DIY Home Renovations You Can Realistically Do Yourself
When planning a DIY home renovation, your first question might be whether you have the skill to undertake such a project. The key is to choose projects that offer a great return on effort without requiring extensive experience.
Here are some approachable options.
Feature Wall
A feature wall is an easy DIY update you can do in any room of your home. It’s budget friendly and can be done in a weekend (or less). Changing up one wall can shift the entire vibe of a space.
Select a smaller wall that’s central to the space. Don’t be afraid to go bold on a feature wall. You can use wallpaper, paint, tile, textiles, etc. for your feature wall. Bold colors, patterns, murals, and stencils all work well for the feature wall. Don’t forget to stick to the same style and design as the rest of the room so that it remains harmonious.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $
Baseboard Heater Covers
Baseboard heater covers are easily overlooked but have a huge impact on your space. Giving these a refresh can change things considerably.
Don’t replace your baseboard heater covers with the same style you’ve got now. Check out the possibilities available with Baseboarders. These clean-lined covers have a more updated look that will change the whole look of the space. Consider Elliptus, with a curved face for a more organic look.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$-$$$
Paint
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. Even if you don’t change the color, new paint cleans up the aesthetic and changes the feeling.
If you do choose to go with a new color, consider going with something on trend to enhance the freshness that paint provides. Not only will you clean things up with fresh paint, you’ll also breathe life into the design with something at the forefront of contemporary design.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $-$$$
Organizers
If one of your goals is to be more organized, double up and make it one of your home improvement goals too.
Organizers of all sorts can help your home function better and make the most of the space you have. Permanent organization items can add value to your home and give clear direction to how spaces can be used most effectively. Add pull out shelves to kitchen cabinets, boxes to vanity cabinets, and built-ins to living rooms.
DIY Friendliness: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$-$$$
New Vanity
An easy refresh for the bathroom is the replacement of the vanity. The most difficult element is a little sink plumbing. Otherwise, it’s another project you can complete in a weekend.
Order an integrated vanity with cabinet, counter and sink included. The integrated countertop and sink is on trend and adds a little something that freshens up the design singlehandedly. You can also give your current vanity an update by replacing the top or adding new handles or knobs.
DIY Friendliness: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$$-$$$$
Bath Accessories
Update bath accessories, like the soap dispensers, toilet paper holders, towel racks, etc. in just a few hours and give your bathroom some new bling.
While you’re updating your bathroom accessories, consider upgrading too. Add towel heater racks and luxury accessories to amp up the look and feel of your bathroom. Even the little things make a big difference.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $-$$$
Front Door
A bit of paint on the front door gives the exterior of your home a whole new look. You can give it a fresh coat of the same color or choose a totally new color.
If you go for a new color, try a contrasting but coordinating color that makes the door pop. Add a new doormat, wreath, and address numbers to complete your makeover.
DIY Friendliness: 2/5 ⭐⭐
Affordability: $$-$$$$
Faucets
New faucet fixtures are a simple update that you can do in a day. They can be the cherry on top of a larger project or a quick upgrade that gives the kitchen or bathroom a refresh. Beware, once you have new faucets, you’ll want to replace the sink. Before you know it, you’re in a full-fledged renovation.
The faucet is a great way to set the tone for the design of a space. You can immediately change the trajectory of a design from blah to contemporary with just the faucet. Chrome is the most popular, but gold tones are coming back in a big way too.
DIY Friendliness: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$
Light Fixtures
Much like faucets, light fixtures have the power to change the vibe in a space pretty easily. They are like accessories for your favorite outfit. They can dress up the space or dress it down. Make it feel cozy and light or more formal.
Replacing light fixtures is an easy DIY home renovation but don’t forget to consider adding more light to your space. Sconces, under cabinet lighting, accent lighting, lamps, etc. all add different types of light and can shift the functionality and look of the space.
DIY Friendliness: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$-$$$
Backsplash
It’s a project that can be done in a weekend and has a big impact because it’s so visible. The backsplash is a great DIY project that transforms the kitchen in the best way.
Whether you go with tile, stone, tin, or glass, a refreshed backsplash is something most homeowners feel confident tackling themselves. It’s also a rewarding project because it changes up the kitchen so much.
DIY Friendliness: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$-$$$
Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles
Peel-and-stick tiles are an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen or bathroom a stylish refresh without the need for grout or special tools. These tiles come in a wide range of patterns and materials, making it easy to find something that fits your aesthetic. They’re also renter-friendly, as they can often be removed without damage.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $
Replace Cabinet Hardware
Swapping out cabinet knobs and pulls is a quick and impactful way to update your kitchen or bathroom. With just a screwdriver, you can transform outdated cabinets into something that feels modern and fresh.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $-$$
Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a stylish way to add storage or create display space for décor. They’re simple to install with just a drill and a level, making them an ideal project for DIYers. For a budget-friendly option, check online marketplaces or second-hand stores for affordable shelving solutions.
DIY Friendliness: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $-$$
Frame a Bathroom Mirror
Adding a frame to a plain bathroom mirror instantly creates a more polished and customized look. Adhesive framing kits make the process simple, even for beginners. For a truly budget-friendly option, consider using wood trim and painting it to match your bathroom décor.
DIY Friendliness: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $-$$
Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a DIY-friendly solution for updating the floors in any room. These click-lock planks are easy to install over most existing floors and provide a durable, high-end look without the high-end price tag. Many brands offer budget options that mimic the look of wood or tile, making it accessible for any budget.
DIY Friendliness: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$$-$$$$
Add Crown Molding or Trim
Installing crown molding or chair rail trim is a straightforward way to add elegance and architectural interest to a room. Pre-cut pieces and a simple miter box make this project manageable, even for beginners. For an affordable option, lightweight foam molding is easy to cut and install while maintaining a classic look.
DIY Friendliness: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$-$$$
Showerhead
A new showerhead can take your bathroom from the dark ages to spa status. Do it yourself in less than a day and start enjoying the shower in a whole new way.
Consider a showerhead that adds some luxury to the bathroom. Perhaps a rain showerhead will do the trick. Or get a system that includes a hand sprayer, body jets, or even steam components.
DIY Friendliness: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability: $$
How to Plan & Budget for DIY Home Updates Now
Before you break out the paint brushes it’s important to think through your project. Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
- Is this project in your skillset?
If you already have experience with similar projects, you’re home free. But, if it’s new to you, do some research to see if it’s something you can learn. Some things are best left to professionals. There’s nothing wrong with admitting a project is outside your scope of expertise. You might end up spending more money and time and have to call in a pro anyway if you get in over your head. - What’s the budget?
Write out every expense associated with a project before you get started so you can ensure you’ll be able to complete it before the money runs out. Add 10-15% margin to your budget to cover unexpected expenses—they will happen.
- What’s your timeline?
DIY projects don’t have to run on a tight timeline, but it can be helpful to set one anyway. You wouldn’t want the project to drag on week after week. Pick a long weekend or time when you know you can dedicate the time to the project. Determine each step in the project then set yourself a timeline for completion.
The easiest home renovations to DIY can also be the most impactful. Plan for one (or two or three) projects this year to start enjoying a new vibe in your home in 2025.
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