Saturday, December 30, 2017

Easy DIY Home Upgrades That Anyone Can Do

By Stephanie Rogers


When most people think of doing home upgrades, they believe there needs to be a large cost involved. With a few simple tools and a small budget, there are many DIY home upgrades that can be completed in a single day, with minimal expense, that can change the entire look of a room and make it appear far more upscale.

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.

If light fixtures are dated and old, replacing them will make a world of difference. Buying second hand is a good way to save money. Even if the color is not what will compliment the decor, a coat of paint can fix that. If uncomfortable with the electrical hookups, ask a friend or family member who is more familiar with it to help.

Stenciling walls gives interest and depth to any room. Stencils are available in a large variety of designs. Patterns that are geometrical can be accomplished with a little imagination and painting tape. The wall can be painted first, if not happy with the existing color. Once dry, if painted, carefully apply the tape where desired and use a contrasting color to fill in areas. Once this coat has dried, peel the tape back carefully and enjoy the 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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