If you’ve purchased a home that is a bit of a fixer-upper or is in need of a few repairs, the last thing you’ll probably have after putting money down on a home loan is a budget for contractors. Luckily, as any HGTV aficionado would gladly tell you, doing it yourself (DIY) is also an option when it comes to home repairs.
Before jumping into any DIY home improvement project, it’s important to pause and understand what you’re getting into. Not all home repairs are good DIY projects. Indeed, some projects are best left to the qualified and highly trained professionals. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make a few repairs on your own during those first few months. Even if you’ve never owned a home before and don’t know the first thing about home repairs, read on for some expert tips for choosing DIY projects that suit your budget and your skill level.
Here are our recommendations for some of the best DIY projects you can complete as a first-time homeowner without having to hire help from the pros:
Painting the Walls
Painting the walls is one of the easiest and most user-friendly tasks you can complete in your new home. Depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your painting plans, you might be looking at less than $100 or a few hundred dollars to complete this project.
Becoming More Energy Efficient
Another easy and relatively inexpensive project for new homeowners is energy efficiency. No, you don’t have to invest in costly solar panels to make your home more energy efficient. You could start small, by swapping your traditional light bulbs for LEDs or switching to a water-saving shower head. These projects are inexpensive, require few tools (if any at all), and will save you money in the long run on your utility bills.
Get the Right Stuff
Of course, before attempting the projects listed above — or any other DIY home improvement project, for that matter — you’ll need to do your homework. Research the project. Determine what tools and skills are required, along with any safety considerations. Make sure you possess those skills, that it is physically safe for you to complete the work yourself, and ensure you have the proper tools before you begin.
Here are some of the most essential tools you should own if you plan to do your own DIY home improvement projects:
- Cordless drill: This is one of the must-have tools in any home. From assembling furniture to mounting shelves to the wall, these affordable tools can be used for almost any project.
- Nail gun: Why use a traditional hammer and nails (and risk hammering your thumb) when a nail gun can help you get the job done so much quicker and easier?
- Extension pole: This might not be the essential item at the top of your list, but trust us on this one. When you start painting those vaulted ceilings, you’ll be happy you invested in this useful tool.
Before starting your first home improvement project, here’s a gentle reminder: Don’t expect things to go exactly as planned. This is real life, not HGTV or Pinterest, and we’re only human. Mistakes will be made and things may not turn out 100 percent perfect on the first try, but be patient. It will all be worth it in the end. Best of all, your efforts will go a long way in making your new house feel just like home.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay