DIY Home Upgrades That Won't Break The Bank

Posted by Brett Slansky | 12:03 AM | 0 comments »

By Stephanie Rogers


Home upgrades don;t need to come with a huge price tag. Anyone who has a few hours of time and some basic tools can make beautiful changes to their space with even the smallest of budgets. DIY home upgrades are the simplest and cheapest way to make updates that will make a space look brand new.

Adding crown moldings draws the eye up and makes any room seem larger. Buying these already made to install is pricey. Choosing several smaller boards and putting them up together saves a lot of money and makes them look unique as well. Carefully measure before purchasing. Cut the boards to fit the room, and paint them before installing. Baseboards can be completed in the same way, making them appear glamorous and expensive, with very little expense.

Nothing dates a kitchen or bathroom like old cabinets but a kitchen renovation can cost thousands of dollars. Painting is a simple, inexpensive, and excellent way to get an updated look at a fraction of the cost of replacing cabinets. Start by selecting a primer and durable paint in whatever color desired. Doors and hardware should be removed and any surface that is to be painted must be sanded to help the new paint adhere. A coat of primer will also help the paint adhere and will make it easier to cover darker colors with the new color. Two coats of paint over the primer is always advised. The hardware can be reused, and even changes with a coat of spray paint, or, check second hand stores for next to new hinges and handles that will make everything look different.

Another popular DIY is to replace doors with sliding barn doors. The hardware for this is easily purchased in a kit and may even include how to build the door. If not, carefully measure the opening and ensure the door is built a bit larger to ensure coverage. Stain or paint the wood before or after building and install according to the instructions in the hardware kit.

Swapping out old light fixtures makes a big difference in any room. There are many ways to find inexpensive fixtures such as second hand stores or local websites for buying and selling new and used items. Of course, if unsure about how to install one, it is always best to recruit help from someone experienced in making small electrical repairs.

Instead of simply painting walls, consider using stencils for a unique and updated look. Stencils can be purchased, but for geometric patterns, a great way to accomplish this is by designing it using painter's tape. The design can be whatever is desired and can be a couple of colors or many different ones. Either use the existing wall color and tape off areas to paint to add contrast, or start fresh with a new base color. Always make sure paint is completely dry before moving to a new color and carefully peel tape to ensure it doesn't remove paint beneath it.

Adding a frame to an otherwise plain mirror gives a beautiful, finished look. Measure the mirror and then select wood to go around the sides. It can be stained or painted as desired. Then, carefully nail or glue it to the mirror for a bathroom makeover that makes a surprising difference.

There are endless options when updating your space. Anyone can do these with minimal tools and expense. Doing it yourself is a great way to add value and interest to any home, even if there is a very small budget available. Be careful because once DIY projects start, it can be very difficult to stop, especially once it is realized how simple and inexpensive home updates can be.




About the Author:



0 comments