Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or replacing cabinet pulls and knobs, there are plenty of DIY projects that don’t require specialized expertise or extensive experience. And while making mistakes along the way may be frustrating, learning from those errors is a key part of home improvement. Plus, completing these simple projects will boost your confidence and make your house feel more like home.
Kitchen
For many homeowners, the kitchen is a focal point of their home and one of the most popular areas to renovate. A complete kitchen remodel may include installing new flooring, cabinets and countertops along with new appliances or relocating existing ones. This is likely a project that requires a contractor to oversee and execute correctly.
If you are considering a major kitchen renovation, it is essential to know your limits and work with an experienced professional to minimize the chances of costly mistakes. It is especially important to understand which walls are load bearing and can’t be removed, as well as the location of plumbing, vents and electrical if those are not already in place.
A more minor kitchen improvement that is easy for anyone to accomplish is to fix or replace leaky faucets. Leaky faucets are an eyesore and can cause costly damage to the rest of the kitchen.
Another area that often receives a lack of attention from homeowners is the garage. One simple way to improve your garage is to build or purchase shelves and arrange everything neatly on them. This will make the garage more accessible and less of a mess.
Bathroom
The bathroom can be an excellent starting point for home improvement, as it’s relatively easy to make changes that will improve the room’s functionality and appearance. For example, a fresh coat of paint can brighten the space and change its personality. Choose a waterproof or stain-resistant paint that will stand up to humidity and resist mildew.
If you’re planning a full renovation, it’s best to have a professional handle the work. Plumbers, electricians and general contractors are typically licensed and carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance so hiring one will ensure the job is completed correctly and safely.
A large bathroom remodel can include relocating major items like the tub/shower, toilet and sink, which can be invasive, costly, messy and time-consuming. In addition to layout changes, this level of bathroom remodeling can also involve wiring alterations and other complex tasks.
When you’re ready to start the remodel, be sure to shut off the water and drain the pipes before removing any fixtures. Also, mark the location of electrical and plumbing hookups to avoid damage during removal. Its helpful to have a wet/dry shop vac available during the demolition phase in case of accidental spills or flooding. Be sure to purchase quality fixtures and hardware to save on replacement costs in the future, and consider Universal Design principles. These features will allow you to use your bathroom in the future, no matter your age or physical ability.
Bedroom
Home improvement projects can be daunting for beginners, but they don’t have to be. Whether you want to revamp your entire home or just one room, there are plenty of DIY ideas that will save you money and leave you with a finished product that’s just as good, if not better than professional work.
The first step is to decide what needs to be done and in what order. It’s important to start with the most basic jobs and progress your way up to the more difficult tasks. You also need to plan out all the materials you’ll need and make sure you have all of the necessary tools. This will prevent you from making multiple back-and-forth trips to the store and save you time, money, and frustration.
Painting is an easy and inexpensive job that will immediately change the look of a room. It’s also a great opportunity to practice your painting skills. If you’re a beginner, start by painting the ceiling and walls a neutral color like white or grey and move on to more colorful rooms as you gain confidence. Another simple task that can make a big difference is replacing leaky faucets. This is an affordable and quick fix that will improve the look of your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. It will also add to your home’s overall value and keep you safe from dripping water.
Living Room
The living room is the heart of any home. It is where families and friends come together to relax and socialize. It also represents the homeowners’ style and personality. As such, it is an important area to design and remodel to meet personal goals and lifestyle changes.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to transform a living space is to give it a fresh coat of paint. This DIY project can be accomplished with little to no special tools and takes just one or two days. It can dramatically improve the overall look and feel of a room and is one of the most accessible home improvement projects for beginners.
Another simple yet effective improvement is to change the lighting. Changing the lights in your living room can make the area seem warmer, cozier, and larger than it really is. It is also a good idea to add storage solutions. This can help keep the area neat and organized. For example, you can use coffee tables with hidden compartments to store books and remote controls.
A lot of homeowners forget to take the time to plan out their living spaces. Creating a layout can help you figure out what size furniture you need and how to place it. It can also save you money and time as you won’t need to buy a bigger sofa or that extra cabinet to hold your serveware collection.