(Modernize.com is a great website with creative remodeling ideas for your home. Here are some helpful renovations tips from them.)
While you may not be the handiest person on your block, with the right instruction there are plenty of easy renovation projects that you can DIY in your home. Choosing to do it yourself can help save both time and money, particularly if you’re on a tight budget. These four renovation projects prove that even the most craft-challenged person can DIY with success.
1. Entryway Appeal
Changing up the look of your front door area is an easy way to add dramatic curb appeal to your home. Try painting the front door itself a bright color that complements the rest of your home or repainting faded trim. You can also add a new mailbox, replace the house numbers, or install new light fixtures — all projects that can easily be completed over a weekend.
2. Replacing or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
If you don’t need completely new cabinets but want to give your kitchen a refreshed, updated look, refinishing or replacing the cabinet doors is easy and fun even for the most inexperienced DIYer. Most types of cabinet doors are compatible with various types of paint, stain, and laminate, allowing you to experiment with different looks. For an even easier fix, you can order and install brand new cabinet doors at much less cost than completely replacing the cabinets. You can also try replacing the backsplash on your stove, a relatively small area, or even painting or placing decals on the existing tile for a brand new look.
3. Swap Out Faucets and Fixtures
For a new look in either your kitchen or bathroom, it’s simple and cheap to replace old, ugly fixtures with snazzy new models. For best results, make sure that the replacements you choose are the same size as the existing fixtures so that you won’t need to make a larger (or smaller) opening). Just turn off the water supply, unscrew the old faucet, and replace with the new. You can also replace old light fixtures with more modern versions quite easily.
4. Experiment with Paint
Anyone can paint, and it’s the fastest and easiest way to transform the entire look of a room. Try experimenting with a mood board to choose paint colors based on the feeling you want to evoke in your space. If you don’t have the time or budget to paint a whole room, try an accent wall–or it’s new, more modern cousin, the accent ceiling. If you live in a rental and can’t paint the walls, try painting your furniture instead.
Even if you’re a novice, there’s no reason to be intimidated by DIY. These easy projects show that anyone can transform the look of their home, regardless of experience level or budget.
Jane Blanchard writes for Modernize.