Top 10 DIY Home Improvement Projects

 

#1 Painting Rooms:

Preparation: Movable objects are rearranged, floors are protected with sheets or cloths and trim and edges are taped. Fill up any gaps or cracks that may be found on the walls. 

Materials Needed: Paint, brush, roller, painter’s tape, drop cloths, patching paste. 

Steps: If the walls are not smooth enough, prime them, and paint over the space, using two coats and letting each layer dry. 

#2 Installing a Backsplash:

Preparation: Wash the wall surface, determine the expanse of the wall and arrange the tiles. 

Materials Needed: Tiles, cement, sealing, spacers, float or a scraper, and a trowel. 

Steps: Spread adhesive on the wall, place tiles and use space between them; after adhesive has dried, apply grout. Wipe off any surplus grout with a damp cloth or sponge. 

#3 Updating Lighting Fixtures:

Preparation: Shut off the power supply at the source, that is the main switch off. 

Materials Needed: New lighting fixtures, new screwdriver, wire connectors, voltage tester. 

Steps: Take out the old fixture and join the wires of the new fixture to the existing ones and then screw on the new fixture to the ceiling or wall. 

#4 Building Shelves:

Preparation: Decide how large the shelves should be and where they should be placed. 

Materials Needed: Shelves made of wood or pre-made ones, brackets, screws, level, drill. 

Steps: Decide where the brackets will be installed, fasten the brackets to the wall and the shelves to the brackets. 

#5 Replacing Faucets:

Preparation: After that, shut the water and then unscrew the previous faucet. 

Materials Needed: New faucet, plumber’s tape, adjustable wrench. 

Steps: Replacing the faucet should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the connections should be tight to avoid leakage. 

#6 Installing New Flooring:

Preparation: Tear out existing carpet and/or padding, and sweep/vacuum the floor. 

Materials Needed: Laminate, vinyl, or hardwood flooring and underlayment, spacers, saw, and a tape measure. 

Steps: Install underlayment, take measurements and cut the flooring and install it properly leaving a gap of about 1/8 of an inch to the walls. 

#7 Adding Crown Molding:

Preparation: Estimate the size of the room and then cut the molding for the room in question. 

Materials Needed: Molding, miter saw, nails, filler, paint/ stain. 

Steps: To install the molding, one has to get a miter saw to cut the molding at the right angles, then nail the molding to the wall at the ceiling, fill up the gaps with wood filler and paint or stain the molding if necessary.

#8 Creating a Garden:

Preparation: Select a site, get a soil analysis, and decide on the design. 

Materials Needed: Flowers, seeds, fertilizers, pots, watering cans, hoes, spades, manure, compost, and stones. 

Steps: Till the ground and sow seeds or transplant flowers or vegetables depending on their requirements and then mulch. 

#9 Updating Cabinet Hardware:

Preparation: Delete the old hardware and then clean the area. 

Materials Needed: New cabinet handles or knobs, screws or a screwdriver. 

Steps: Replace the new hardware to existing screw or create new ones and screw in the new handles or knobs. 

#10 Sealing Windows and Doors:

Preparation: Clean the windows and doors and their surroundings. 

Materials Needed: Weather stripping, calk, calk gun, utility knife. 

Steps: Weather strip doors and windows, and use a calk to seal any opening or crack in the doors and windows. 

These projects can drastically increase the usability and aesthetic appeal of your home without a lot of tools or supplies.