With a quick internet search, you can learn to DIY just about anything these days. If you’re itching for a new project to do around the house, check out these ideas to get you started. Most of them are beginner-friendly and can be finished within a day! Whether you want to get your house ready to sell, learn a new skill, or simply enjoy the home you’re in a little more, try your hand at some of these DIY projects to improve your home.
Paint
Painting is an excellent DIY project to improve your home because it makes an instant transformation wherever you paint. You can of course paint entire walls and rooms, but if you’d like a different project, think of other areas that could use a fresh coat of paint. Painting your kitchen cabinets, for example, will refresh your kitchen while saving a ton of money (versus installing new cabinets.)
Create an Accent Wall
If you do feel up to refreshing an entire room, consider creating an accent wall. Instead of painting everything the same shade of neutral, pick a bold color and make one of the walls pop. Aside from paint, you can also create an accent wall in many different ways. Probably the easiest is with stick-on wallpaper. You can browse Pinterest for tons of inspiration.
Install Crown Molding
Good trimming can make or break an entire room. If your living space is missing crown molding, making this your next DIY project can elevate the entire look of the room. There are tons of options to choose from with different levels of detail, in a range to suit every budget. You don’t have to be a master carpenter either. With a nail gun and a few woodworking tools, you can knock this project out in a weekend.
Change up the Landscaping
The exterior of your home is always going to be a visitor’s first impression, and it’s a place you probably spend a good amount of time when the weather is nice. A fun DIY project to improve your home is to update the landscaping. Head to a local nursery to pick out some in-season plants and flowers, install that fence you’ve been meaning to get to, or install an outdoor seating area.
Update Cabinet Hardware
If you want to update the look of your cabinets instead of replacing them completely, swapping out the hardware is an easy upgrade. You can find tons of different styles at your local hardware store. Look for finishes of nickel, stainless steel, or bronze, depending on the overall style of your home. Keep all new knobs and pulls the same in order to create a cohesive and sleek look in the room.
Install a Backslash
A backsplash can add a totally different look to your kitchen, and it’s a simple enough project to do on your own. The hardest part may be choosing between all the great options out there. If you just can’t decide, opt for a classic design like white subway tile. It will elevate the look of your kitchen while matching effortlessly with any color scheme.
Replace Interior or Exterior Doors
One thing you may not think much about is the doors in your home. But upgrading your doors (interior or exterior) is another DIY home project that can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. You can purchase doors that are completely finished, or you can find fairly cheap ones that you paint and finish out yourself. Replacing the doors to various rooms in your house is a simple touch that helps bring a lot of character to your home. You can also look into replacing the knobs if you don’t want to swap the entire door itself.
Don’t just stop with the interior doors either. Paint or restain your front door to make your entryway more inviting. You can go with a fun, bright color, or stick with a more neutral wood-tone.
Refinish the Floors
If you have hardwood flooring, take some time to give those floors a good shine. This project will definitely require a little elbow grease, but it’s a project that will make a big difference in the look and feel of your space. Take some time to buff, sand, and apply a fresh coat of finish. This will instantly freshen up any room and protect the life of your floors.
Good news if you’re tackling a few DIY projects to get your house ready to sell: according to the 2019 NAR Remodeling Impact Report, refinishing your hardwood floors recovers 100% of the cost when you go to sell.
Don’t have hardwood? Take some time to deep-clean the laminate, tile, or carpet. Your floors will look and feel so much better.
Install Ceiling Fans
If your home does not already have ceiling fans, this DIY project has more than one benefit. Ceiling fans come in many different styles, and can add a decorative touch to any room. In addition to adding more lighting to a room, they also help with the electric bill. Ceiling fans can cut down on air conditioning use, and they can help circulate warm air down from the ceiling in the cooler months. Installing ceiling fans is a smaller project that will have a big impact on potential buyers when you’re ready to sell your home.
Best DIY Projects if You’re Getting Your House Ready to Sell
If you’re looking to tackle some home projects in order to list your home in tip-top shape, you want to focus on the projects that will have the biggest impact. In other words, what will get you the most bang for your buck? If you only have the time or money to focus on two areas, make it the kitchen and the bathrooms. These rooms make a big impression on buyers when they see your home for the first time. Replace or repaint the cabinets, install a backsplash, and update cabinet hardware. These few simple tweaks can make a huge difference in making the home feel modern and move-in-ready.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money getting your house ready to sell, focus on cosmetics. Be sure to do a deep clean of the whole property, replace outdated window coverings to let in more natural light, and focus on staging the home well before the listing photos are taken. For more on getting your home ready to sell, read our tips on what you can and can’t do yourself here.
Conclusion
Whether you consider yourself a weekend warrior or a frugal home-improver, try your hand at some of these DIY projects to improve your home. As a homeowner, there’s always something in your house to be maintained. The next time you’re looking for a project to tackle, use the ideas here to get you started.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home soon and you’re in the greater Sacramento area, give our team at Quantum Real Estate a call. Our expert agents are ready to help you every step of the way. We’d love to help you sell your home for top dollar, and get you into the next home of your dreams with ease. Click here to contact us!
