The pandemic saw a surge in home renovation projects as Americans sought to make their homes more comfortable and efficient for working and learning from home. While many homeowners hired professionals to work on the projects, others opted for do-it-yourself or DIY home renovation projects.
These renovations focused mainly on making the home suitable for work and study. Home offices and dedicated study spaces were popular, as were kid-friendly playrooms and improved outdoor living spaces.
The home improvement projects also made the home more comfortable to stay in after the government implemented travel restrictions to slow down the spread of the virus.
You might have caught a different kind of bug – the home renovation bug. But do you know where to start? Here’s an introduction to DIY home renovation.
Importance of Home Renovation
Home renovation is a great way to make living more comfortable. Renovating a home also extends its usable lifespan and increases energy efficiency. If you’re planning to sell, renovations can increase the home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers. But you should know how not to overcapitalize your home renovation to ensure you can recoup your expenses on the project.
Even if you’re not planning to sell, renovations can improve your quality of life by making your home more comfortable and functional.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning a home renovation.
- Make sure that your renovation is necessary. If your home is in good condition, there’s no need to spend money on unnecessary repairs or renovations.
- Set a budget for your renovation and stick to it.
- Prepare all the materials needed.
Benefits of DIY Home Renovation
Renovating a home is costly, especially if you hire a contractor to work on the project. But you can save money by working on the project yourself. A DIY approach is ideal for minor home improvements. Here are some benefits you can get when you work on the project yourself.
Save Money
Saving money is one of the reasons homeowners work on the renovation project themselves. It is not only the cost of hiring someone to do the work but also the cost of materials that adds up quickly.
Many contractors use high-end products even though there are more affordable options available in a home improvement store. Homeowners who are renovating on their own will be able to find these cheaper alternatives and reap big savings while enhancing their homes.
Acquire New Skills
Working on DIY projects allows you to improve your current skills and knowledge. It is crucial to have a good understanding of the tools needed and technologies used to complete the project successfully.
Among the skills you can acquire are installing crown molding, putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, and making the house feel brand new.
Create a Network
When you work on a budget remodel project, you can create a network of help. Your network can include suppliers of building materials, designers, and contractors. Talking to your friends and neighbors lets you know more about their remodeling experiences. It also helps you find people who can help you with your project. You can also search online for forums dedicated to budget remodeling. This is a great way to get ideas and learn from the experiences of others.
Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation Ideas
Here are some great remodeling ideas to get you started if you’re planning a home renovation.
Give Your Kitchen a Makeover
One of the most popular home renovation projects is a kitchen makeover. Start by painting the walls and existing cabinets, replacing the hardware, and installing new cabinet knobs. Consider the installation of new countertops and appliances if you have the budget. You can also implement a kitchen remodel and start from scratch if you’re ambitious. Why not install new flooring or add a kitchen island to the room?
Upgrade the Bathroom
Another popular home renovation project is updating your bathroom. Replace the fixtures before moving on to other upgrades like painting, tiling, or installing new countertops. Towel bars are also helpful additions to the bathroom.
Remodel the Dining Room
Making the dining area conducive to eating and entertaining is a worthy home renovation project. The first step is to declutter and remove any unnecessary furniture. Then, spray paint the walls and add new light fixtures. If you have the budget, install new hardwood floors or replace the old ones. Finally, add some finishing touches like a new tablecloth and placemats.
Increase the Living Space
You can also increase your home’s livable space by renovating. One of the best ways to do this is by finishing your basement. Basements often have a lot of extra space that you can turn into additional living areas. Add another room to your home, such as a sunroom or guest room. Working on the outdoor space in your property can also give your home more room when you build a deck or patio. Installing glass doors also enhances the overall look of the outdoor space.
Install Energy-Efficient Light Fixtures
Installing energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut your energy consumption at home. You can replace traditional light bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to reduce energy use by up to 90 percent. The new hardware also lasts 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
Install New Shelves on Unused Corners
Put unused corners in your home to good use. One great DIY home renovation idea is to install floating shelves on these corners. This will give you extra storage space for books, knick-knacks, and picture frames. It’s a simple project that you can do in just a few hours, and it will make a big difference in the look and feel of your home.
Give the Front Door a Fresh Coat of Paint
Another great DIY project idea is to give the front door a paint job. Painting the entryway is an excellent option to enhance it since a new door costs a lot of money. This quick and easy project can make a difference in your home’s curb appeal. Choose a color that compliments the rest of your home’s exterior, and be sure to prep the door properly before putting on the exterior paint.
Clean Up the Driveway
Cleaning up the driveway is another way to enhance your home. Use a power washer to remove dirt and debris on the driveway. Use light-duty equipment when power washing the area since water pressure can damage concrete.
Tips for Home Renovation Work
Renovation work on your home can be a great way to improve its value and make it more comfortable and attractive. However, it is essential to carefully consider all aspects of the project before beginning to avoid any costly surprises or disappointments. Here are some tips to help you ensure that your home renovation project goes smoothly:
Plan Ahead
Know what you want to achieve and have a general idea of how you will do it. This prevents nasty surprises and makes the whole process smoother. Planning also allows you to save more money since you can buy materials at a minimal cost.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Seeing the outdoors from inside the house enhances your home living experience. So, it would be best if you take advantage of natural light. You can also install larger windows. But if you have a limited budget, a low-cost solution is using a lighter shade of paint for the window compared to the other parts of the house.
Use Mirrors
Making a room feel bigger does not always require a major renovation. Visit the neighborhood thrift stores and look for mirrors to instantly transform a room and make it look bigger.
Leave Electrical Work to Professionals
If you are not a licensed electrician, never attempt to do any electrical work in your home, no matter how small or simple it may seem. Electrical work is one of the most dangerous types of home renovation, and even a simple mistake can lead to serious injury or even death. If you are not comfortable doing electrical work, hire a professional electrician to handle it.
Following these home renovation ideas can breathe new life into your home without spending a lot of money. These projects will also increase the value of your home should you decide to sell in the future. So, don’t hesitate to get started on your next home improvement project!
