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Simple DIY Projects That Make a Big Difference

Is it time to give your home a lift, but you’re short on ideas, cash, and/or skills? There are plenty of improvement projects you can tackle with minimal resources, yet make a big difference in your life. Read on as we explore some of the ways that you can not only make your home more enjoyable without spending a lot of time or money, you can do projects that give you great ROI. 

Understanding ROI

There are two ways to look at your home improvement projects. One is to do them simply for your own pleasure. Maybe you’re just feeling crafty or you just always hated that particular shade of green — and in that case, the financial return on your investment is the lower priority. The other objective is to enhance the resale value of your property. Your home is your biggest investment, so it always makes sense to keep that in mind. We think there are plenty of projects a layperson can do that provide the best of both worlds.

Improve Your View

When it comes to the benefits of installing new windows, Bob Vila points out that a crystal clear view of the great outdoors is just the tip of the iceberg. Older windows tend to be difficult to maintain, but newer styles are designed to make cleaning quick and easy. 

Thanks to the insulation quality, newer windows mean you should see a drop in energy use and utility bills. Bonus? That added insulation means they also shield your home from outside sounds better, so road noise should drop right off. Installation is reasonably simple, so long as you aren’t changing the size of your windows. 

Recolor Your World

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your home is with paint. It’s inexpensive, requires minimal skill, and if you take your time and line out your supplies and steps properly, you’ll have a great end product. As far as ROI, the key is not only in good execution, though, but also in the color selection. 

As CBS News explains, certain colors are hot right now, and it varies with the room you intend to paint. Right now, softer colors for the interior are all the rage. Pale blues dominate in much of the house, whereas living rooms and exteriors are best in greige and taupe tones. 

Get Handy with Hardware

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and the truth is that when it comes time to sell a house, that’s one of the top priorities for house hunters. Thankfully, there is much you can do to update yours, without a complete overhaul.

One of the easiest ways to refresh your kitchen is with new hardware. Installation is super simple, you need minimal tools, and the effect is powerful. If you’re just swapping out colors — for instance, a single knob replacing a single knob — you don’t even need to drill or sand anything, just make the even exchange. A completely new style will require a bit more work, but it’s still simple enough — just remember to measure twice and cut or drill once.

Love on Your Landscaping

Could your landscaping use a little TLC? Most tidy ups give a great bang for your buck since they raise your home’s curb appeal. The first thing anyone notices is your home’s exterior, so send a little love that way. This could come in the form of rejuvenating old shrubbery, installing edging, or simply spreading fresh mulch. Deal with weeds as you go, and you’ll breathe new life into your home’s exterior.

Get your toolbox handy! When it comes to raising the value of your property, little feels better than a well-thought-out DIY project. Decide what will provide you with both enjoyment and good ROI, and dive in!