DIY or Disaster? How Small Projects Can Add Big Value to Your Home

written by

Jim Mucci

posted on

November 22, 2024

home projects value boost

Want to make your home worth more? You can do many fun projects yourself! Let's keep it safe and smart.

Start by painting your walls. Pick safe paints that don't smell bad for inside. Use tough paint that lasts long for outside. This makes your home look fresh and new.

Make your kitchen look better by cleaning your cabinets well. Paint them with good paint and put on new handles. This is an easy way to get a new look.

Save money on your bills by putting in a smart tool that controls your heat and air. Also, seal up gaps around doors and windows to keep warm air inside.

Use your walls to make more space. Put up shelves and hooks to store your things up high.

Stay safe! Wear safety gear like gloves and masks. Some jobs are too big or hard – that's when you should ask for help from experts.

These simple jobs can make your home worth more money without causing problems.

Smart Paint Projects That Pay Off

profitable diy paint ideas

Fresh paint can make your home worth more money. The best place to start is your front door – a new coat of paint can give you back more than double what you spent when you sell.

Stay safe when you paint. You need:

  • A mask to help you breathe
  • Strong gloves
  • Safety glasses

Clean the walls first. Fix any holes. Put on primer where you see bare spots.

For inside your home, pick paint that won't make the air bad to breathe.

When you paint doors and cabinets, buy good brushes and paint in small, smooth strokes.

Kitchen Updates on a Budget

Want to make your kitchen look better without spending too much? Start with your cabinets, handles, and wall tiles.

To make cabinets look new, clean them well and use good paint. Put the paint on in thin layers.

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For new handles and stick-on wall tiles, use paper cut-outs first to see where they should go. This helps you get it right the first time and save money.

Paint Cabinet Makeover

Want to give your kitchen a new look? Painting your cabinets is a great way to do it! It costs much less than buying new ones.

First, take off all the handles. Clean the cabinets very well with TSP cleaner. This helps get rid of any grease. Then sand them until they feel smooth. This is very important!

Next, put on a good cabinet primer. Paint in thin layers. Pick paint made just for cabinets – it can be oil or water based.

Use a foam roller on the flat parts. Use a brush for the small spots. After each coat dries, sand it lightly.

Make sure you open windows while you work. Wear a mask to stay safe from fumes. Take your time and you'll get great results!

Hardware and Backsplash Tips

Want to make your kitchen look better? You can change the handles and add a pretty wall behind your counter. These small changes can make a big impact!

When picking new handles, make sure they match your kitchen's look. Check that they fit the old holes in your cabinets.

For the wall behind your counter (called a backsplash), always wear safety glasses and use the right tools.

You can pick from these backsplash types:

  • Glass tiles make your kitchen look new and fresh
  • White subway tiles give a timeless look
  • Stick-on tiles are fast to put up

Before you start, clean your wall well. Make sure it's flat and has no dirt. Put the glue on evenly and use small spacers to keep tiles straight. After you're done, seal the lines between tiles to keep water out.

For handles, cut out paper the same size as your handles. This helps you mark where they go. This way, you won't make extra holes in your cabinets.

Curb Appeal Quick Wins

enhance your home s exterior

Your home can look better with just a few days of work. You don't need big changes or lots of money.

First, clean your walkway and house with a power washer. Paint your front door with strong paint that can handle rain and sun. Pick a new door handle too. Choose colors that look good with other houses nearby, but make yours a little special. Put up new house numbers and lights that match your home's style.

Cut neat edges in your grass and put fresh mulch in your garden. Take out dead plants and put in new flowers that bloom right now.

Fix any cracks you see in your driveway. Paint any spots where old paint is coming off. These small fixes make your house look nice and keep it strong and worth more money.

Bathroom Refreshes That Matter

Your bathroom can look much better with some simple changes. Start by fixing any leaks and cleaning up any black spots on the walls.

Make sure your fan works well to keep the air fresh and dry. You can make your old sink look new by adding nice handles.

Save money by painting your old cabinet instead of buying a new one. Pick toilets and faucets that use less water. This helps save money on water bills.

Put in bright LED lights that are safe for bathrooms. Make sure all power outlets have special safety switches.

Before you start any big changes, check what your city allows. This keeps you and your home safe.

Energy-Efficient DIY Upgrades

sustainable home improvement projects

Your home can save money when you make it cozy and smart. A smart thermostat helps control your heat and cooling better.

First, turn off the power. Then match the wires to the right spots.

Put weatherstrips on doors and windows too. When you close them, the strips should touch all the way around.

These simple fixes can save you money on your bills – up to $20 for every $100 you spend on energy.

Smart Thermostat Installation Tips

Getting a smart thermostat in your home takes a few easy steps. First, make sure your heating and cooling system can work with a smart thermostat. You also need to check if you have the right wires, like the blue C-wire that gives power to your new thermostat.

Here's what to do:

  1. Cut the power – Look at your breaker box and turn it off.
  2. Take off your old thermostat – Write down where each wire goes.
  3. Put up the new wall plate – Make it straight.
  4. Hook up the wires – Match the colors right.
  5. Put on the new screen – Make sure it works.

Take your time when you put in the new wires. Give each wire a soft tug to make sure they won't fall out. Many people rush this part, but loose wires can break your thermostat.

Once everything is set, turn the power back on. Then you can join your home's internet and set up your new thermostat. Your thermostat will come with steps to help you set the right times and temps.

Weatherstripping Made Simple

Your home feels warmer and costs less to heat when you add weatherstripping. Think of weatherstripping as a cozy blanket that stops cold air from sneaking in. You need to pick the right type: sticky foam tape for windows, metal strips for doors, or sweeps that go under doors.

First, clean where you want to put the strips. Take off any old strips with a knife. Wipe the spot with cleaner.

When you measure, add a bit extra to make sure you have enough. Put the strips on door edges where they press in when you close the door. For windows, put strips where the moving part meets the frame.

Close the door or window to check if you feel any cold air coming in.

Space-Saving Storage Solutions

Let's make our homes feel bigger! Think up, not out, to save space. You can put shelves all the way to the ceiling. Hang tools on wall boards. Use the back of doors to store things.

Pick smart furniture that works hard for you. Get footstools that open up to store stuff inside. Buy beds with drawers under them. Look for hidden spots in your home – like under stairs or above doors. These spots can hold your things if you plan well.

Stay safe when you put up storage. Use strong wall hooks and check where it's safe to drill. Know how much weight your shelves can hold. Make sure tall storage units won't fall over.

You'll need tools like a stud finder and drill to do the job right.

Weekend Landscaping Projects

diy outdoor improvement ideas

Let's make your yard look amazing just like your home. First, draw a simple map of your yard. Look for three things: places you use a lot, spots that need fixing, and areas you want people to notice.

You'll need some tools to help: a strong cart with wheels, sharp cutting tools, thick gloves, and a kit to test your dirt.

You can start with easy jobs that make a big difference fast. Try making clean edges around your garden, putting wood chips around trees, or adding lights along your paths. These jobs take about half a day.

If you have hills in your yard, start at the bottom and work your way up. Put down mats that stop dirt from washing away. Make sure water flows away from your house.

Call your local helpers before you dig any holes. Keep yourself safe – wear strong shoes and glasses to protect your eyes.