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There’s a fine line between taking on a home improvement project yourself and getting in over your head. The prospect of upgrading a bathroom or kitchen is exciting, an opportunity to review scores of beautiful layouts and design options and envision how they would look in your own home. Do-it-yourself projects are very popular, and there are lots of resources that can help you do it right and tools that make it easier.
However, be very careful before committing to something that could leave you in need of professional help. Remember, a home upgrade is intended to add value to your house, not cost you twice what it would have if you’d simply gone with a professional contractor. Fortunately, there are many projects that even a first-time homeowner can handle with ease.
Painting
Painting your interior is one of the simplest of all DIY tasks. It’s also one of the most economical ways to add value to your home. As a new homeowner, you’ve earned the right to paint your home whatever colors you like. It’s an exciting opportunity to indulge your creativity and do something that’s daring and a little off the wall, so to speak, or to accentuate your design decor with a fresh coat of paint. Either way, you should shoot for a look that’s uniquely yours.
If you’re working in a room with a lot of items/furniture, consider purchasing drop cloths (Home Depot offers a roll of plastic sheeting for $10.98) to cover your possessions to prevent them from getting covered in paint in the event of an accidental spill. If you want extra peace of mind, consider renting a self-storage unit to store away these items. It might seem like an extreme idea, but at least you’ll know they’re safe and sound until you’ve finished.
Flooring
People often buy a new home with the aim of redoing the flooring according to their own personal taste. Maybe the previous owners left behind a frayed and yellowing carpet or hardwood flooring with scratches and gouges from years past that they never got around to fixing. Replacing carpeting is a job best left to professionals, as is putting down a new wood floor, a popular but often expensive option (costs an average of $4,240) for enthusiastic new homeowners. In some cases, having old carpeting professionally steam cleaned can make it look like new and freshen up your interior.
Lighting
Lighting is another easy-to-do DIY project. Dimly lit rooms can benefit significantly from a few well-placed lamps or some track lighting. Track lighting can be a good DIY project, unless you’re entirely unfamiliar with installing lighting, or if you’re uncomfortable working with electricity. Consider replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs (a pack of 24 bulbs at Amazon will set you back $22.78), which last longer and are more economical. In general, it’s a good idea to go with a professional for anything that involves extensive electrical work. Electricians have certification and the knowledge to do it correctly and safely. Unless you have a lot of experience, any job that could result in a serious injury or worse should be left with the pros.
Landscaping
Your home’s landscaping design was probably one of the first things you noticed when you first saw your home. As such, you probably developed a strong impression of what you’d do with it even if you don’t have a green thumb. You don’t need to be a landscape architect to develop an attractive look, just some elbow grease, determination, and a clear idea of what you want.
Bathroom Upgrades
Bathrooms can be tricky when it comes to DIY. If you’re looking at a complete overhaul that involves your plumbing, you might be better off going with a professional contractor. However, there are some things you can do to dress up your bathroom without having to tear into the walls and reroute pipes. It’s amazing how much new faucet, shower head, lighting fixtures, and towel bars can do to make a bathroom look shiny and new. If you’re looking for something a bit more ambitious, you can upgrade your look by putting in a new vanity.
DIY projects are great opportunities to put a distinctive mark on your new home. Always seek advice and information before beginning an upgrade so you know what you’re getting into. Never be afraid to hand it over to a professional if you think you might be in over your head.