Buying your first home is a huge step, but don’t let that be your end goal! Every property, new or old, will have changes that need to be completed. If you’re operating on a tight budget, you might not want to spend the tens of thousands it would cost for a professional to complete this work: but DIY is a great solution!
These are the top DIY remodels and updates any first-time homeowner can complete!
1. Mini Kitchen Remodel
A major kitchen remodel is expensive, overwhelming, and requires far more work than any first-time home buyer needs to take on. Instead of allowing yourself to get overwhelmed, change the room around with a mini remodel!
Mini remodels usually revolve around staining or painting the cabinets and replacing hardware, swapping out a sink or appliance, and painting. Even a small swap, like changing out the faucet, can make a huge difference.
2. Adding Ceiling Fans
If you’re in an area that’s getting warmer and warmer every summer, and your air conditioner isn’t getting the job done, it could be time to put in a ceiling fan. This might sound like a huge project, but it’s more feasible than ever before!
Multiple companies offer ceiling fans that can be attached where there are currently outlets and that work by remote control or light switch. Don’t be afraid to shop around; this is an affordable change that will make a huge difference in your home.
3. Boosting Those Details
The details in your property are what’s going to make the difference in how you perceive it. Although you may have to look up how to use self-drilling screws, adding things like curtain rods, new light fixtures, and shelves, and updating the door knobs and hardware throughout your home can be huge.
Don’t forget to replace the outlets themselves if you change out their panels! Although it can feel complicated the first time you do it, after you get the hang of it, it’ll be simple and effective work.
4. Outdoor Entertainment Space
More people want outdoor entertainment space than they’d want a pool in 2023, so it’s time to make your yard the star of your home. You don’t have to go all the way and build an outdoor kitchen, but taking steps like installing pavers (don’t forget a good wet-look paver sealer) and adding shaded areas to your lawn can go a long way.
Building a deck, adding a pagoda or gazebo, and increasing how much seating is available are all feasible and awesome updates to any lawn.
5. Redo Your Front Porch
Your front porch is many people’s introduction to your lawn! Make sure to start things off on the right foot. Adding a warm-toned light, a fresh coat of paint, some furniture, and plants can all boost the feeling of your front porch.
Deep clean any concrete, brick, or stone, and consider getting a power washer for the day if it’s out of control. Although this can feel like an expensive buy, it’s worth it if you want to make a big difference.
6. Mini Bathroom Remodel
Similar to kitchens, your bathroom’s remodel doesn’t have to be huge! A smaller remodel offers a higher return on investment and lets you save some time and stress. In order to pull this off, consider updating your sink, mirror, and toilet. Although you could also update your tub, that’s a larger project that could have disastrous results if done incorrectly.
Updating your light fixtures and other details can also take this room to the next level!
7. Adding Natural Light
Natural light is king, and although it’s scary, you can introduce more to your home! If you’re handy and can pull off every other job on this list without trouble, and aren’t afraid of investing in cutting and insulation tools, this is one you should also consider. Adding an extra window costs less than a thousand dollars and can make any room in your home feel larger and more connected to nature and the outdoors. This is an awesome project for anyone who wants to try something more complicated.
8. Update With Color
Although many think that updating with color simply means repainting an area, it’s so much more than that! When you update with the color, you can take it further and do things like staining grout in tiled areas to make them pop or updating your molding around your home to a fascinating color than white.
If you’re interested in adding color to the light in your room, many have been applying window decals that can turn any glass into stained glass. This can add privacy and shade while also beautifying any space of your home.
DIY Can Be a Great Way to Remodel
Now that you’ve made it to homeownership, remodeling is the clear next step! Consider how much you can DIY, and then start working with a professional like Sol Mar REI to create the home of your dreams!
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering and construction. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.