By: Lance Cody-Valdez
We’ve been spending a lot of time in our homes, so now is a great time to update your residences. Whether you are continuing to work from home or because your home needs a little refresh, there are great and simple reno options for any budget. If you want to perk up your living space, Social Spaces has a few home update ideas that are relatively easy to tackle without having to hire professional help.
Remember, almost any improvement project will help boost the value of your home. Take before and after photos to show off to friends and family, and don’t forget to keep all of your receipts in case they are needed for taxes or selling purposes.
Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen renovations are notoriously expensive and complicated, but you don’t have to blow your entire budget on this one room. A few smaller updates are usually enough to make the space feel refreshed and revived.
Instead of hiring someone to rip out and replace your cabinetry, try painting what you already have. Today’s paint sprayers are professional grade, so you’ll get the type of results you’d expect from a pro. While you’ll have to live without access to your kitchen for a few days, this project can usually be completed quickly and without a house full of dust and construction noise.
Update Your Bathroom Flooring
If you’re one of the unfortunate homeowners who has been living with carpet or linoleum in your bathroom for years, it is time for a change. Ripping out existing flooring is intimidating, but it is possible to do it yourself. This Old House explains there are several flooring options you can choose from, and each of their installation methods varies based on your skill level or ability.
For example, tiling a new bathroom floor may require learning how to put down thin-set and grout properly, but a floating laminate wood floor is so easy to install that your kids can help. What you decide to use will depend on how comfortable you feel with the installation process.
Improve Your Landscaping
Even the tidiest yard can look boring if you don’t update the plants every so often. A flat rectangle of green grass just doesn’t catch the eye like a lush flower bed full of color and texture. You don’t have to have a green thumb to find success either. Opt for flowering annuals for intense color and lasting power during the hottest months of the year. Then choose perennials to fill in when the annuals peter out.
The best way to figure out what to plant and where is to consider how much light the area you’re updating gets, and then make sure that you choose plants that flower at different times of the year. That way something is always blooming.
If your garden or your grass needs some help, consider hiring a professional. Search online for “ground leveling services near me” to get everything evened up, and then work with a lawn care professional to get your grass green so your family can enjoy their outdoor spaces, too!
Finish Your Basement
If your home has a basement that is unfinished, it’s time to get it done. While there are some aspects of this project that you will likely have to hire some help for, there are plenty of things you can do on your own, including framing, installing insulation, pulling electrical wires, and more.
Consider using your renovated basement for something unique like a movie room, home library, or even a home office. You’ll want to choose colors and furniture that will make your work environment comfortable. In lieu of painting, you can try wallpaper that’s both easy to use and customizable. Just be sure that there’s ample lighting in your new workspace.
As you prepare to welcome others into your home for the first time in a long time, make sure it is as comfortable and welcoming as you would like.
