Homeowners spent an average $6,649 on home improvements over the past 12 months. If you do some projects yourself, you can cut down on costs, improve your skills, and admire your work.
Do you want to take on a few home improvement projects, but don’t know where to start? Read these DIY home improvement projects that are perfect for beginners.
1. Update Cabinet Hardware
If you are looking to update your kitchen, try replacing the cabinet knobs or pulls for a quick change. Replacing cabinet pulls or knobs is relatively simple. You need to just unscrew the old knobs and replace with the new.
You may run into a few issues like knobs rusted on the screw. To make this project easier, you need to check the distance between the screws on your old pulls verses new pulls. If they are not the same size, you will have to make new holes.
You can speed up this project by getting a cordless drill. This is an essential tool for homeowners.
2. Paint a Room
Painting a room is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a dramatic change. You will need to wash the walls and repair drywall before painting. All homeowners should know how to paint.
To get started, you will need a pan, roller, and trim brush. Just use old towels or sheets as drop cloths. You may also need a step-stool or ladder if you don’t have one already.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can add wallpaper and then paint to add texture. There are several wallpapers that you can paint and give your walls another dimension.
3. Caulking Refresh
Caulk begins to wear and crack over time. It will collect dirt. You can do a lot in a bathroom by re-caulking.
You should re-caulk for practical reasons as well to stop water from getting through the cracks in your shower or bathtub. This is another essential repair skill all homeowners should know. You will need to learn how to keep the lines straight and smooth.
You will need a caulk gun for this project. Consider spending a few more dollars on the caulk gun with the no-drip stop and smooth action. Be sure to wipe off all the excess caulk to make this gun last at least 10 years.
4. Garage Storage Shelves
You can give yourself some extra room in your garage and practice your woodworking and building skills. The garage is a great place to practice because it is not as visible as the kitchen or bathroom, so you have room to learn away and not have to worry about imperfections.
Each garage is unique, so you will need to determine your storage needs to find the shelves that work best for you. Try searching for used cabinets for sale if you want to reuse cabinets instead of building new ones. You will need to make sure they fit your space right because there is not as much room to customize with pre-assembled cabinets.
You can learn some great planning skills when building your shelves and cabinets. You will need a circular saw for this project. A nail gun and compressor are two other tools that will make this project easier.
5. Install a Fire Pit
Create the perfect outdoor gathering spot with your own fire pit in your backyard. You can learn the basic skills of hardscaping, masonry, and concrete depending on which style you want.
Down the road, you can use these skills to make a retaining wall or patio along with other landscaping projects. You will need a trowel and tuckpointer to make this job easier and faster.
6. Sink Trap Clean-Out
The sink traps in your bathroom and kitchen start to clog over time. You will need to disassemble them from time to time to clean them out. This will teach you about your pipes and plumbing.
These drains need to be cleaned to make sure your sink can drain properly. This is not going to be a fun project because it can smell and be rather messy. It is one of those necessary projects.
This project is low-risk and will teach you the drain structure. You will need channel lock pliers for this project.
You can even think about adding a garbage disposal if you have a lot of build-up to help you remove the waste. For those with commercial kitchens, learn more about preventing drain back-ups and preventing garbage disposal leaks.
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
You can save about 10 percent on your heating and cooling a year if you lower or higher the temperature 7-10 degrees for eight hours when you are not home. A programmable thermostat will vary the temperature for you throughout the day to help you save money.
These thermostats are relatively easy to install. You will need a drill, a screwdriver, and maybe touch-up paint.
8. Change Out Faucets
Just like cleaning out the sink trap, you can learn a lot about plumbing by updating your faucets. A new faucet can really enhance the look of your kitchen or bathroom without costing a lot of money.
Kitchen faucets have a lot more functionality, so your upgrade is more than just for a new look. Be sure you shut off the water before you start. Read the directions carefully to make sure you attach properly.
Final Thoughts on DIY Home Improvement
There are several projects you can do to update your home that teach you skills and don’t cost a lot of money. Check out these inexpensive bathroom upgrades for some inspiration.
Learning how to do these projects will help you get the most out of your money. Do your research before you start and watch videos. You will be thankful you completed these projects and can be proud of all your hard work.
Looking for More Home Articles?
Now that you learned some easy DIY home improvement projects for beginners, learn about other ways to update your home and keep it organized and clean. Head over to our Home & Garden section for more tips and guides like how to deep clean your house to look new again.
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