Sunday, 24 December 2017

Easy DIY Home Upgrades That Anyone Can Do

By Stephanie Rogers


A common misconception for many people looking to upgrade their living space is that there is significant expense associated with doing updates. This is not necessarily true if one considers doing DIY home upgrades. There are simple but very effective changes that anyone with even a small budget can achieve.

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.

Old cabinets can make kitchens and bathrooms look old and dated. Replacing them can cost a ton of money. The solution is to paint them. It's simple to remove the hardware with a simple screwdriver. The hardware can either be up cycled with spray paint, or replaced with new or used ones. Prime and paint the cabinets and once dry, reinstall. It doesn't hurt to paint the insides of them as well, to complete the look.

Sliding barn doors are very popular and can be easily made at home. An inexpensive kit can be purchased for the sliding part and may even include instructions to build the corresponding door. The sliding door should be a bit larger than the opening, so use the measurements of the existing door, or the opening, and buy lumber. If staining or painting it, be sure to do so before hanging the door to reduce mistakes and messes.

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.

Adding interest to walls with stencils can change the entire space with a few hours of work. Detailed stencils can be purchased but lots of interest can also be made using painter's tape. Virtually any geometric pattern is possible and there are many examples available with a simple web search. When using painter's tape, use that of good quality and plan out the entire area before painting begins. Two careful coats is perfect. Wait until the paint is completely dry and then carefully peel the take away to reveal the fabulous new look!

Adding a wooden frame around a plain bathroom mirror gives a fresh and pricey look. Measure the sides and cut wood to fit. The wood can be stained or painted, whichever is desired. Mount the frame carefully and use small nails to attach it to the wall. It could also be glued to the edges of the mirror using a construction adhesive. This is a quick and easy project that can be completed quickly and will look great.

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.




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