The pandemic has been a time of great upheaval and change. For many people, it has meant working from home, homeschooling kids, and generally feeling like they’re living in a different world. Yet, some people have used their extra time at home to tackle long-neglected home renovation projects amid all this change. These are the reasons why home renovations have increased during the pandemic.
For some, renovating their home has been a way to take back some control in a time when so much feels out of their hands. It’s been a way to put their stamp on their environment and make their home more comfortable and functional. And for others, it’s been a fun and challenging way to pass the time during quarantine.
Whether you’re planning a big project or just doing some minor updates, here are some of the best home renovations that you can do by yourself
Paint Your Walls
One of the quickest and easiest ways to change the look of your home is to paint the walls, and it isn’t all that hard to know once you know about the basics. Here’s what you need to know:
Type of Paint
Any paint will work, given that you’re painting interior parts of your home. However, when it comes to your exterior walls, you’ll need a silicone render after you’ve applied your base coat. The render should increase the strength of your wall and make it resistant to water, which is great if you’re living in an area prone to storms.
Preparation
Before you start painting, it’s crucial to prepare the surface you’ll be working on. This means cleaning the walls (you can use a mixture of water and vinegar) and sanding them down if they’re rough. Once the fence is clean and smooth, you can start painting.
Application
To paint your walls, you’ll need a roller or a brush. If you’re using a roller, start at the top of the wall and work your way down. For best results, apply paint in even strokes and avoid going over the same spot more than once. If you’re using a brush, start at the edges of the wall and work your way in. Again, try to avoid going over the same spot more than once.
Once you’re finished painting, you can add finishing touches like crown molding or picture frames. If you want to get creative, you can even paint murals!
Replace Your Flooring
If your floors look worn or dated, you can easily replace them yourself. There are a few different types of flooring that you can choose from, and each has its own set of benefits.
- Hardwood floors are classic and timeless, and they’re relatively easy to install. Depending on your preference, you can either nail them down or glue them down. They are also very resilient despite being costly.
- Tile floors are durable and easy to clean, making them great for high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. They’re also relatively easy to install, although you may need to hire a professional if you’re not confident in your ability to do it yourself.
- The carpet is soft and comfortable, and it’s available in a wide range of colors and styles. However, carpet is one of the more difficult floors to install, so you may want to hire a professional if you choose this option.
- Laminate floors are a more budget-friendly option that looks like hardwood but is much easier to install. You can also install laminate floors over existing flooring, which is a great way to save time and money.
Update Your Hardware
If your home is looking dated, one of the quickest and easiest ways to update it is by replacing the hardware. This includes doorknobs, cabinet pulls and switch plates. You can find replacement hardware at any home improvement store or order it online.
Replacing your hardware is pretty easy! Simply unscrew the old hardware and screw in the new hardware.
Install a Backsplash
A backsplash is a great way to add personality to your kitchen or bathroom. You can find backsplash tiles at any home improvement store or order them online.
To install a backsplash, you’ll need to measure the area you want to install it and cut the tiles to size. Once the tiles are cut, you can apply adhesive and press them into place. After the adhesive has dried, you can grout the tile joints and enjoy your new backsplash.
Add New Curtains or Blinds
Curtains and blinds are a great way to update the look of your home. You can also use them to control the amount of light entering a room, which is great for daytime and nighttime.
To install curtains or blinds, you’ll need to measure the window and cut the fabric or blinds to size. Once they’re cut, you can either sew them or use adhesive to attach them to the window.
These are just a few of the many home renovations you can do yourself. With time and effort, you can update your home without breaking the bank!
