Tackling home upgrades on your own can be rewarding as well as cost-effective. Many of these home upgrades are surprisingly simple once you know exactly what to do. If you do a bit of planning and have the right tools, you’re going to be able to transform your home on your own terms and time. Take a look at these six upgrades that you can try.
Paint an Accent Wall
Adding an accent wall is one of the fastest and cheapest ways you can give any room in your home a bold new look. You should choose a color that is going to complement your existing decor, or go for a trendy pop of color so that you can have some contrast.
Preparation is always key so start cleaning the wall and taping off borders. You can use a ruler for large areas and a brush for edges. If you want the best result you should apply two coats and allow ample drying time as well.
This project can be completed in an afternoon, and it will instantly change the mood of a space. You can even use specialty brushes like chalkboard paint for a functional twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you should consider geometric designs or stenciling so that you can get a custom touch.
Install a Backsplash in the Kitchen
A new backsplash adds style and personality to your kitchen while protecting your walls from splashes as well. Peel-and-stick tiles are perfect for beginners, and they come in endless patterns.
You can start by measuring your space and laying out your design before committing to any kind of placement. Clean the wall surface very carefully to ensure adhesion.
Carefully apply the tiles by pressing firmly on them. You can then smooth out any bubbles you find. If you’re using traditional tiles, you need adhesive such as grout, spacers, and a tile cutter. While it’s slightly more time-consuming, the results are sleek and durable.
Whichever method you choose, a black splash can make a big impact without you having to do a major renovation of your kitchen.
Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
Replacing old cabinet knobs and pulls is a small change that is going to have a very big visual payoff. First, you have to choose the hardware that you want to finish or complement your kitchen or bathroom.
Matte black, brush nickel, and brass are some very popular choices. Remove the hardware and then clean off the surfaces. If you’re using new sizes, there’s a chance you may need to drill some new holes.
This is where tools like Dewalt impact drivers come in handy. It will ensure clean and precise work. Once installed, new hardware can modernize even the oldest of cabinets. For extra credit, you should consider painting or refreshing your cabinet doors so that they match your new look.
Replace Light Fixtures
Swapping out old light fixtures is going to dramatically improve the look of your home. The first thing you need to do is make sure that you turn off the power supply. This is a must for safety.
This means finding the circuit breaker and shutting off the power. Remove the old fixture and follow the instructions to wire the new one. It’s a good idea to have a voltage meter on hand to confirm that power is off.
Whether you’re installing a modern pendant light in the kitchen or a chandelier in your dining room, adding new fixtures is going to enhance your home. With the right tools and safety precautions, this upgrade is always going to be DIY friendly.
Build Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are stylish and functional at the same time. They offer accessible storage while adding some architectural interest to your walls. You should start by choosing the right materials.
Walnut, pine, and oak are great choices. Cut your shelves to the right size. You can then sand them so that you can match your room’s current design.
Mounting is the trickiest part, you need to use wall studs and a level to ensure the proper alignment. Make sure you use sturdy wall brackets and hidden support for a clean and floating look.
This project requires that you have at least basic carpentry skills. However, it’s very achievable for most.
Floating shelves are perfect for showcasing your plants, decorative items, as well as your books. These work in just about any room in the home.
Weatherproof Your Doors and Windows
Drafty windows and doors will drive up your energy bills and make your home very uncomfortable. Fortunately, weatherproofing is easy and effective if you want to fix it as a DIY project.
You should start by inspecting for gaps or worn-out seals. You can then replace all weather stripping with new adhesive-backed strips.
Consider installing a door sweep to block drafts from coming in underneath. Use caulk to seal cracks around windows as well as sills. For all the windows, plastic window insulation kits can provide a temporary fix during the colder months of the year.
Not only does this upgrade increase energy efficiency, but it’s going to help with noise reduction as well. You’ll be able to keep your home more comfortable all year round. You’ll notice the difference right away.
Start Your Projec
DIY home upgrades do not have to be complicated or expensive. When you take the right approach with a few tools and a weekend, you can tackle these projects yourself. You will then see some very impressive results. Whether it is a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware, making some small changes can have a big impact, so go ahead and grab yourself some tools so you can get started as soon as possible.
The weekend is a perfect time to do projects such as this. You will be able to dedicate your time in a meaningful way, and this will ensure that the task is done a lot more quickly. Once you have completed several projects yourself, you will begin to see how easy home improvement on a budget can be.