DIY Home Projects to Help the Time Fly During the Pandemic
By: Special Guest Contributor, Bob Shannon of Seniorsmeet.org
Staying at home more often means you’re doing your part to stop the spread of infection, but it doesn’t mean you have to be bored. When you’re not working or going out as much, there are plenty of DIY home improvement projects you can do to help pass the time. Working on small renovations can help boost your mood by giving you a fresh perspective. It can also boost your home’s value, which will come in handy when it’s time to list. Learn about a few of the best DIY projects you can do while staying closer to home below.
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Give Your Cabinets a Makeover
Doing a full kitchen remodel might be tempting, but it’s a large scale project that requires the help of several professionals. If you’re trying to practice social distancing, it’s probably best to avoid such projects for the time being. Luckily, kitchens can be freshened up with many smaller-scale projects, too.
For example, there are so many possibilities for making your cabinets look like new. Repainting your cabinets or updating the hardware can give your kitchen an entirely new feel. Good Housekeeping says there are a lot of mistakes to be made when painting cabinets yourself, but knowing the pitfalls will help you get the best results. Plan ample time and buy the right materials, and you’ll love your refreshed space!
Revamp Your Master Bedroom
You probably spend a lot of time in your master bedroom, which is why it deserves a makeover every now and then. Looking at before and after is a great way to get inspired. Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can enliven a dated bedroom. Or you can take it a step further by getting a new area rug, adding storage solutions or updating your window treatments to make the room look bigger.
Update Your Fixtures
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to revive your interior design is to update your hardware and fixtures. Installing new light switch covers, towel bars, door handles or shower heads is a great way to make dated features look new. You can replace all of these things with basic tools you probably already have around the house.
The best part of updating these fixtures is that the parts are small enough to be delivered to your house without racking up major shipping costs. You can also support small local businesses such as hardware stores by calling to order the parts you need. Many local businesses will ship items or allow you to pick up your order outside the store.
Put in a New Door
Many homeowners get fixated on interior improvements because it’s what they see the most. However, many exterior projects can be worth the time and money. In fact, when you consider the return on investment (ROI), many exterior renovations will give you a higher ROI than interior jobs. On top of that, you gain health benefits from being outside that are welcome at any time but especially during a pandemic, like stress reduction and an immune system boost.
Projects such as adding a deck, overhauling your landscaping or putting in a new garage door are great ways to boost your home’s value, but they usually require help from the pros. A smaller job to consider is a front door replacement.
Installing a new steel entry door costs about $1,300, but your return is around $1,200, according to Budget Dumpster. If your current door is in good condition, giving it a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective way to boost your curb appeal.
When to Call a Pro
It’s not in your or your home’s best interest to attempt certain projects. Roofing, electrical, structural, and major plumbing work is best left to the professionals as tackling these projects on your own could be dangerous and possibly damage your home. For example, if you need a roof replacement or repair, reach out to the skilled and reliable professionals. If you want to surround the perimeter of your property with a fence, work with reputable contractors instead of doing the work on your own, as professionals will be aware of underground utility lines. As you vet fence companies, read reviews and feedback from past customers.
Doing DIY projects is a great way to be productive when you’re self-isolating. Many projects are cheap and easy to do, while also increasing the value of your home. Plus, when you take on small-scale projects, you can usually get the items you need delivered to your door, making it easier to practice social distancing.
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Bob Shannon created SeniorsMeet.org, along with his wife, Mary, to have a website that allows seniors to meet up and talk about topics that are relevant to their daily lives. They hope to build SeniorsMeet into a community of like-minded seniors.
