August 15, 2024

DIY Renovations for a refreshed home

DIY Renovations for a refreshed home

You may have started doing DIY projects during COVID. Maybe you enjoy watching HGTV and getting ideas for home improvements. Perhaps you have always been creative and enjoy learning new skills.

No matter what the inspiration, if you’re considering tackling those home improvement projects yourself to help save money, we’ve shared some helpful tips and valuable knowledge to guide you.

Paint the town red…or blue…or yellow!

To update your space on a budget and make it feel bigger or cozier, consider painting your walls, ceilings, or trim. If there’s no room in the budget to expand a room or add a new window, paint can help you create the illusion of more light and space.

Lighter colors can make a room feel more open and airy by reflecting natural light. Your space will feel larger and filled with more natural light, even if there isn’t enough of either.

Darker colors can add a flare of drama to a space. If you’re looking to make a space feel cozier, dark tones on the ceiling or wall will help it appear smaller.

If you don’t want to paint a whole room, try painting just one wall for a pop of color that will stand out. Your walls also see a lot of wear and tear over the years, so if you’re still in love with the current color in the room, adding a fresh coat to cover scuffs and stains will help the room feel like new.

If you want to add a fun pattern to your walls but don’t have time or the budget for wallpaper, paint is a great option. It’s an easy way to add some design to your space. Whether you lean towards geometric patterns or want something completely whimsical, using stencils and paint gives you the freedom to be creative.

Painting may seem intimidating if you’re a novice, so here are a few quick tips to ensure your project is a success:

  • Place your painter’s tape first, and then swipe primer along the edge of the area you’ll be painting before applying color to prevent color bleeding under the tape.
  • You can use a sprayer to apply paint and save time, but a roller will still give a nice finish and be more cost effective.
  • Use tape and stencils to create dividing lines and patterns rather than attempting to free-hand it if you are looking for a clean look.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings to prevent spilling paint, stepping on wet tools, or damaging your clothes. Use drop cloths and tarps to protect your floors and furniture.

Let there be (new) lights

Swapping out existing light fixtures for new ones can completely elevate and transform your space without breaking the bank with a renovation. Of course, this requires some electrical work, so we strongly recommend hiring a professional if you aren’t confident in your skills.

It’s also important to measure your space carefully to ensure your dream light fixture fits the space. This includes making sure anything that will hang won’t dangle too low. It would be a shame for someone to bump their head on the beautiful chandelier you just installed!

When trying to decide which fixtures you love, a few things to take into consideration include:

  • Finish color
  • Shade material and color
  • Style of the fixture

When considering what lights you’d like to upgrade, take into account the existing finishes in the room, such as faucets and drawer knobs. You want to ensure you don’t choose clashing finishes, which can create a mismatched look in the room. If you’re adding lamps to the space, shade material and color are key components, too. They can either elevate the space or clash with everything else in the room if not chosen carefully.

Make sure the fixture’s style matches the space’s overall decor. You don’t want to put an ultra-modern light in a room filled with farmhouse-style decor. There are fixtures to suit every aesthetic, from coastal to mid-century modern.

Your local hardware stores will have plenty of light fixtures to choose from, but you can also find unique treasures in antique stores. You never know what treasures you might find on your hunt for home improvement. If you are visiting a specialty store, such as an upscale home decor or lighting store, be sure to call ahead, as sometimes you will need to make an appointment with the designer on staff.

Finding the hardware that’s just right

Swapping out hardware on drawers, cabinets, doors, towel rings, robe hooks, towel

bars and even your toilet paper holder is another quick and easy DIY project for homeowners looking to spice up their space.

Gold, brushed nickel, and matte black are currently popular finishes and create different looks in a space. When changing out your hardware, it’s recommended that you find all the products before purchasing because, at times, certain items (like mirrors and light fixtures) may be hard to find.

You can find hardware at any home improvement store, and switching out what you currently have is simple. If you’re having trouble finding a particular finish or hardware style at your local stores, Etsy, Ferguson, and Build.com are great resources for a DIY homeowner.

DIY Do’s and Don’ts

Before you dive into your home improvement projects, it’s essential to plan thoroughly to avoid wasting time andmoney or causing damage to your home. We recommend watching experts first so you know how to complete a project successfully. The internet is full of instructional videos for everything from applying wallpaper to changing light fixtures.

Establishing your budget before you start is also important. If this is your first time doing this kind of project, we recommend being prepared for the budget to come out higher than expected in case of mistakes. Break down the cost of everything you might need to ensure it’s doable.

Of course, for the really big, complicated, or potentially damaging projects, call in the experts. At Classic Remodeling, we pride ourselves on years of experience.

We can navigate plumbing, electrical, waterproofing and exterior jobs with ease. Our team will ensure that a job is

done correctly the first time so you don’t have to spend money getting it fixed. We also have extensive knowledge of building codes and laws s

o that you can avoid any legal issues and protect yourself and your loved ones. You could get hurt or risk serious fines if a job isn’t done correctly. And unless you’re prepared to deal with your HOA (if applicable), inspections and permits, we will handle the complex parts of a home renovation.

In the end, sometimes hiring a pro is less expensive than doing it yourself. We’re here to do the heavy lifting for you…figuratively and literally!

Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today