Now that you’ve signed your name on the dotted line, that home you’ve been dreaming about is yours to do with as you please. Unfortunately, this also means that those customization projects you’ve eager to attempt now fall squarely on your shoulders. While you could hire a contractor to come help you execute some of your home renovations, doing so can be a major investment of time and money, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be happy with the results. Instead of wasting your hard-earned cash, tap into your DIY spirit and try tackling these home renovations on your own:
Refinishing your floors
One of the biggest complaints homeowners have about their digs is the condition of their floors. Even the best-maintained homes can develop nicks, dents, and divots in the floor after years of furniture and foot traffic. Luckily, fixing less-than-beautiful flooring is inexpensive and easy, even for novices. Larger home supply chains will rent you a sander, and with just a few hours of work, you can completely transform the look of your floors.
Putting up a ceiling fan
Running central air when all you really want is a gentle breeze can make your monthly bills skyrocket. Fortunately, adding a ceiling fan to rooms where heat and ventilation tend to be issues, like kitchens and attics, is easier than you might expect. Just purchase a fan at your local hardware store and check out a YouTube tutorial on how to properly install it and you’ll have a cooler, more comfortable home in no time.
Crown molding installation
It’s no secret that crown moldings can add a touch of old-world elegance to virtually any home. What may come as a surprise, however, is just how simple it is to add this design detail to your house without the help of a professional. Most hardware stores can cut crown moldings to fit your room, and many molding varieties even come pre-painted in neutral colors like white and eggshell. Once you’ve got your moldings home, all it takes is some nails, Spackle, and an hour or two to completely transform the look of a room.
Refreshing your cabinets
If you’re looking for a home with a fully updated kitchen, luxury buildings from New York high-rises to the coastal condos at The Emerson in Oakland are outfitted with everything from quartz counters to Studio Becker cabinetry to stainless steel appliances. However, more often than not, our kitchens are not exactly the chef’s paradise we’d hoped them to be, particularly when it comes to the cabinetry. Dingy cabinets can make a kitchen look dreary and dated and make it a less-than-thrilling prospect to prepare meals there. The good news? You can make your kitchen look like a brand-new room with just a few supplies. Paint can make a big difference, as can adding decorative details, like adhering a shaker-style frame to plain cabinetry, or even swapping out knobs and drawer pulls for more modern versions.
