10 Home Projects You Don’t Need to Hire Out
Since home improvement projects can be a major drain on your bank account, the more you can do without hired help, the better. Foregoing professional installation saves a ton of money; money that can be used to buy high-end materials, or money just stashed away for a rainy day. But what kind of projects can you do on your own? You might be surprised to find out!
Redo Your Countertops
Granite, marble, slate — all gorgeous, and all incredibly expensive. If brand new countertops are too much of a budget buster, consider redoing your countertops with paint, concrete, or wood.
Easy Butcher Block Countertop Tutorial
Update Your Cabinets
Like countertops, springing for new cabinets will cost you a pretty penny. However, for just the cost of primer, paint, and some new knobs and pulls, you can give your kitchen cabinets a complete facelift. However, beware, this project takes a lot of prep!
See the tutorial here, and some extra tips on the perfect finish, here.
Tile a Backsplash
The perfect tiled backsplash can really pull a kitchen design together. Despite looking complicated, putting in a backsplash is fairly simple. It only requires a few tools, a good eye, and a bit of patience.
Check out the tutorial here.
Refinish Hardwood Floors
When wood flooring loses its luster, it’s time for a good old fashioned refinishing. Many people are tempted to hire someone to take care of this tedious job, but you can save a lot of dough by doing it yourself. Here are two different methods to consider:
Dress Up Windows and Doorways
Are your windows and doorways looking a little plain? Consider installing molding around the openings to add a touch of class and character!
See the tutorial here.
Build in a Bookcase
Nothing screams elegance like built-in shelving. Unfortunately, it seems to be the product of a bygone era. These days, if you want built-in shelving, short of buying an older home, you’re going to have to build it yourself.
Here are a few different options to consider:
Built in Bookcase: IKEA Billy Hack
Built in Bookcase Surrounding Window
Built in Bookcase Surrounding Door
Switch Out Those Boob Lights
Builder-grade lighting is rarely anything but functional. If you want your lighting to truly stand out, you have to get rid of flush mount fixtures. Here are a couple of options to either dress up or replace those hideous “boob lights.”
Check out these options:
Replace Your Bannister
Not only are outdated banisters and missing or broken handrails an eyesore, they’re also dangerous. If you’re itching to update your stairs, look no further than the following two tutorials. Don’t forget to use the proper hardware!
Check out these options:
Paint the Garage Floor
There are few places in the home that take as much abuse as the garage floor. Paint spills, oil leaks, heavy and sharp objects thrown around and dropped. Isn’t it time it got a little pampering? Give your garage floor a little tender loving care by refreshing it with a coat of epoxy paint.
Check out the tutorial here.
Disguise Your Foundation
Foundations are an essential part of your home — but when they’re exposed, they can really detract from curb appeal. Luckily, giving them a facelift doesn’t take too much time or money.
Here’s how:
Adding a Stone Veneer to Your Foundation
While it is not always easy to take on home improvement projects, the money you save in the end makes it well worth the effort. Plus, there’s nothing in the world that feels quite as good as the compliments that come from your hard work.
