Thanks for voting!DIY home makeover: from drab to fab on the Average Joe’s budget.
We’ve all caught a home makeover reality show where experts turn a drab room into an amazing escape on a reasonable budget. And we’ve all probably scratched our heads wondering if the average Joe who just purchased a new house would be able to pull the job off under any stretch of the imagination. So what if you can’t convert an old pair of tennis shoes into wall art or install custom cabinetry in the kitchen? Realistic do-it-yourself projects can save you beaucoup bucks on your home renovations.
Here are a few tips to get your DIY home repair projects started:
Be reasonable. If it’s your first time installing complicated flooring or backsplashes, ask an expert for advice or look online for how-to videos on the topic. The less trial and error the less time the project will take (and less it will cost). If there is a job that’s just too big, don’t be afraid to ask for help from either skilled friends or a professional. It’s more cost effective to ask than waste money on a botched job that will have to be redone.
Search the internet for deals. Shop store websites for discounts on the materials you need. Search stores going out of business or rotating stock, and don’t be afraid to ask for discounts on bulk purchases. Shop items on sale by being prepared in advance and ordering ahead. Make sure to check product warranties and store return policies in case the job doesn’t go as planned.
Some secondhand supplies are just as good as buying new. If a friend recently finished a home improvement project, sort through the leftover materials for salvageable items. Think outside the box. Building materials can be used creatively to give a room character, so think through your ideas while you’re sorting. Check around your own house for furniture or hardware that can be broken down or reworked for your project.
Remember, though it may be hard, stay within your budget. If you have just enough money for a fresh coat of paint, save the rest of your ideas for later. Continuous upgrades and improvements can increase the value of your home, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for a penny well saved (and pretty proud when you finish a job yourself).
Tags: DIY, Do It Yourself, Home
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You are right! With DYI’s it’s important to take it one project at a time. Don’t overload yourself by thinking of multiple improvements in your house all at once. I know you need all of the improvements you have in mind, but you will waste time any money if you get ahead of yourself. If this week is about painting the living room, don’t buy the flatscreen before all the paint is dry…
I highly recommend individuals and households to think about DIY jobs around the house. As long as you are mechanically inclined youi should have no big issues. There are other resources out there that can allow you to learn with out breaking the bank and wasting time. Books are a great resourse go to one day DIY classes etc.
Not only will you save money on supplies but labor. Remember to realy think and asses your abilities, don;t take on projecdts that are over your head, sometimes getting the professional is the right and smart thing to do.