There are many home renovations that can be done to add value to your property. While there are many projects that should be done by a professional, there are also many that you can take on yourself. Here is a list of smaller projects that you can DIY, while still profiting from them!
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan, Leave it to Bryan and Island of Bryan.
Published June 9, 2019, Updated January 14, 2021
Flooring
If you have any rooms in your home that are starting to look outdated due to old carpet, it may be time to swap it out for wood flooring. Remove the carpet and decide what would work best for the space. I always recommend choosing engineered hardwood flooring, as they are durable and have a nicer overall appearance. Alternatively, a more cost-effective option is laminate, which can still give you the look you are hoping to achieve. Whatever wood flooring you choose, instructions are often provided on how to properly apply. It may take an afternoon of your time, but in the end, it can add to the overall value to your home.
Related: 10 Rookie Flooring Mistakes to Avoid During Your Next Reno
Backsplash
Your kitchen is one of the rooms in the house that can really make or break the value of your home. While kitchen renovations can often hang on the more expensive side of things, there are simple ways that you can refresh the look of your kitchen without breaking the budget. Simple updates, such as replacing or adding backsplash, can be projects you take on yourself. This can be a cost-effective way to update the look and feel of the room. Begin by calculating how much surface area needs to be covered. Before adding mortar to the wall, decide on the pattern you want to go with and where you will start. This may be the trickiest part of laying backsplash – but it will only get easier once you begin.
Related: Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2021
Cabinetry
A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to be a major project. Take on some of the smaller updates yourself and still profit from it. An alternative to doing a complete remodel of the kitchen is by simply refacing or painting your existing cabinets. If you have old and outdated wood cabinets, you can easily update them by painting them. This is a cost-effective option that can refresh the look of your kitchen. If you are looking to reface your cabinets, this also has the potential to save your budget, but still leave your kitchen looking like new.
Related: How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets: Bryan Baeumler Breaks it Down
Landscaping
A little landscaping can go a long way. The exterior of a home is a main focal point when it comes to selling. I always suggest investing some time and money into ensuring that your exterior matches the look of the interior of the home. This project is easy to take on yourself. Perhaps updating the fence or elevating the look of the garden is all you need to refresh the look of the property.
Deck
Another profitable project that you can take on yourself is adding a deck to the front or back of your home. Put some money towards wood and tools that you’ll need to complete the project. This may end up costing you some money, but in the end, it can increase your ROI on the home.
Related: 10 Things to Consider Before Building Your Own Deck
Paint
Something as simple as repainting the interior or exterior of your house can add value to a home. This will update the look of your home and leave it feeling like new again. This is a simple and cost-effective way to not only increase your home’s value, but leave you feeling better about your space, too.
Bathroom
Making small updates in the bathroom is also a cost-effective, yet profitable project that you can take on by yourself. Something as simple as recaulking the bathtub or changing out the hardware are great examples of ways to improve the look of the space. With the bathroom being a key selling feature in any home, it’s important to have this space looking up to date.
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