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One of the biggest hurdles for first time homeowners is knowing what to do with their new home if they are on a tight budget. With all the DIY home projects that could be done, it can feel overwhelming and sometimes like there’s no end in sight.
We’re here to help! Here are 15 easy DIY projects that you can complete without having years of experience or spending a lot of money. Have fun improving your new home with these small projects while saving some cash too!
1. Paint Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets
This is a great option if you’re looking to update the look of your space without spending a lot, plus it’s easy to do!
All you need are some paint, brushes, rollers and tape for masking off any areas that you don’t want painted. Best part? You don’t even have to bother with sanding.
Choosing the correct type of paint is essential when painting cabinets. I highly recommend Benjamin Moore Advanced or Sherwin Williams Urethane to get the job done right.
If you’re still stumped for paint colors, be sure and check out this post where I’ve rounded up twelve of the best!
2. Install New Cabinet Hardware
Why not replace those cheap builder grade pulls? It’s super easy too!
All you need is some knobs and handles from a local home improvement store (Lowe’s or Home Depot).
They come in so many different styles now that there should be something perfect for any space. Then, just pop off the old ones and put on the shiny new one of your choosing!
3. Replace Basic Door Knobs
That feeling when you open up your first home? It feels awesome doesn’t it? The best way to continue making this house your own is by replacing those builder grade hardware pieces with something new.
Plus, there are so many great kitchen hardware trends to delve into. This quick and easy project can be done in under an hour!
4. Replace or Install Kitchen Backsplash
Is your old, builder grade tile starting to peel away from the wall? Replace it with a new backsplash that will really brighten up your space for you and wow guests when they visit, too!
You don’t need any special tools for this one either just some basic supplies like tile, grout, spacers/tiling mats (or just newspaper), sealer & cutting tool such as a snap and score tile cutter (not an expensive purchase but you can also rent one at your local hardware store).
You don’t even need to use mastik to adhere the tiles – an adhesive tile mat like Musselbound makes the job mess-free.
Practice on a few pieces of tile first (so that you can get the hang of it) and you’ll be good to go!
5. Repaint the Front Door
A fresh coat of paint is just what the doctor ordered! Painting your front door will add instant curb appeal and personality to your home. You can choose to paint your door with a vibrant color that really pops, or stick to something a bit more traditional.
You’ll need some supplies like primer, a ladder or step stool for easier access (depending on how high your door is), plus a quart of exterior grade paint. This is one of the most common home renovations and it makes a great starter project.
6. Install New Light Fixtures
Replacing builder grade light fixtures (I’m looking at you boob lights!) is a sure-fire way to improve the look of your new home. It may seem like an intimidating task for a DIY project, but it’s actually very simple once you take the necessary precautions.
Be sure and follow proper instructions when installing your new light fixture. Turn the lights off at the circuit breaker, double check that they are off, then remove the existing lights. Pay attention to how the original light is wired (I like to take a photo) and install the new light the same way.
Changing the lights up in your home office, dining room, living room, bathroom, or any other area that needs a lift is an easy and cost effective way to do it!
7. Improve Landscaping and Curb Appeal
Improve curb appeal after landscaping by clearing out overgrown bushes, planting flowers and installing a new mailbox. You don’t need any special skills to complete these tasks either!
All you’ll need is tools like clippers for trimming the bush (depending on how much work needs to be done), shovels for digging up dirt if you’re making beds for plants, a rake and hoe.
A fresh layer of mulch will add a big impact and help protect your new plants and flowers.
By doing this yourself, you’ll pay just a fraction of the cost professional landscapers charge. This will make your property more welcoming from the street while adding character in the process too!
8. Clean and Seal Shower Grout Lines
These are one of those things that just get ignored until it becomes impossible to ignore anymore because they get so bad… but this project doesn’t have to be daunting and you’ll feel so much better once you do!
Using a toothbrush and dish soap, scrub all the dirt out of your grout lines that have been neglected for months or years (depending on how often you clean). Apply sealer and you’re good to go!
9. Install New Shower Head
With just one quick trip to Home Depot, this is an easy project anyone can do! All you need are pliers to disconnect the old hose from your current head, then thread it onto the new one and tighten firmly with those same pliers plus some pipe tape in case there’s any leaking when finished.
That’s it! You’re done and ready for a refreshing shower now.
10. Replace Outlet Covers
It doesn’t take much for these things to start looking old, dirty and stained after years of neglect but don’t worry because this is an easy DIY project, too.
All you need are some new outlet plates from Home Depot or Lowe’s plus that trusty screwdriver again for unscrewing the old and replacing with the new.
11. Install Window Blinds or Curtains
This might seem like something only people who are very creative can get away with but that couldn’t be further from the truth! It takes minimal time and cost, again making this one of those perfect beginner projects that doesn’t intimidate. Plus think of all the design possibilities!
Most blinds are installed with two metal clips that just need to be screwed to the inside frame of your window, while curtain rods are even easier to install. Just remember to hang rods high and wide, to make your room appear larger.
My favorite design-inspired pinch pleat curtains will instantly make any room look so much more elegant.
12. Paint Interior Doors
The fastest way to totally transform your home is with a little paint. If you’re not up for painting the kitchen cabinets or the front door just yet, you can give painting a couple of the interior doors a try.
Especially if you have any oak or wood closet doors that just don’t quite match, applying a couple coats of paint will go a long way. Need help learning how to paint a door? You might find this post helpful.
13. Wallpaper a Wall
Stumped with what to do with that blank wall? Wallpaper can add a bright color or subtle pattern in a way that paint just can’t sometimes. It can also bring in texture or create a focal point.
This is another cost effective project as the main thing you will need to purchase is the wallpaper itself. You’ll also need some wallpaper paste and a paintbrush.
Have you read about our nursery accent wall project? This was a fun and easy DIY that I’m sure you could master too!
14. Add Garage Handle and Hinge Magnets
This project won’t even take up an entire free afternoon and all you need to purchase is a pack of garage handle and hinge magnets. You can see how easily we transformed our old garage doors with this simple DIY project.
Once they’re applied, you’ll feel a huge impact and like you’re living in a high end home. Doesn’t this give a totally fresh look to the garage?
15. DIY Shelves
There are multiple places in your home that without shelves just aren’t as functional. We’ve added closet shelves and floating desk shelves in our own home. The laundry room is another great place to install these.
You can complete this project in a day and just need wood (even better if you can use up some leftover scrap wood!) plus a few other things for installation such as a few power tools, screws and caulk.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix to get out of a home rut or just moved into your first fixer upper, these are great single day projects to easily transform your home.
The good news is you don’t need a lot of time, much money or high skill level to achieve great results! With a bit of hard work and dedication you’ll have a finished product you’re proud of.