12 Easy DIY Home Upgrades for Beginners
Cabinet Pulls: A Simple Way to Refresh Your Kitchen
Replacing cabinet pulls or knobs is an excellent starting point for any home improvement project. It’s a quick and affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without the need for major renovations. This task is ideal for beginners because it requires minimal tools and offers a sense of accomplishment once completed.
Why it's a great starter project:
The process of replacing cabinet pulls typically involves unscrewing the old ones and attaching the new. However, challenges may arise, such as dealing with rusted screws or ensuring proper alignment. These issues provide an opportunity to learn problem-solving skills while keeping the project manageable and low-risk.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
If you don’t already own a cordless drill, this project is a perfect chance to invest in one. A cordless drill is a versatile tool that will come in handy for future DIY projects, making it a valuable addition to your toolkit.
Replace a Torn Window Screen
Window screens are prone to damage from various sources, including falling branches, pets, or general wear and tear. Replacing a torn screen can be done easily and is a great beginner-friendly project that helps maintain the functionality and appearance of your windows.
Why it's a great starter project:
Removing and replacing a window screen allows you to understand how your windows are structured. This knowledge can be useful when performing future maintenance on your windows, such as cleaning or adjusting components.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
The materials needed for this repair are inexpensive and can be used for multiple windows. A spline roller is particularly useful for installing the screen evenly and avoiding damage. This tool is durable and can be used repeatedly over time.
Door Fixes: Solving Common Issues
Over time, interior doors may become stuck or fail to latch properly. These issues can be caused by humidity, paint buildup, or settling of the house. Addressing these problems is a great way to learn basic carpentry skills.
Why it's a great starter project:
Fixing door issues involves a variety of carpentry techniques, such as planing the door or adjusting the strike plate. You’ll gain hands-on experience without committing to a long-term project.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
A quality plane is a useful tool for smoothing out door edges and improving their fit. It’s relatively inexpensive and can be used for many other woodworking tasks.
Paint a Room: Transform Your Space
Painting a room is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to transform the look and feel of a space. It’s a fundamental skill for any DIY enthusiast and provides a satisfying sense of achievement.
Why it's a great starter project:
Painting is a must-have skill that complements other home improvement projects. If you’re unhappy with the result, you can always repaint it. This flexibility makes it a low-risk activity for beginners.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
Investing in a good roller and pan, along with a trim brush and clean-up supplies, can make painting easier and more efficient. These tools are essential for achieving a professional finish.
Balance Your Furnace Dampers
Balancing furnace dampers can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. By directing airflow to the areas that need it most, you can reduce energy costs and enhance comfort.
Why it's a great starter project:
This project is ideal for two-story homes in regions with significant temperature changes. It also helps you understand how your furnace operates, which can be beneficial during future maintenance.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
Depending on the height of your basement or crawlspace, you may need a ladder or a headlamp. These tools are useful for many other DIY tasks and can be used repeatedly.
Leaky Faucet Repair: A Basic Plumbing Skill
A leaky faucet not only wastes water but also increases utility bills. Learning to fix a leaky faucet is a great way to develop basic plumbing skills.
Why it's a great starter project:
Most faucets are designed to be disassembled and reassembled with relative ease. However, there are various types, so researching your specific model will help you understand the process better.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
Vice grips and channel lock pliers are essential tools for loosening faucets and aerators. These tools are durable and can be used for multiple projects.
Caulking Refresh: Improve Your Bathroom
Re-caulking a shower or bathtub can improve both the appearance and functionality of your bathroom. It’s a simple yet important task that prevents water damage and keeps the area looking clean.
Why it's a great starter project:
Applying caulk requires practice to achieve a smooth, even bead. This skill is essential for maintaining sealed gaps and seams in your bathroom.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
A caulk gun is necessary for this task. Investing in a high-quality model with a smooth action and no-drip stop ensures a better experience and longer tool life.
Garage Storage Shelves: Expand Your Space
Building custom shelves for your garage is a great way to increase storage capacity and learn basic woodworking skills.
Why it's a great starter project:
Garages are often utilitarian spaces, allowing for some flexibility and learning from mistakes. This project teaches planning and maximizing material use.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
A circular saw is essential for cutting materials. Additional accessories like a ripping fence can make the task easier. If you already have a circular saw, consider investing in a compressor and nail gun for future projects.
Build a Fire Pit: Create a Gathering Spot
Building a fire pit is a fun and rewarding project that introduces you to concrete work and masonry. It’s a great way to create a focal point for outdoor gatherings.
Why it's a great starter project:
This project is an excellent introduction to hardscaping and masonry. The skills learned can be applied to other projects like patios and retaining walls.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
Basic masonry tools like a trowel and tuckpointer are useful for this and future projects. They help speed up the process and improve the quality of your work.
Hang a Ceiling Fan: Improve Air Circulation
Upgrading a light fixture to a ceiling fan can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a room. Modern designs make installation easier than ever before.
Why it's a great starter project:
As long as there is an existing light fixture, upgrading to a ceiling fan involves basic wiring and assembly. Challenges are usually minor and can be resolved with patience.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
A voltage tester is essential for safely working with electrical systems. It ensures that the lines are not live before you begin, making the process safer and less stressful.
Install a Wall-Mounted Television: Enhance Your Living Space
Mounting a flat-panel television can improve the look of your living space by eliminating exposed cables. It’s a practical and aesthetic upgrade that can be done with the right tools.
Why it's a great starter project:
Mounting a TV involves relocating outlets and running cables behind walls. This task helps build experience with wiring and cable management.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
Tools like a stud finder, fish tape, and drywall saw are useful for this project. They make the process smoother and prevent unnecessary damage to walls.
Sink Trap Clean-Out: Maintain Your Plumbing System
Cleaning sink traps is an important maintenance task that prevents clogs and ensures proper drainage. It’s a low-risk project that teaches you about plumbing systems.
Why it's a great starter project:
Sink trap clean-outs are a great way to start understanding drain line structures. They are simple and require minimal tools.
What it gives you an excuse to buy:
Channel lock pliers are useful for disassembling and reassembling sink traps. These tools are versatile and can be used for other plumbing tasks.
FAQs
Which DIY home improvement ideas will boost the value of my house the most?
According to remodeling expert Thomas Borcherding, projects like painting, grout refresh, new backsplash installation, floating shelves, replacing outlet covers, and exterior doors can increase your home’s value. Painting your home’s exterior color is also a dramatic way to enhance curb appeal.
What kinds of tools do I need for DIY home improvement projects?
Essential tools include a brad nailer, tape measure, stud finder, impact driver, and a gravity-assisted laser level. These tools help ensure accuracy and efficiency in your projects.
Can I rent tools for my DIY home improvement projects?
Renting is a good option for specialized tools you won’t use frequently. However, for tools you’ll need regularly, purchasing a quality set is more cost-effective in the long run.
About the Expert
Thomas Borcherding is the Owner and Lead Designer at Homestar Design Remodel (homestardr.com), a residential remodeling contracting firm with in-house design services and installation. Thomas is a professional kitchen and bathroom designer and a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
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