Once the weather improves and it becomes a little nicer out, many people seek to spruce up their houses after a winter of harsh weather. If you want to get into home improvement but are new to the DIY game, you’re probably looking for some easy projects that won’t cost too much. To help you out, we’ve rounded up a dozen of our favorite home improvement projects that won’t break the bank.
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Repaint your Rooms.
Paint is one of the cheapest ways to significantly change the appearance of your interior. Paint just one wall a bold color for a quick accent or do the whole room to give it a new look. If you’re confident in your painting skills, you can get creative with patterned rollers. Peel-and-stick removable wallpaper is also a great way to quickly update your room if you’re not ready to fully commit to real wallpaper yet.
Replace your Blinds.
While replacing your blinds may seem like a huge project, it’s actually pretty straightforward. If you’re on a budget but prefer a traditional look, faux wood blinds offer an excellent blend of affordability and style. If you have oddly shaped windows or a specific aesthetic you’re going for, custom wood blinds can help you achieve your ideal look.
Put Up a Kitchen Backsplash.
Speaking of peel and stick, you can easily upgrade your kitchen backsplash using this adhesive. Choose water-resistant wallpaper or opt for tile look-alikes made of vinyl instead. You can also get creative and use chalkboard paint or another type of paint to liven up your backsplash. If you’re afraid to actually attach things to the walls, create a portable tile backsplash by adhering some tile to a piece of plywood and leaning it against the wall.
Update your Faucets.
Installing new hardware is another quick fix that will improve your kitchen or bathroom. Whether your faucets are moldy, leaky or just outdated, updating them can improve both the form and function of your house. Don’t forget the shower while you’re at it. A low-flow showerhead can improve water pressure while reducing your water bill.
Add stair Brackets.
It’s the small touches that elevate your home and make it look carefully put together and well-maintained. Adding stair brackets is a simple home improvement project that will update your staircase in a big way and look much more expensive than it actually is. While stair brackets don’t really serve a functional purpose, they look great.
Refinish a Wooden Deck.
All wood decks age over time as the wood is exposed to the elements. If your wood deck is looking grey and weathered, and not in an intentional way, it’s time to give it a facelift. First, power wash and/or scrub the deck to remove mold and mildew. After letting it dry completely, restain it or cover it with a semi-transparent seal if you like the original color.
Give your House a Wash.
Power washing isn’t just good for the deck. It can also be used to blast grime off siding, brick, patios, walkways and more. If the outside of your house is looking a bit dirty, fire up the pressure washer and get spraying. If you already own a pressure washer, this project will take only a few hours of your time and it can make a big difference in improving your house’s exterior. Just be careful of the windows if you have a really powerful pressure washer.
Recaulk the Bathroom.
thanks to the water and humidity, bathroom caulk gets gross pretty easily. thankfully, fixing it is equally easy as long as you have a few supplies and a steady hand. simply scrape off the old caulk, clean and tape the seam, apply the new caulk and smooth it down. make sure to use a tub and tile caulk that is specifically meant for the bathroom.
Install a Ceiling Fan.
If your ceiling is already wired for a light, installing a ceiling fan isn’t a difficult update. A ceiling fan will not only provide light, it will also circulate the air to help keep you cool during the summer which will lower your A/C bill. Make sure to shut off the electricity to the room and double-check the wall switch doesn’t work before beginning any electrical work.
Update your Kitchen Cabinets.
No, we don’t mean installing new cabinets. That’s a huge hassle and a big expense to boot. However, you can seriously upgrade your existing cabinets by giving them a fresh coat of paint and updating the handles or knobs. You can either strip off the existing paint or prime the wood and just paint over it. Make sure to carefully measure before buying new hardware so you can use the existing holes.
Put Up a Stair Runner.
Wood stairs look great, but they pose a tripping hazard. You can make your stairs safer and more attractive by installing a stair runner, which is basically a long, narrow carpet that runs the length of the stairs. Staple the runner directly to the stairs or add stair rods for a more sophisticated design touch. If your stairs get a lot of wear and tear, you might want to choose an indoor-outdoor runner for added durability.
Fix Small Wood Scratches.
Over time, even the highest quality wood furniture will sustain scratches and scrapes. If your wood furniture has some surface blemishes, get yourself a set of wood stain markers that can be used to touch up the nicks. If you have deeper gouges that go beyond the surface, you might be able to fill them in with colored wax and then buff the surface flat so it blends together.
Whether you’re new to home improvement or just looking for some quick projects you can do around the house, any of these 12 affordable ideas are a great way to spruce up your house without draining your savings.