The home is regarded as a haven for rest and relaxation. So, it is not surprising that a lot of homeowners put resources into creating a livable space that suits not only their aesthetics and taste but also their lifestyle.
If you bought a house instead of building one, chances are you’ll be keen on taking on a home improvement project or two. Going the DIY route can prove beneficial if you have the skills and experience for it, as it will save you a lot of time as well as money.
So without further ado, let’s dive into 10 DIY home projects you can choose from to enhance your home with.
Painting Projects
1. Refreshing Walls with a New Coat of Paint
Old walls can make a house look tired and dated. Breathe new life into your interiors by giving your walls a fresh coat of paint.
First off, think about the paint color. Look around your space and take note of all the design and structural elements within. Also, keep in mind the finishes on the furniture and decorative touches. Armed with this information, do research on colors that are popular or hues that will match your personal aesthetic. Lastly, consider the effect you want the paint job to achieve. Do you want a room to feel bigger and more spacious? Or perhaps you prefer for it to look small, cozy, and inviting?
Before painting (and for most DIY projects), don the proper protective equipment to protect you from chemical and possibly electrical hazards and keep you clean and safe. Some necessary PPEs include masks; reusable or disposable gloves, like nitrile gloves; clothes that cover your arms and legs; eye protection like goggles or a face shield; and so on.
After deciding on paint colors and getting the materials and PPE you need, prep the surfaces that need to be painted. Start by washing walls with water and mild detergent. Let it dry completely before using sandpaper on uneven surfaces. You want a smooth canvas so the result looks seamless.
Last but not least, make use of painting techniques to add character and achieve texture. For example, color washing is a technique that involves applying the glaze over paint using a soaked sponge. It gives the paint an inky appearance that looks really well in a minimalist home.
2. Updating Cabinets with Paint
High-quality furniture is pricey because they are the product of superior craftsmanship and uses materials that will last for decades. However, some of them will end up looking dated after a couple of years. Or you, the homeowner, might just get bored and want to do something different.
Keep your armoires, chest of drawers, and sideboards current by repainting them. Start by removing all the hardware so they don’t get stained. Or you can paint them in a color that complements the one you’ll use on the cabinet itself. Make sure to remove the doors, if any. It will be easier to prep and paint these when they’re lying flat on the ground.
Prepare both the exterior and interior surfaces of cabinets by sanding and priming them first. After cleaning and drying the cabinet surface, sand it down with 100- or 150-grit sandpaper to roughen it up, making the paint stick better. Follow this up with an application of an oil-based primer. This provides a good base for that first coat of paint. Make sure to sand and prime the cabinet doors as well before painting.
Flooring Projects
3. Adding in a New Floor
Adding a new floor can give your space a fresh and updated look. Here are some considerations when it comes to choosing the right type of flooring.
- Durability. If you have a high-traffic area or pets, you’ll want flooring that can withstand wear and tear. Laminate or vinyl flooring are great options that are both durable and affordable.
- Style. Different types of flooring can create different atmospheres in a room. Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance, while tile floors offer a clean and modern look. Gather inspiration to find a suitable style by doing research or consulting with experts.
- Budget. Flooring materials can vary significantly in price. So, you’ll want to decide how much you’re willing to spend. Some materials may have a higher upfront cost, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.
Once you’ve chosen the flooring material, take accurate measurements and make the purchases you need. After doing that, you can start work on the project. Make sure all bits of existing flooring have been removed and that the surface is level, clean, and dry. Any imperfections in the subfloor should be addressed to ensure a smooth installation.
Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully and follow them step by step. Take your time during the installation process to ensure each piece is placed correctly. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to gently tap planks or tiles into place, ensuring a snug fit.
Finally, allow the installed flooring to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for the recommended time. This step is crucial as it helps prevent any warping or buckling in the future.
4. Revitalizing Hardwood Floors
This home improvement project involves sanding and then giving it a new finish. Start by prepping the floors. Give it a thorough cleaning to ensure that the surface is clean and free from any loose particles.
Next comes sanding. Rent a floor sander from your local home improvement store. Wear protective goggles and a mask to keep yourself safe from dust particles.
Sweep or vacuum afterward and then apply a new finish or stain. Choose one that complements your interior and provides the level of protection you desire. Apply the finish evenly using a brush or a lambswool applicator, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lastly, seal the floors with a clear topcoat to maintain the shine of the floors and protect them from spills and foot traffic damage. Apply the sealer in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Lighting Projects
5. Replacing Outdated Light Fixtures
When it comes to replacing outdated light fixtures, you should follow a few key steps. First, it’s important to choose energy-efficient fixtures that not only fit your desired style but also meet your lighting needs. Opt for fixtures that come with LED bulbs or other energy-saving features to help lower your electricity usage.
Next, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker to ensure your safety. If you’re unsure about the electrical connections, it’s best to consult an electrician who can provide guidance and assistance.
Once you have your new fixtures ready, it’s time to install and wire them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take extra care to secure all connections properly and double-check everything before proceeding. It’s crucial to test the lighting to ensure that it functions properly. Turn on the electricity and check if the new fixtures are working as intended.
6. Adding Accent Lighting
Choosing the right lighting option is essential to achieve the desired effect at the planned location. LED strips and puck lights are both great choices. They come in various brightness levels and color temperatures, so you can create the perfect ambiance.
Before diving into the installation process, decide where you want the lights to be positioned and how they will be powered. Once you have your lighting options and placement plan ready, it’s time to connect and mount the lighting fixtures. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a safe and effective installation. Ensure you have a reliable power source nearby and securely fasten the fixtures in place.
As you install the fixtures, pay attention to the lighting angles. Adjust them as needed to achieve the desired effect. A slight tilt or rotation can make a significant difference in creating the right ambiance in your space.
Storage and Organization Projects
7. Building Custom Shelves
Building custom shelves requires careful planning and execution. The first step is to assess your storage needs by determining the items you’ll store and estimating their total weight. This will help you decide on the load-bearing capacity required for your shelves.
Next, measure the available space, considering any obstructions or restrictions. With these measurements in mind, design the dimensions and layout of the shelves, taking into account factors like shelf distance, lumber thickness, and any additional features desired.
Create a materials list based on your design, including lumber, screws, brackets, a saw, measuring tape, level, drill, and safety equipment. Purchase all the necessary materials from your local hardware store or online. Once you have everything, prepare your workspace by clearing the area and setting up a sawhorse or workbench.
Measure and cut the lumber according to your design, ensuring straight and precise cuts. With the cut lumber pieces ready, assemble the shelves and securely connect the components using screws and brackets. Use a level to ensure everything is straight and aligned.
If you’re mounting the shelves on a wall, locate the studs using a stud finder and mark their positions. Attach the shelves to the wall using screws and brackets, ensuring they are level and securely fastened. If you’re placing the shelves within a closet, use appropriate mounting methods for stability and weight distribution.
After mounting the shelves, test their stability by giving them a gentle shake. Make any necessary adjustments or reinforcements to ensure they can safely bear the weight of your stored items. Throughout the construction process, remember to follow safety guidelines, wear protective equipment, and operate power tools with caution.
8. Creating a DIY Closet Organizer
When embarking on a DIY closet organizer project, start by evaluating your closet space and storage requirements. Think about the amount of hanging space you need. How many shelves and drawers do you require? Do you need shoe racks or holders for ties and belts?
Once you’ve figured all that out, it’s time to design and plan the layout of your closet organizer. Create a simple sketch that visualizes the final outcome and ensures it aligns with your requirements.
With your design in hand, select appropriate materials based on your closet and needs. Then start building! Finally, attach the organizer firmly to the closet walls or floor to ensure stability and longevity.
Curb Appeal Projects
9. Enhancing the Front Entrance
Homes shouldn’t just look good on the inside. The exterior needs to stand out as well. There are a number of DIY projects you can take on to increase that curb appeal.
The first one is enhancing the front of your home. This specific project could be broken down into three parts. You can repaint the front door and trim if you have plenty of paint left over from various painting projects. Next, add in some new house numbers and give your mailbox some love by making it look new again. Lastly, amp up existing landscaping by adding a few more potted plants on your front porch.
If you want to make a bold statement and increase the visibility of your home, consider replacing or updating your address plaques. This small change can have a big impact by enhancing the clarity and style of your home’s address plaques. Whether you opt for modern, classic, or decorative house address plaques, they can add a touch of personality to your front entrance while serving a practical purpose for visitors and delivery personnel.
10. Creating a Welcoming Pathway
If you’ve never had a proper pathway, now would be a good time to create one. As with other projects mentioned here, it’s good to start by picking out the material you’ll use for your path. Do you like the look of gravel? Or prefer something more rustic like stepping stones?
After deciding on the material, plan the layout for your pathway. It pays to understand the area you’ll be working on. This way you won’t be disappointed if a straight path isn’t doable because of the terrain of the land. You’ll also want to get the exact measurements to know exactly how much of the building materials you need to purchase.
After all that planning comes the exciting part. Time to start creating a pathway! Begin by excavating the area to remove stumps and big roots. Next, mark the inside of the planned path before installing a border. When done, lay down weed block material covering the length of your path. Fill it up with gravel or sand if you intend to lay stepping stones on top.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on our 10 budget-friendly DIY projects. We hope you’ve been inspired to go out there and make that change in your own abode. Which project would you like to try out first?
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