Although replacing a roof, windows or your HVAC system is a job best left to the professionals, there are some DIY projects that homeowners can tackle without much risk of damage or mess-ups. Here are some home projects that are just about foolproof for even the most novice homeowners.
1. Painting a Room.
With some painter’s tape and quality brushes or rollers, it doesn’t take a great deal of skill to repaint a room and give it a whole new look. Use spackling paste to smooth over cracks, and be sure to use primer if you are covering stains or painting a light color over a darker color. Most paints require two coats for optimal coverage, and using a quality paint will help it last longer and look more professional.
2. Replacing Hardware on Cabinets or Dressers.
Changing out the cabinet handles or dresser pulls can give your fixtures a whole new look with minimal effort. You might need a screwdriver, but that should be the extent of required tools. Just be sure the new handles have the same hole distance as the originals when purchasing.
3. Painting the Front Door.
If your front door is old and allows drafts to enter your home, you may want to consider having it replaced. Steel entry doors have one of the largest returns of any home improvement, with an increase in home value nearly equal to the cost, as well as energy savings. If your existing door is newer and airtight, you can paint it inexpensively to give your entry a whole new look and your home more curb appeal.
4. Weatherstripping Your Windows
Over time, the seals and gaskets that keep windows airtight break down and degrade, and the caulking that was applied upon installation can crack to allow cold air to get in (or hot air in summer). The good news is that you can replace weatherstripping or even re-caulk your windows yourself to keep much of the air outside where it belongs. If your efforts don’t seem to yield much improvement, you can have the windows replaced professionally to increase your energy savings.
5. Upcycling Vintage Finds and Wood Pallets.
If you can use a table saw (or know someone who can help), you can cut pallets into bookshelves, wine racks or shoe holders that you can paint or leave rough to complement your existing decor. Old windows can become picture frames or rows of hooks for coats, while an old door can turn into a coffee table or side table by adding some legs to the bottom. Even vintage picture frames can become chalkboards by adding plywood and paint. These pieces can give flair and style to your home and change your look without much expense.
Minor projects like these can provide a creative outlet for your inner designer and save you some money on your renovation while leaving the more complex work to the professionals. Moonworks offers a free estimate on any home renovation project by calling 1-800-975-6666.
vertically mount some size-appropriate, cut-down PVC piping on the inside of a bathroom cabinet door (one pipe for each appliance with a smaller one next to it for the folded cord).