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DIY Home Renovations Just For You


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DIY Home Renovations Ideas

 DIY Home Renovations

Green Home

Most often when you think of home renovations you tend to think of contractors, roofing professionals, carpenters, and renovation experts. These are the professionals that are trained to take your home from current condition to renovated condition. In today's present climate there are specialized home renovators of all kinds. From everything to closet experts to smart home consultants. These are great jobs to hold because everyone who has a home will get to the point where they want to renovate or they have to due to damage.

Depending on the scale of renovation, the fees for hiring someone can be astronomical. If you need multiple jobs done most likely you will have to hire different companies who specialize in each area. Doing it yourself can seem like a daunting thought at first. Especially if you have absolutely no prior experience with the problem or home renovation at any level. That shouldn't stop you from considering taking on the project yourself. Many have come before you in owning and maintaining homes, and most situations have been dealt with before. Especially with tools like youtube, how to books, and asking for help when needed can get you through many home renovations.


Do it yourself renovations might take you longer than a professional. It might take more organization and forethought and it might involve a few mistakes. It will save you a lot of money, and you will potentially get out of it exactly what you wanted. Also, you will have the beginnings of the skill set once you have completed the project. Of course there are some renovations that you will want to check in with an expert but here are a few projects to consider doing yourself. Most of the perks of doing it yourself is the enjoyment of such a project. If there is a willingness there is a way. Let's go through each area of the house to identify what renovations are typically considered practical for a do it yourself.


Before you begin any DIY project there are a few things to keep in mind before anything is cut or demolished. Make sure you have a clear vision and goal in mind. This will save you time and money. If you are doing any renovations that require getting a permit, do this before you start. Also double check that the permits you got are the right ones. This type of business is sometimes hard to understand and takes some research. If you are saving money on doing the project yourself, don't slack on the money you spend for your materials. Cheap materials will produce cheap results and you won't be happy with the time you spent trying to make it work. Preparing an area to work is almost more important than doing the work itself. Safety is also part of this prep work and should be a priority every step of the way. Starting and ending with a clean space each day will help you stay organized and take care of all the materials you have. Locking up and securing tools is very important. Tool theft is very common.


 DIY Home Renovations Guidence

KITCHEN

Renovating the kitchen is one of the most popular redo's in the DIY community. It is usually the center of a home, where a lot of action happens. It is also a room that can be easily renovated with cosmetic changes. Cosmetic changes are generally easier than internal renovation such as plumbing and electrical. Depending on what materials you are using and what you are getting rid of will change how hard or complicated the project will be.


The common materials that make for simpler DIY are wood, laminate, lightning fixtures and appliance and sink replacements. Replacing cabinets or refacing cabinets are both great DIY projects that can have a huge impact on kitchen renovation. Laminate flooring and counters can simplify projects because they are lighter and easier to install as well as cheaper materials to obtain and clean. Resurfacing and painting existing cabinets is a great renovation project when you love the original structure but would like to clean up the look. This is a bit more tedious work than replacing, but can save you a lot of money. If you are looking to do more DIY projects around the house a sander is a wise investment that will help in multiple projects.

Lighting is often a fun renovation project as long as you don't have to hardwire any new electricity. Most fixtures will take simple rigging that can be learned by a manufacturer website or how to videos. Simple electrical work is a great skill to learn for DIY's. Also with the popularity of LED's and battery powered lights options and installation are becoming easier and more accessible.

Appliances along with sink and counter renovations can also have a huge impact as you can divide the room differently and really affect the layout of the kitchen. Precautions for do it yourself kitchens are making sure you know that the gas, electricity, and water are safely turned off before starting to disconnect appliances.

 

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

Great projects for diy bathrooms can be similar skills as the kitchen. If you feel you want to start with a slightly smaller project, renovate your bathroom first and build confidence for the larger room. You will be dealing with plumbing, cabinets, vanities, sinks and faucets as well as proper ventilation. Another great DIY skill to learn is basic tiling in your bathroom. This can lead to knowing how to create backsplashes and decorative features in your soon to be new kitchen. A lot of pragmatic and practical jobs need done in the bathroom. Installing towel racks, heavy mirrors, storage space, and generally making a smaller space more functional. A great dIY designer brain can really help turn a small cramped space into an oasis. Replacing toilets and under-sink plumbing can seem daunting, but are jobs that are more straightforward than you think. Following a clear step by step, having the right tools and supplies, and going slow is the recipe for success in the bathroom. Bathroom and basic plumbing techniques have not changed that much over time, so there are a lot of references to look at. The main concerns to pay attention to are proper ventilation, and systems to deal with the moisture that accumulates in bathrooms. This can be as simple as easy to open windows or ceiling fan installations.

 

ADDITIONS

Additions are where multiple and more extensive skills are needed. There are many layers to finishing one task, but if patient and diligent completely doable. The tasks you'll find yourself tackling with additions are: Creating strong studs and frames for walls, installing floors and sub floors, installing insulation and drywall, as well as applying trim and painting.

Things to remember when building walls is leaving spaces for electrical and plumbing that might need to be in or around the room. It is best to hire an electrician when the time comes, but pre-plan before closing up the walls with drywall. There will be lists of jobs within all of these bigger tasks such as plastering, taping, bracing, and drilling spaces for water pipes and electricity runs. Although you will be technically doing it yourself, its best to team up with electrical professionals earlier in the project so you know where you need to leave the room.

The trend now with adding additions as well as many other renovations is to utilize reclaimed and recycled materials. This can often make your project cheaper by finding the supplies you need, but also might present a new challenge. If you are a problem solver you might enjoy the task of figuring out how to install items that might not have the proper hardware. You might also have to deviate from original plans to fit in found pieces. This often becomes a benefit and can add originality to your work. Resurfacing old hardwood floors or finding a huge wooden wheel to use as a kitchen island can give your renovation project character and originality.

When putting in an addition it is a good time to think about alternative ways to save and readjust the households energy needs. When adding additions you are also creating more space that will need to be heated and cooled. Along with the do it yourself spirit often comes savvy sense on long term savings. Thinking about installing solar panels can have a huge effect on the efficiency of the home. Most often there isn't suitable roof space to install panels, but while you are building an addition is a perfect time. Installing solar is in itself a savvy home renovation that will not only save you on energy, but increase the value of your home. DIY solar is more rare because of the work that has to be done on existing roofs and rigging. If you are building an addition you can take this into consideration and look into the easiest installation techniques to support your build.

 

CLOSETS

Although this might seem like a project rather than a renovation, the closet industry has taken off and closet renovations are big business with big impact on daily home life. Even if you are renovating an existing closet this can be a project that takes longer than you think. There are many pre existing closet inserts to install and design that are much like having to assemble your own furniture. There are kits that require a bit more skill and there is complete custom designing that can make your closets dream rooms.

You can hire a company that will do everything for you and pick from a set of pre-made designs, or you can do it yourself. For this project it is very helpful to have a couple woodworking tools on hand. Cutting small pieces of wood and making custom wall fittings can be simplified with a portable jigsaw. For this renovation you will want to spend the majority of your time with the design process. This room has a very particular role and everything in it is geared to store, keep clean, keep organized, and create room for all your items. It is a great project for diy because everyone has different needs when it comes to storing clothing and items. You might need to turn a coat closet into the space that all your items need to fit due to no other closet space, or you might be turning an entire room into a walk in.

There are many materials now being made which can become easy to install containers for storage space. Baskets can be screwed into walls to hold light materials as well as the common diy project of installing shelving. The closet is a great diy project to start if you are just beginning your journey. Practice simple skills with basic DIY tools. Tools that will be helpful are a screwdriver and different types of screws, hammer and nails, finishing nails, a level, and hooks and bracing. Lighting will also be a helpful detail to consider in your design plans.

 

BEDROOMS

Renovating the bedroom is one of the most rejuventing areas to redo because you start your say and end your day there. This is also another reason to try and plan to accomplish this renovation as quickly as possible, so you can have your sleeping space back. It is helpful to plan your renovations in daily projects that can be completed in a day or two, so you can still get good rest. This room can be one of the simplest renovation redo's because there is usually one goal for bedrooms...Good quality sleep. Bedrooms are often smaller than we like and there are many tricks to opening up space to make it feel larger than it is. The skill set for doing it yourself is often more simple in the bedroom and leans more toward design than mechanical work.

The main features in any bedroom will be the largest piece of furniture and the windows. Designing your own headboard for the bed can easily make a typical bed the highlight of the room. So many different reclaimed materials can act as beautiful framing for the bed. Remembering that the bedroom should be a place of serenity and rest, the colors you choose will have a huge impact. In smaller spaces it is helpful to stay with one color palette for the walls, ceiling, and bedding to make the space look as open as possible. Even using the same color for your window coverings will open the space. Light colors are also best for making a small space look bigger.

Keeping the floorplan as open and clear as possible will also give an illusion of larger space. If you have a problem keeping clutter up off the floor consider hiding storage under the bed, under nightstands and better closets. Creating creative and unique shelving can also become a focal point of the room. You can display important items that exemplify home and family, which brings about feelings of relaxation and comfort. Bringing in a huge mirror is also a way to magnify light as well giving illusion to bigger space. The light will take any light and reflect it giving the impression of height and depth.

Often times opposites will give a room more coziness or substance. If you have a large room and find it hard to fill it properly, think about a lower bed. Platform beds cover expansive floor plans and bring the focus down. When you have a small room think about how you could elevate the bed to bring the eye up. In larger areas you can play with bold color and design especially around the window area. Creating another focal point in the room other than the bed. In a smaller room you want one focal point only, which generally is the biggest piece of furniture.

 

EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS

This is a huge corner of the renovation industry that often gets left to the professionals. It's the part of the home that can be seen from everyone from the outside. There are hundreds of projects that can be done to elevate the exterior portion of your home. Consider painting or refinishing your front door along with other exterior accents. This can be a one day project that really changes the vibe of your home. Choosing a bold color that matches with the rest of your exterior again brings a focal point to your front door. Even if the rest of the exterior is looking shabby, the front door can change the whole facade. For an added bonus you can customize your mailbox and house numbers. These small details set up the environment for your house to sit.

Cleaning the exterior of your home. Whether you are just buying a home or have been in one for years, the outside of the house tends to get dim over the years. Many people assume they will need to replace the exterior, but a diy cleaning can have powerful results. If you have vinyl siding it can be as simple as a scrub brush with soapy water and a hose. Companies might want to convince you that you need a powerwash, but often these can damage vinyl siding. This is a job that takes elbow grease, but there couldn't be a more simple and cheap way to elevate the shine of your home.

Painting the exterior is another simple way to freshen up the exterior. Give this project lots of time. Probably triple the time you think it might take, but it is simple enough. It will be a lot of repetitive work with a big pay off in the end.

Landscaping directly around the perimeter of the home is another project that can seem easy, but will take more pre planning and design. You might have bigger plans for the exterior portion, but are not ready to execute those yet. YOu can start renovations by prepping with gravel and mulch. This will make construction later on much easier as well as putting in gardens and patios. Along with a little landscaping you can update and re design your outdoor lighting fixtures.

 

Lighting isn't given much appreciation, but it can have some of the largest impact on how everything looks. Just like in photography, lighting is everything! If there is an exterior project that just has to wait, or apart of the house that really bothers you, changing the way it is lit can change how it looks. By adding accent lighting to the parts you do like, you will shift the focal point to all the good parts. If you just did a diy renovation on your front door, you might consider installing new lighting fixtures to show off that color in the dark. You might also create a pathway to the door simply by installing solar lights to create that path. This also directs the eye where you want it to go.

Becoming a do it yourself renovator can become addicting. You might start thinking you have just one project to accomplish. When you finish that project you will have acquired skills that will want to be used again. You might find yourself becoming obsessed with renovation projects you never knew you wanted. There is a level of satisfaction when completing projects on your own. Learning new skills and solving problems are both deeply creative processes. You will begin to put these skills to use in other parts of your life. It can take more time, work and effort, but when you invest in your home with a diy mentality the satisfaction can't be beat. Always remember that safety is paramount, going slow will gleam better results, and mistakes are just opportunities to learn and grow. Mistakes create resilience and we absolutely want resilience in our homes. You will inspire others around you to try DIY and most importantly you will inspire yourself.

 

 

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