you can do some of the prep work (like measuring or cleaning) ahead of time, it will help you save time later. Also, try to work when you feel the most productive. If you like working in the morning, try to tackle similar tasks during that time.
Sixth, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find an experienced friend or neighbor who is willing to lend you a hand. If it’s something technical, you might want to hire a professional to help you. Doing projects with someone else can also make it more fun and social.
Seventh, be sure to enjoy your project. Home improvement projects can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t take the time to savor the process. Focus on the satisfaction of a job well done, and enjoy the changes that you’ve made in your home. It’s important to remember that if you don’t enjoy the process, you probably won’t be motivated to do other improvement projects in the future.
Painting walls can be a quick and inexpensive way to give your home a new look. By doing a little research to figure out what colors look best in your room, and how to properly apply paint, you can easily get great results. The same is true for wallpapering. Make sure to buy the right kind of wallpaper for your walls and that you’re applying it the right way. Utilize guides online or tutorials at stores to help guide you through the process if you don’t have the experience.
Light fixtures are also an easy way to give your room a lift. Pick light fixtures that best match the décor of the room that you’re in. If you’re buying bulbs, check the wattages to make sure you get the right type for each light fixture.
Adding or replacing window treatments can also have a big impact in any room. Not only are window treatments decorative, but can also help you save on heating and cooling costs. Choose window treatments that will work well in your climate and will match the décor of the room.
Shifting to a do-it-yourself mentality can help you stay organized and efficient while enjoying the satisfaction of completing home improvement projects. Start simple if you’re a beginner, and gradually take on more challenging tasks as you get more comfortable. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, you can always ask a friend, hire a professional, or take advantage of the help offered online and in stores. With the Busy Homeowner’s Guide to Easy Home Improvement Projects in your corner, you’ll be a pro in no time!