Tips for Choosing the Best DIY Home Renovation Project for Your Needs

Weekends are generally considered to be a time for relaxation, but they can also be a great time to get handy around the house and take steps to improve the look and feel of your property. DIY projects can help you to unleash your creativity, get hands-on, and potentially improve the selling power and aesthetic appeal of your home. However, choosing what kind of DIY project you should first get started on can be tricky. You don’t want to choose a project that is too difficult, leaving you with a half-finished product for months on end. However, you still want something a little challenging, that will take up more than five minutes of your weekend.

Here are a number of home renovation ideas and tips that may be perfect for your weekend warrior efforts, and will help you to decide what project to tackle next.

Cement rendering the home

Although it’s a rather large job, cement rendering can add great curb appeal to the home and it can add value to the property price if you choose the right colours and complete the job well. House rendering has really picked up over the years and, while it can be an expensive DIY project, the positives outweigh the costs.

Updating the garden

Another way to add value to your home is by making sure the garden looks beautiful and fresh. It’s amazing what a quick renovation of your garden can do for the overall look of your home. It can be as simple as updating plants and garden bed surrounds in the front yard, or you could build a whole new entertainment area in the backyard. Depending on your budget, you may choose to go big for your project or just spend a smaller amount of money updating plants and garden edges.

Get painting

A simple DIY project that won’t necessarily break the budget is to do a spot of painting. Whether you’re painting the whole house, the gutters or just a feature wall of one room, it’s surprising what a fresh lick of paint can do for the home. However, it’s important to remember not to automatically go for the cheapest paint possible. Because you’re painting the home yourself, you’re already saving on the costs associated with hiring a painter, giving you the opportunity to buy the best paints available for your budget.

It’s also a good idea not to choose colours that are too outlandish, as they may only be liked by a select few people, decreasing your property’s selling potential. Neutral and light colours are always the safest option. If you have your heart set on that bright red colour, you might want to consider using it only for a feature wall, instead of the whole room.

Assess your lifestyle

Before choosing a project to put your heart and soul into, it’s best to think about your lifestyle. Why spend time and money updating your outdoor entertainment areas if you don’t enjoy spending time outside? Have a think about what your lifestyle entails and what projects will benefit your life, rather than what is hip or trendy.

Don’t get in over your head

Many people look to undertake a DIY project because they think it will save them money in the long run. However, those considering a DIY project should also think about their previous renovation experience and how realistic it is that they’ll be able to carry the job out from completion. Many people have watched renovation shows on television and think DIY projects are simple and easy to organise. But starting a project that you can’t finish may mean you’ll have to hire a professional to come and carry out the job, which could end up costing more in the long run.

When choosing a project, choose something that is relatively easy and build up your confidence so that you can then take on larger projects.

Move out if necessary

Choosing to stay somewhere else for a few days – or even weeks – if the project calls for it can make a huge difference to the ease and quality of the work completed. For example, when doing larger projects like overhauling all the home’s bathrooms, or the kitchen, it’s always recommended to stay elsewhere while the main aspects of the project are underway. You can move back in to complete the finer details, but if you’re going to have water turned off to the house while the plumber installs new fixture, stay at a friend or family member’s home or in a hotel.

Determine your end goal

Your DIY project should always have an end goal before you start. For example, if the end goal is to increase the value of your home before you sell it, you should only begin DIY projects that will assist you with achieving your end goal.

Get started

Once you’ve determined what projects you’d like to do, it’s time to get started! Remember to finish what you start, and always consult a professional if in doubt.


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *