Spring is in full bloom, and in addition to the urge to spring clean, there is also that nagging feeling that a little home improvement might go a long way to brighten things up. But you’re not Bob Vila, so where does one start? What’s one to do? Here are ten quick and inexpensive suggestions that can positively impact your home and your own sense of accomplishment.
1. Paint Your Front Door
This project gives a lot of bang for the buck. Simply scrape the old paint from the door’s surface, then apply a new coat of paint to your front door. Your home will look shockingly different for the price of a good can of exterior-grade latex.
2. Wash Vinyl Siding
Removing the layer of dirt on your home’s vinyl siding can make your house look like new. To complete this project, mix warm water and mild detergent in a bucket, then scrub down the siding with a long-handled brush.
3. Repaint a Room
Repainting a room can brighten the space and add a feeling of fresh newness to your home. This transformative project can be completed in an afternoon and on a shoestring budget.
4. Wash Your Windows
Washing your windows helps brighten your home’s interior and gives every room a sense of cleanliness. All you need for this project is glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, and a long-handled squeegee for those hard-to-reach areas.
5. Install New Faucets
New faucets can transform your home’s bathrooms and kitchen. Best of all, faucet replacement is an easy DIY project that can be accomplished in as little as half an hour, given the right tools.
6. Paint Your Floors
This is the perfect project for someone who wants to replace or refinish their floors but has a notable lack of funds. For the sake of longevity and durability, we recommend using oil-based porch paint.
7. Install Low Flow Shower Heads
This is a great update if you’re trying to sell your home because eco-friendly features can be a very attractive selling point. This project also pays for itself by helping you to save money on utilities. Best of all, installing a shower head is simple! Simply unscrew the old shower head and screw on the new shower head.
8. Install New Light Fixtures
From disco balls to dimming chandeliers, new light fixtures can change the entire look and feel of a room. If you’re comfortable working with electricity, you can install your own light fixture in an hour or less. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, hire an electrician to do it for you.
9. Install GFCI Outlets
A GFCI outlet prevents electrocution by shutting down the circuit when an electricity imbalance is detected. GFCI outlets are an important safety feature in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms where moisture is present. If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets already, you can purchase them at Tashman Home Center and install them yourself or have an electrician install them.
10. Install Solar Powered Garden Lighting
Outdoor solar-powered garden lighting can take as little as 15 minutes to install. This project can really wow visitors and improve the appearance of your yard–just in time for summer parties in the backyard.