In the face of rising home prices, homeowners are looking to remodel their current living spaces. Home renovations can carry a significant price tag, with $275 billion spent on home improvement and repairs in 2011 alone. To reduce costs, DIY renovation projects are a viable option for the budget-conscious homeowner. Explore the following five rejuvenating home renovation projects you can DIY without breaking your budget.
Patch Up Damaged Drywall
Image via Flickr by dvs
If you repair drywall, the level of damage will determine the types of resources you need to repair it. For smaller dents, clear away any damaged areas, then use sandpaper to smooth the area. Place a self-adhesive patch on the hole and coat with spackling for a flawless finish. For larger holes, cut out a piece of drywall then place the drywall piece onto the damaged surface.
Tackle Some Exterior Painting
Before you repaint the exterior of your home, use a pressure washer on walls to remove dirt. Examine any chipped surfaces for peeled paint and mildew. Use caulk as a sealant for cracks in the surfaces and select a high-quality exterior paint for a natural finish.
A scissor lift is the ideal piece of equipment to rent for a painting task, since the structure of the device can help you reach higher surfaces with ease. You can operate the controls on the lift which can help you get to corners and under the eaves of your home for painting.
Install a Kitchen Backsplash
Measure your kitchen wall and add an extra 10 percent of tile to compensate for any gaps. Take away any kitchen utensils from the area where you’ll install the backsplash and disconnect any electrical appliances.
Before pre-laying the tiles, use spackling to cover any holes and clean the wall with soap and water. Mix the mortar and water together before it sets. Spread the mortar across the wall before you place the tiles.
Spot-Repair Damaged Wallpaper
To repair a damaged area of wallpaper, you’ll need a remnant of the original wallpaper. Always buy an extra roll whenever you install new wallpaper.
First cut a piece of wallpaper slightly larger than the damaged spot. Carefully line up the pattern of the new paper with the pattern of the paper on the wall. Use a utility knife and straightedge to cut a neat square 1 to 2 inches larger all the way around the damaged area. Remove the patch and set aside. Dampen the damaged paper and peel back the cut square. Let the wall dry before applying adhesive to the patch. Carefully place the patch on the wall, lining it up with the wallpaper pattern.
Replace a Light Fixture
Turn off the power to the room at the circuit breaker. Take out the old light fixture, along with the base or trim. Tighten the screws and connect the wires. Attach the wires to a base and install the replacement light. Turn the circuit breaker on and verify the light is working properly.
The above DIY projects are simple to carry out once you have the correct tools. To stay safe, make sure you have the appropriate protective gear and follow instructions to minimize the risk of danger to yourself and others. If necessary, consult a professional for advice when you’re renovating your home.