Home improvement projects can greatly enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of your home. More and more homeowners are realizing the benefits of do-it-yourself (DIY) home upgrades rather than hiring contractors. DIY projects allow you to customize your home to your unique style and needs, often at a fraction of the cost of hiring out. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can tackle many renovations and updates yourself. Here are some of the top DIY home improvement ideas to consider for your next project.
Diy Home Improvement Ideas
DIY home improvement has become a popular trend in recent years. Homeowners have discovered the satisfaction, creativity, and cost-savings that come with taking on projects themselves. The rise of home improvement TV shows, websites, blogs, and social media groups have inspired even novice DIYers to pick up a paintbrush or power tool.
Beyond just being a hobby, DIY upgrades can add considerable value to your home. Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for 2022 found that homeowners can recoup over 60% of the cost of many popular renovations when they go to sell their home. Curb appeal projects had the highest return on investment, followed by bathroom and kitchen renovations.
With proper planning and execution, you can tackle many big upgrades yourself over weekends and free time. Even small-scale DIY projects can make a noticeable difference in the look and feel of your place. Read on for some interior, exterior, and other home improvement ideas you can take on without the hefty price tag of contractors.
Interior Home Improvement Ideas
Some of the most impactful changes you can make are inside your home. A fresh coat of paint or new flooring will make the whole house feel updated. Consider taking on these indoor DIY projects to give your rooms a new look and feel:
Painting the Walls
Painting is an affordable way to instantly transform the entire mood of a room. Just switching up the wall color can make a space feel fresh and different. Painting the walls yourself is an easy, beginner DIY project.
First, prepare the walls by cleaning, repairing holes or cracks, and applying primer. Next, use painter’s tape for clean edges and paint 2-3 coats with a roller. Allow proper drying time between coats. Pro tip: use high quality paint and primer for a more durable finish.
Installing Crown Molding
Crown molding is an elegant detail that adds character and value. With some basic carpentry skills and tools, you can tackle installing crown molding yourself. Carefully measure the room and cut the molding pieces to size with a miter saw. Use a stud finder to locate and pre-drill into wall studs. Secure the molding to the walls and ceiling with finish nails. Caulk and touch up paint for seamless results.
Updating Simple Fixtures
Swapping out dated light fixtures, faucets, and hardware is a simple but high-impact change. Visit your local home improvement store to browse the many affordable options available today. Just be sure to match the finishes to your overall decor. With some basic tools and YouTube guidance, you can handle installing new fixtures in a few hours.
Installing Ceiling Fans
Adding a ceiling fan to a room lacking ventilation can make a noticeable difference in comfort. They are also an easy upgrade over outdated flushmount lights. Choose a fan with the right size motor for the square footage. Turn off power at the breaker before wiring the new fan. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely install the mounting bracket, fan body, blades and light kit if applicable.
Installing New Window Treatments
New window blinds, shades or curtains can instantly refresh the look of a room. Measure the window openings carefully before purchasing to get custom-fit options. Installing new window hardware often just involves drilling in screws or using adhesive strips. For a more upscale look, hang curtain rods and drapes extending a few inches past the window edges.
Uncovering and Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Many older homes have beautiful hardwood floors hidden underneath dated carpeting. Carefully pull up the carpet and pad to reveal the floors underneath. Rent a drum sander and edger to sand away any glue or debris. Vacuum up dust thoroughly. Apply new polyurethane finish for protection and sheen. Refinished hardwoods can make a home feel luxurious.
Cleaning the Fireplace
Has your fireplace been neglected for too long? Give it new life with a thorough DIY cleaning. First remove all ash and debris inside the firebox with a small shovel and vacuum. Use a wire brush attachment to clean the brick or stone interior. Use mild soap and water with a heavy duty scrub brush to clean the exterior. Finish by sealing the stone or grout if needed. Enjoy a cozy fire in your refreshed space.
Installing New Bathroom Tile
Dated plastic surrounds and molded fiberglass tubs make a bathroom feel old. Installing new tile wainscoting and surrounds makes a huge impact. Select your materials like tile, thinset and grout. Remove the old surround or wall coverings. Prepare the surface and lay the tile from bottom to top using spacers. Let dry fully before applying grout. Seal the grout after drying for water protection. Enjoy your spa-like new space.
Updating Bathroom Fixtures
Even small changes like a fresh coat of paint and new faucets and showerheads can give your bathroom a brand new look. Swap out the old dated fixtures for new ones in brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or matte black for an updated vibe. Make sure to turn off the water supply and read the manufacturer’s instructions for each new fixture. Some silicone sealant or plumber’s putty may be needed around sink drains.
Painting the Kitchen Cabinets
Tired of dull dated cabinets? Painting them yourself allows you to transform the look without replacing. First, clean and lightly sand the cabinet boxes and doors. Apply a bonding primer before topping with acrylic enamel cabinet paint. Use painter’s tape and foam rollers for the cleanest finish. Add new modern hardware like knobs and pulls to finish the refreshed style.
Updating Knobs and Pulls
One of the simplest ways to update tired cabinets or dressers is by switching out the existing hardware. Standard sizing makes it easy to find replacement knobs and pulls at your local hardware store or online. Use a drill to carefully remove the old hardware. Fill any leftover holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Install the new hardware following included templates. Enjoy your updated space!
Exterior Home Improvement Ideas
The outside of your home makes the all-important first impression, so focus some DIY effort here for maximum curb appeal. Tackling these outdoor upgrades can help you boost your home’s value while creating an inviting exterior space to enjoy:
Power Washing the Driveway, Walkways and Patio
Outdoor concrete surfaces tend to get stained and dingy over time. Renting a power washer allows you to easily blast away dirt, mud, mildew and grime. Carefully choose the pressure PSI and nozzle for each surface. Work methodically in sections while spraying at an angle. Let the surfaces dry fully before sealing or staining if desired.
Upgrading or Cleaning up Existing Landscaping
Well-designed landscaping can greatly boost your home’s curb appeal while adding functional outdoor space. Focus first on pruning overgrown trees and shrubs, and defining hardscape spaces like patios. Transplanting newer plants into blank areas adds vibrancy. Laying fresh mulch or rock creates a polished look. Outdoor lighting extends enjoyment into the evenings.
Installing a New Front Door
The front door makes a bold first impression on visitors. Choose one with elegant character, like with arched tops or glass insets. Use an electric drill to remove the old door and hardware. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new pre-hung door into the frame. Adjust hinges as needed so the door operates smoothly and seals tightly when closed. Add a welcome mat to finish the look.
Building a Deck
Adding an open deck creates a wonderful outdoor living space for dining, relaxing or entertaining. Draw up plans and get proper permits before starting. Dig holes for concrete piers to support the deck frame and allow proper drainage. Construct the deck frame level and square. Add deck boards, railings and stairs last. Stain or seal the new wood to protect it from the elements. Enjoy your expanded living area.
Other Home Improvement Ideas
Beyond just interior and exterior projects, consider these other ways to enhance your home’s functionality and design:
Increasing Storage Space
Lack of sufficient storage space is one of the most common problems in many homes. Get creative with small unused spaces by turning them into storage solutions. Install upper wall cabinets, built-in shelving, closet organizers and drawer dividers. Multi-level garage storage systems also add substantial space. Properly utilized storage can make a home feel larger.
Improving Natural Light
Dark dreary interiors can be brightened up by improving natural lighting. Strategically placed new windows, skylights and glass doors usher in free daylight. If adding windows is not feasible, consider light tubes or solar tubes to direct sunshine in from roof level. Also paint interiors white or light colors to maximize reflected brightness. Proper lighting makes any home more cheery and inviting.
Designing an Open Floor Plan
Closed off cramped rooms can limit livability and flow in a home. Opening up walls between rooms creates a more free-flowing floor plan. Carefully plan load-bearing walls that must remain. Remove or alter non-load-bearing walls to improve sightlines. Create wide openings with headers or arched top openings. The more open and connected feel will make your home’s spaces more functional and impressive.
Adding Decorative Hardware
Sometimes small inexpensive details can make a dramatic design difference. Swap out dated cabinet knobs and pulls, light fixtures, switch plates and door handles for more stylish updated options. Brushed metals like nickel and bronze have an elegant modern look. Visit your local hardware store for a wide and affordable selection of options to match your personal style.
Upgrading the Front Exterior
Make a stellar first impression by enhancing your home’s front exterior beyond just the door. Freshen up or install new decorative siding, stone, or brick. Add elegant column wraps around porch posts. Extend the roofline overhang for added style. Plant colorful flowers and add hardscape details like pavers leading to the entrance. Improve exterior lighting too. A small investment here goes a long way in added curb appeal.
Conclusion
After reading through this extensive list of popular DIY home upgrades, hopefully you feel inspired to tackle your next renovation project yourself. With proper planning, right tools for the job, and some perseverance, you can likely handle more improvements than you think. Beyond just saving money, you will feel a great sense of personal satisfaction in enhancing your home with your own handiwork.
These interior, exterior and additional home improvement ideas are intended to spark your creativity for changes that would work best for your particular home. Think about fixes and upgrades that would remedy problematic spaces, or create the features and atmosphere you have been longing for. Your home should suit your unique personality and needs. DIY projects allow you to accomplish just that, while adding value at the same time. Before starting any major renovation, be sure to check in with your local building codes department for any permit requirements. Improve your DIY skills through online tutorials, instructional videos and home improvement courses at local hardware stores. Then go make your house your home with pride and purpose as you take on your exciting new projects.
FAQs
What are some beginner DIY projects for first-time home renovators?
Some good starter DIY projects include painting walls and trims, installing new light fixtures, updating hardware and faucets, adding new curtain rods and window treatments, refinishing cabinets with paint and new hardware, and building simple floating shelves.
What tools do I need to get started with basic DIY home improvements?
Having a basic toolkit that includes a drill, drill bits, drivers, saw, hammer, pliers, tape measure, level, caulk gun, sanders, ladder, and basic personal protective equipment will allow you to tackle many simple renovations.
How much can I reasonably expect to save by doing DIY home improvement projects rather than hiring contractors?
It varies based on the complexity of the job, but most sources estimate you can save 30% to 60% or more on many projects by doing it yourself versus paying contractors and their labor fees.
What home improvements generally offer the best return on investment?
According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report, the projects that recoup the highest percentage of their cost when selling a home include garage door replacement, manufactured stone veneer, minor kitchen remodels, window replacements, and mid-range bathroom remodels.
What precautions should I take when doing demolition or remodeling old home components?
Use proper protective gear like masks, gloves, and eye protection when tearing anything out. Go slow and check for hidden electrical wiring and plumbing before proceeding. Wet construction areas to minimize airborne dust. Contain debris for easy cleanup. Check for lead paint or asbestos before disturbing older home materials.
What DIY home improvements could require a building permit?
Many larger structural changes like adding new windows or doors, remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, finishing basements, building decks, and electrical or plumbing work may require permits. Check with your local permit office for requirements before beginning complex renovations.
