The pandemic saw people staying home after the government issued shelter-in-place orders. The situation resulted in many using their time to take on home improvement projects that they had been putting off for months or years.
Homeowners also had to improve their homes to ensure productivity after employers asked them to work from home. They also understand that home projects improve family bonding moments. After the situation improved, homeowners still looked for easy DIY home improvement projects to save money while making the home look impressive.
DIY Home Improvement Projects
Renovating the house can increase the resale value of a home. But whole house renovations cost a lot of money and time. So many people choose to do smaller projects that update the home in a more affordable and time-efficient way.
Homeowners can paint, re-grout, or retile areas of the house on their own to save money. When choosing a home improvement project, it is crucial to consider the return on investment (ROI). Some projects will increase the resale value of the home more than others.
For example, painting the interior or exterior of a home is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to update a house. But installing a new roof will also increase the resale value of a home, but it is a more expensive project.
Home Improvement Ideas
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home without spending a lot of money, you have plenty of options. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
1. Enhance the Home’s Curb Appeal
When improving curb appeal, you should spruce up the lawn. And you can do this by adding new plants or flowers. You can also add new mulch or rocks to give it a fresh look. A well-manicured lawn is healthier for your family and pets. It helps keep pests and weeds at bay and creates a barrier against harmful UV rays.
Additionally, a well-maintained lawn is less likely to suffer from drought or waterlogging, which can damage your plants and soil.
2. Install Exterior Solar Lights
Installing exterior solar lights is a great way to add light to your home without using traditional energy sources. Solar lights are easy to install and can be placed in various locations around your home.
Exterior solar lights are environment-friendly and can save money on your energy bill. You can also install outdoor string lights to create a unique look for your home. It can only take a few hours to install simple outdoor string lights in your home.
3. Start a Garden
Starting a garden provides homeowners with fresh fruits and vegetables. It also gives them a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re new to gardening, starting with a small vegetable garden might be a good idea. On the other hand, if you have a green thumb and want to plant a large garden. You can grow tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other vegetables in containers on your patio or in your backyard.
4. Install a New Doorbell
Installing a new doorbell is an easy DIY project. The first thing to do is select a doorbell compatible with your home’s wiring. Then, disconnect the old doorbell from the electrical box and install the new one, following the manufacturer’s full project instructions. You should also test the doorbell to make sure it is working properly. If you are not comfortable working with electrical wires, you can hire an electrician to do the job for you.
5. Paint the Front Door
Painting the front door enhances curb appeal and can give your home a much-needed facelift. Whether you’re looking to sell or want to make your home look its best, painting the door is a simple and effective way.
Make sure to clean the door and remove the hardware before you paint the door. Cleaning the door and removing hardware ensures that the paint will go on smoothly and evenly. Once the door is dry, reattach the hardware and enjoy your new front door!
6. Install Outdoor Seating
Outdoor seating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get fresh air. Whether you have a patio, deck, or balcony, there are plenty of ways to add outdoor seating to your home. One way to add outdoor seating is to purchase some chairs or benches.
You can find all the materials at most home improvement stores or online retailers. You can use spray paint if you prefer a different color on the chairs or benches available in the market.
7. Install Exterior Window Flower Boxes
A window flower box allows you to add color to the home’s exterior. They also provide a place for plants that can attract bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. Exterior window boxes are the first living walls of a home. They can increase curb appeal and make a home look more inviting.
The first thing to do is to decide the type of box you want. Then, you should consider the size and weight of the box, especially after filling it with soil and plants. Lastly, you should choose a location for the box that gets enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow.
8. Install a Ceiling Fan in the Dining Room
A ceiling fan in the dining room is a great way to keep the room cool and comfortable during summer meals. If you have a ceiling fan that is not being used or want to purchase a new one, installing a ceiling fan over the eating area is a relatively easy project.
You should let the fan spin clockwise during winter to allow cool air to rise and distribute warm air. On the other hand, let the fan spin counterclockwise during summer to circulate cool air in the dining room.
9. Seal Drafty Doors and Windows
Sealing drafty doors and windows can save you money on your energy bills. By filling the cracks and gaps around your windows and doors, you can keep the warm air in during the winter. It also keeps the cool air in during the summer. This can help you save money on your energy bills and help keep your home more comfortable.
10. Install Energy-Saving Windows
Windows are one of the most essential features of a home. They provide natural light and ventilation and can also improve the appearance of a home. While windows come in many shapes and sizes, not all promote energy efficiency.
Replacing old windows with energy-saving windows can help reduce your monthly energy bills by keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Second, they can improve the comfort of your home by making it less drafty. Finally, they can also increase the resale value of your home.
11. Increase Natural Light
Natural light is vital for many reasons. It can help to improve your mood, increase productivity and even help you sleep better. One of the best ways to get more natural light is to add more windows to your home. If that’s not possible, you can also try installing a skylight.
You can also use white paint on the interior walls to reflect light better inside the home. If you have the opportunity, spend more time outside in natural light each day.
12. Add a Sliding Barn Door
Installing a sliding barn door is a great way to save space inside the home. Adding this option is one of the easy DIY home projects you do yourself. You can install it as the entrance for the dining area, laundry room, or any small room in the house. When installing the new door, you can use an existing doorframe or install a new one.
13. Install a Light Dimmer Switch
One way to upgrade a bedroom is to install dimmer switches. This type of switch gives you more control over the level of light in a room. It also can save you money on your energy bill by allowing you to use less light when needed. Dimmer switches are relatively easy to install but require a few extra steps than a standard light switch.
14. Update the Interior Doors
One of the most critical parts of updating your home is ensuring that the interior doors are also updated. The interior doors play an essential role in your home’s overall look and feel.
Updating the doors can give your home a fresh new look that will make it look updated and modern. It can also provide added security since newer doors have more features that can help to protect your home from burglars.
15. Enhance Interior Lighting
Being creative with interior lighting can enhance the ambiance of any room. There are various ways to achieve this, such as using lamps, candles and LED lights. Adding lamps will spread light more evenly throughout the room. Candles can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside the home. LED lights are versatile and can accent specific areas of the room or even create a soft and calming ambiance.
16. Set Up a Home Office
Even though the situation has improved, setting up a home office is a great way to stay productive and focused while working from home. It would help if you chose a quiet and comfortable spot in your home, away from distractions like the TV or family members coming and going. Ensure you have everything you need within reach, including a strong Wi-Fi connection, desktop computer, and printer. Invest in a comfortable chair and make sure your desk is at the right height to avoid neck and back pain.
17. Hide the Cords in the Home Office
After setting up the home office, you should ensure the workspace is not cluttered. So, you should look for ways to hide the cords of office equipment. Hiding the cords is one of the easy projects you can do to enhance your home.
One way to do this is to use a power strip with a cord cover. This will conceal the cords and keep them organized. You could also build your cord management system using PVC pipes. This will not only hide the cords but also protect them from wear and tear.
Another option is to use cord clips to attach the cords to the back of the desk or one of the cabinets in the home office. This will keep the cables out of sight and organized.
18. Turn the Basement into a Family Room
A family room is a perfect place to spend time together as a family. It can be used for watching TV, playing games, or hanging out. A finished basement is ideal for a family room because it is usually separate from the rest of the house, so you don’t have to worry about making too much noise.
When finishing the basement, you should ensure it’s well-insulated. This will keep the noise level down and make the space more comfortable. You’ll also want to add some lighting fixtures, like recessed lighting or track lighting, to make the space more inviting.
And finally, remember to add some comfortable furniture! A couch and some chairs will make the perfect spot for family movie nights.
19. Add Floating Shelves in the Family Room
One way to make the most of your family room’s space is to add floating shelves instead of a traditional bookcase. A floating shelf or open shelving is easy to install and can be placed anywhere in the room, even in tight spaces. Their hidden hardware gives them a sleek, airy look that frees up valuable floor space.
20. Add a Sunroom
Adding a sunroom to the home can increase its living area. Sunrooms are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from the elements. They can also be used as an extra breakfast area, playroom, workout space, or green room. There are many options available when choosing to add a sunroom. You can go with a pre-fabricated sunroom or have one custom-made.
21. Enhance the Attic
Enhancing the attic is a great way to add extra living space to the home. You can use the attic for various purposes, such as a kid’s bedroom or playroom, home office, extra bathroom or another living area. You can also get more storage space when you enhance the attic and set up cabinets in the room.
22. Create a Hidden Storage Space
Creating more storage in the home can be as simple as getting creative with the space you already have. For example, if you have a small entryway, you can create hidden storage space by repurposing an old dresser or console table. To do this, place the piece of furniture against the wall near the door and use it to store things like umbrellas, hats, and gloves.
You can also use the top of the dresser to set down keys or mail. If you don’t have room for a console table, try hanging a shelf above hooks to create an organized space for storing and displaying items.
23. Enhance the Kitchen Island
The kitchen island refers to the central piece of furniture in your kitchen for food preparation, dining and storage. To give your kitchen island a more polished and custom look, replace the hardware on the island itself. This includes the knobs on the cabinet doors and other decorative elements like hinges or latches.
Just make sure the new knobs on the kitchen cabinets go well with the overall design. You can also increase the countertop space in the kitchen. If you currently have a small island, consider adding an extension or leaf to increase space for food preparation.
However, if your island is too large, consider removing some cabinets to make it more manageable.
24. Tile the Backsplash
Installing tiles on the backsplash is a great way to protect your walls from food stains. Many different colors, sizes, and shapes of tiles are available so that you can find the perfect match for your kitchen. To install the tiles, start by measuring the space and marking your starting point.
Apply tile mastic to the wall and then insert spacers between the tiles. Continue until the entire backsplash is covered. You may need to score and cut tiles around electrical outlets.
25. Modernize the Kitchen Appliances
Upgrading kitchen appliances is one of the best things a homeowner can do to save money. Newer models are much more energy-efficient than older ones, so the savings on your utility bills will quickly offset the cost of the latest appliances. When you’re looking for a new refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, or washing machine, research the different models to find the most energy-efficient option.
26. Replace the Showerhead
Using a low-flow showerhead can help homeowners lower their water bills. These showerheads provide the same sensation of water flow as a regular showerhead but use less water. Homeowners with a showerhead with a low flow should check to see if hard-water deposits are clogging the holes.
Newer models of showerheads often come with additional features, such as changing the spray style, pivoting angles, and temperature settings. By upgrading to a newer model, homeowners can save water and have a relaxing shower experience.
27. Replace the Bathroom Sink
Installing a new bathroom sink is a quick and easy way to update your bathroom. Whether you’re looking for a new style or more functionality, many options exist. When shopping for a new bathroom sink, you should consider the bathroom size and the family’s needs. You should also choose a sink in the same color and style as the bathroom countertop.
28. Install a Medicine Cabinet
Installing a medicine cabinet in the bathroom is an easy DIY project. You can use a stud finder and a drill to facilitate the installation. A flush-mounted cabinet also avoids cutting away drywall and recessing the cabinet between studs. This type of installation is also quicker than recessed installation. In addition, a flush-mounted cabinet will usually be shallower than a recessed one. It also does not protrude into the bathroom space like a recessed cabinet.
29. Enhance the Staircase
Enhancing the staircase can make a big difference in the look of your home. The staircase design should be consistent with the overall architecture of the house. It should also be functional and safe. There are many ways to enhance the staircase.
Some people choose to add decorative elements such as railings or embellishments. Others may opt for more functional enhancements, such as adding a stairlift. Whatever route you choose, be sure to keep safety in mind.
30. Install Wallpaper
Installing wallpaper is a great way to add color and pattern to your room. Wallpaper is available in various materials, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Today’s prepasted papers make installation easy.
Just be sure to measure the height and width of each wall and multiply those numbers to calculate the square footage of the wall. You can also use wallpaper to create an accent wall. This allows you to add a pop of color without overwhelming the room.
31. Bring Plants into the Home
Bringing plants into the home is vital for a variety of reasons. First, plants can improve air quality, helping to remove toxins from the air. This is important for anyone, especially those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Plants can also help to reduce stress levels and create a more calming environment. Finally, plants can improve creativity and productivity, making the home more functional. All of these benefits make plants a great addition to any home.
32. Install Wall Molding
Installing crown molding on the wall and ceiling is a great way to add style and definition to any room. The material connects the walls with the ceiling. Installing molding highlights this area of a room. It also adds character to a space. When choosing crown molding for your home, make sure to complement your home’s architectural style.
33. Hang Mirrors
Hanging a mirror in a room can create the illusion of a larger space. Placing a mirror across from a window will also help to reflect light throughout the room and make it appear brighter. If you don’t have a lot of wall space, try hanging a small mirror in a strategic spot to make the room feel open and airy.
34. Install Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring can be an excellent option for your home. It is durable and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas. You can finish installing the material over a single weekend, unlike installing wood floors, which will take longer to complete.
You only need basic tools and materials to install vinyl flooring yourself. Loose-lay vinyl is ideal for covering painted concrete since the material does not require adhesive to install.
35. Re-upholster Old Furniture
Reupholstering old furniture can give it a second life. Recovering a basic seat is easy. You need to measure the cushion to know the fabric you need. Allow a few inches to fold over the bottom of the seat. Take out the seat and repair it or add new padding to the chair.
Add Value with Home Improvement Projects
DIY projects can be a great way to improve your home. They are affordable and allow you to customize the project to fit your needs. There are many DIY projects that you can do yourself, from installing wallpaper to adding molding. Be sure to keep safety in mind when undertaking any DIY project. If you’re uncomfortable doing the work yourself, consider hiring a professional.