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Top 10 DIY Renovations
Are you looking for a way to spruce up your home but want to do it yourself? While there are some jobs that should always be left to the professionals (electricians and plumbers being perfect examples), there are some jobs that you can do yourself that will make a big difference.
#1 – Refinish Kitchen Cabinets
Are your kitchen cabinets looking a little worse for wear? Don’t necessgo to the expense of replacing them. There are products available that allow you to literally paint the cabinets, restoring them so that they look brand new once again. There is a huge range of colours available, so for a small cost and a little time, you could change the look of your entire kitchen.
#2 – New Knobs make all the Difference
New knobs on doors and cabinetry make a surprising amount of difference. Oftentimes, people leave the knobs on their doors and cabinets until they break, meaning that they start to look old, tired, and generally old fashioned. Replacing the knobs is an easy way to instantly pep things up in the home.
#3 – Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Want to improve the energy efficiency of your home? Insulation is the way to go. You can buy batts of insulation from just about any hardware store, and they are easy to install yourself. Just lay them in the ceiling space and away you go! Just remember to use the correct safety equipment, and buy the best insulating batts that you can afford.
#4 – A Good Lick of Paint
Paint is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to completely change the look of a room, with literally thousands of colours available. And it’s not just about changing the colour – with the new paints available, you can even change the texture. Think shimmery metallics, suede effect, limewash, or even rust effect. If you have boring walls, a feature wall will instantly pep up the whole room. Don’t play it safe. If it doesn’t work out, it’s just a matter of buying another tin of paint and trying again!
#5 – New Bathroom or Kitchen Taps
Replacing the bathroom taps or kitchen taps can change the look of the room instantly. Older, dull taps can date the look of the room and are generally unappealing. There is a huge range available for all budgets so there really is no excuse for not ducking down to the local bathroom, kitchen or hardware store to see what is available. Think mixers, sleek chrome, classic rounded shapes…it really is dependent on what you’re looking for in your décor. The best part? You can usually replace the taps yourself if you buy ones in the same dimensions as your old ones. Just take one of the old ones along to the store so you can match them up.
#6 – Tile and Tile Again
Think you need a tiler to complete all your tiling projects? Think again! Smaller jobs such as kitchen and bathroom splashbacks, the area around the bath, or even small areas of the floor can be done yourself, providing that the surface where the tiles are to be laid is flat and structurally sound. You will need the tiles, tile adhesive, tile spaces, a tile cutter (for the awkwardly shaped or placed tiles), and grout. Most hardware places will provide instructions or you can search for guides on the internet. Because of the sheer amount of choice you have when it comes to tiles, you could have a brand new area in less than a day.
#7 – Get Rid of Dated Finishes
We all know the horror of a dated finish – whether it’s a wood paneled wall, ugly interior brick, or paint or wallpaper that went out of fashion thirty years ago. The good news is that you don’t have to live with these! Strip off that ugly wallpaper, render the brick, or conceal the wall. Replace the old finish with something more to your taste – a lovely new paint colour, or fresh wallpaper. The new wallpapers are so much better than the ones of years ago and come in a huge range of textures, styles, patterns, and colours.
#8 – Freshen Up the Outside
The outside of the home is often less thought about than the inside yet it’s the part of the home that most people get to see. If your brickwork is looking tired, think about cleaning it really well or rendering it. Rendering is a job that you can easily perform yourself. Any painted areas outside should be touched up and decks should be re-stained in order to restore their glory. Don’t forget about the roof either. A good cleaning will make it look fantastic once again. While you’re up there, check for any damage to the roof. Often, broken tiles can be easily replaced yourself.
#9 – Nuts about Landscaping
A beautiful outside does a lot to add to the value of your home. If your outdoor area is looking a little shabby, taking the time to spruce it up can really pay off in the future – as well as the resale, you’ll also love being in the outdoors so much more. Before starting anything, think about what you want to use the space for and what theme you’d like to have. Install new garden beds with beautiful plants (flowers, shrubs, vegetables, etc), and don’t forget to mulch! A grassed area looks classic and timeless, but there are also beautiful paving options, and even crushed gravel in many different colours. A water feature will really help to draw the eye as will strategically placed lighting. Adding a deck, pergola, or gazebo will give you a wonderful outdoor entertaining area that can be used all year round. There are even DIY retaining walls for those that want to create different levels in the garden!
#10 – Replace those Appliances
Are your appliances – stove, oven, dishwasher etc – looking a little outdated? Replacing these with more modern ones can instantly ramp up the appeal of your kitchen. Depending on your general décor, crisp whites or stainless steel tend to be the most popular options. New appliances will also make your day to day life easier and the new ones are a lot more energy efficient – saving you money on your bills.
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Related Categories
Building
Handyman
Tiling