By Paul Denikin of dadknowsdiy.com
Being a homeowner means your job is never done when it comes to making improvements. This comes with the territory, but how do you know which projects to prioritize? And which ones you can DIY as opposed to hiring a professional? The list of projects you could do is endless, but these are just a few upgrades that are trending among homeowners and buyers today. Here’s how to get started, what to do yourself, and how to know when it’s time to call a pro!
Credit: RawPixel
Install Hardwood Floors
One thing you always want to think about when making home improvements is how to balance current trends with style that has staying power. Wood flooring is one trend that’s timeless, so you don’t have to worry about it going out of style if you plan on selling at some point down the road. Besides giving your home a classic look, homeowners love that wood floors are both durable and easy to take care of. And because hardwood floors are always in demand, adding them is a surefire way to improve your home’s value.
Whether you plan on installing wood floors yourself or hiring a professional, there are a few important things to keep in mind when you’re estimating the cost. Labor costs will be higher if you need to have extra work done, such as moving furniture, repairing the subfloor, or removal of the old floor. Additionally, the type of floor you choose will make a difference in cost, and be prepared to spend more money if you want an exotic wood or engineered flooring. As HomeAdvisor points out, pine flooring runs around $3 to $6 per square foot, plus $3 to $5 per square foot for installation, whereas exotic wood floors like mahogany cost around $8 to $14 per square foot plus $4 to $8 per square foot for installation.
Credit: RawPixel
Update Bathrooms
Along with flooring, updated bathrooms top just about every homeowner’s (and buyer’s) list of most desired home improvement projects. Despite that fact, many people shy away from renovating bathrooms because it seems like a major project. If you have the budget to remodel your entire bathroom, including the cost of hiring the right pros, go for it! However, even a small bathroom upgrade can have an impact, and you’ll have less time and money invested.
According to Family Handyman, you can DIY a “bathroom mini-makeover” for around $430. That estimate includes a granite vanity top, new faucet, paint, cabinet pulls, and a mirror. You always have the option to go higher end if your budget allows, or you can save more money by refurbishing a mirror you already have.
If you aren’t sure about how much to do yourself, Architectural Digest recommends hiring a pro for bathroom projects that involve significant plumbing or electrical wiring. On the other hand, you may want to do the tiling yourself, but they suggest starting small — especially with a project where you’re working around water.
Credit: RawPixel
Add Storage
Who doesn’t want more storage in their home? You can always buy furniture for storage, but adding built-ins is an elegant way to get a storage solution that’s permanent. If you’re dreaming of built-in bookcases, the first step is to find ideas that fit your home. Then, decide if you need to hire a builder, or if you have the skills to do it yourself with the help of an online tutorial. Another option from Real Simple is to go semi-custom with added laundry storage.
Bottom Line
Whichever projects you do, the one thing professionals agree on is that you shouldn’t try anything that would be dangerous without the right skill level. DIY home upgrades can save you money, but the downside of getting in over your head is that you may pay more in the long run. No matter what, any improvement that’s done right will make your home more beautiful and functional, with the added bonus of boosting its value too.
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