DIY home improvement projects can save a bundle of money. There are no labor costs involved in DIY projects. Home improvement can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Here are some popular home improvement projects that will up the value of your home quickly.
Interior painting is a project that can be taken on by any adult.
Interior painters charge quite a bit for their services. The main thing to remember when taking on interior painting is to protect flooring and trim from spills. Be sure to use tarps, paint tape and paper to cover anything you don’t want painted. Use brushes for details and rollers for large areas.
Flooring requires some basic handyman skills.
Consider the type of flooring desired, whether it be tile, carpet or linoleum. Each flooring requires different placement. If the supportive flooring under the existing tile or carpet needs repair, it may be best to consult with a professional for this project. The professionals at Home Depot will often hold free classes on home improvement projects.
Replacing locks and doors is not as difficult as it may seem.
Most doors are standard sizes and come pre-hung. Measure before leaving home. Locks are a fairly simple home improvement project. The majority of locks can be replaced right into the original spot. Package directions are easy for any adult to follow. Why hire a locksmith for a simple project like replacing locks and doors?
Refinishing cabinets is another simple home improvement project.
Most people can sand, paint and varnish. Even some of the new techniques like color washing are simple if broken down into steps. Replacing cabinets can be quite costly even as a DIY project. Refinishing and doing the work yourself saves both labor and materials costs.
Building a deck is a project for someone with some skill in building and carpentry.
Kits are available to make this home improvement project a little easier for the home owner. The main thing is to be sure to build on level ground that is stable and not prone to sinking. I had a neighbor who built a DIY deck. The entire deck had to be disassembled later in order to stabilize the ground surface.
Replacing lighting fixtures can be simple or involved.
The difference is dependent on what is being replaced and what it is being replaced with. Take care to turn off the electricity before undertaking this home improvement project. Those who don’t may be in for a big shock. Lighting fixtures have general instructions on the package. If those instructions make no sense to you, don’t attempt this. Electricity is nothing to fool around with.
Putting up a fence is a fairly common project.
It’s important to check zoning, digging and permit regulations prior to taking on this type of task. Some fences are not allowed in certain areas due to either the height or type of fence. A post hole digger and cement will be needed to set the fence posts. Home improvement stores carry ready made fence panels to make it easier for the DIY builder. These do cost a bit more but are worth the time and effort saved.
Many home owners are attempting DIY closet remodeling these days.
This used to be a home improvement project reserved for professionals. Kits with interchangeable features have made this home improvement project an easy weekend DYI. Closet kits come in wood, metal and sturdy plastic. These are available at any home improvement store in a wide variety of price ranges and with multiple options.
Simple landscaping plans can easily be accomplished by the homeowner.
Plot out your landscaping with paper and pencil. Pay close attention to sun exposure and other factors important to plant health. It does no good to put a beautiful plant in the wrong location. To keep a green landscape use local plants that require low water and low maintenance. This will also help to cut down on yard work.
I’ve never attempted exterior painting myself.
What I hear from friends is that the labor is quite intensive, but with the right equipment and attitude it can save a bundle in labor. I did have one friend who actually used interior paint, thinking it would make no difference. Several years later she was re-painting the house again. Exterior paint is made to withstand all types of temperatures and precipitation. It really makes a big difference.
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