DIY Projects - Beginner to Advanced
THE MORE TIME SPENT IN YOUR HOME THE MORE YOU'LL SEE AREAS FOR IMPROVMENT. QUIRKS THAT WERE ONCE ENDEARING BECOME BOTHERSOME. A DESIGN IN ANOTHER HOME CATCHES YOUR EYE AND YOU WANT THAT LOOK.
One of the advantages of our digital age is how easy it is to find not only great ideas and inspiration but video tutorials that step you through doing the project yourself. Just search the internet for things you'd like to do and then hop onto YouTube and search for a video tutorial. It may take a little bit of searching but you will find nearly the exact project and tutorial you're looking to do.
Everyone has different skills and levels of ability when it comes to home projects, and many of the tutorials can make a project look all too easy and then you end up over your head and wishing you hadn’t started the project in the first place. With this in caveat in mind we pulled together a number of our DIY home projects and then ranked them according to skill level, risk, time, and cost. Each project falls into one of the following categories:
- Beginner – these projects are inexpensive, require a basic skill level, and in the event you don’t like the result, odds are you can easily restore the project to its original state.
- Intermediate – (COMMING SOON) these projects might require more tools and supplies, a bit more expertise, and while many can be restored should you not like the result, it’s going to take some work.
- Advanced – (COMMING SOON) these projects require a higher level of expertise will likely require more than basic household tools as well as they are meant to last for a while. If not executed properly, the results can be costly and probably require at least a skilled handyman or possibly a skilled tradesman.
Wherever you fit in these categories - and be honest with yourself - it is our hope you find something on the list that appeals to you!
Ready? Let's go!!
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BEGINNER PROJECTS
Here are a number of excellent BEGINNER projects - just pick one and go!
Hang String Lights – Brighten Your Out Door Living Space
This is probably one of the easiest of our projects in our list. Hanging string lights typically requires nothing more than a staple gun or some hooks, but the result can make your patio or outdoor living area feel like an oasis.
Here are some great ideas and additional guidance on how to put up your string lights.
30 Outdoor Patio LED & String Lighting Ideas
Paint Your Front Door - Update Your Home's Entrance
Over time the front door can take a lot of abuse, especially if it's used as a regular entrance / exit. You might also want to upgrade your look and create some added curb appeal or just add a some color to make your home more inviting. Painting your door is a project that can easily be done in an afternoon, but can have a dramatic effect on your home’s appearance. Be careful to consider the color of your siding, brick or stone. You cannot go wrong with simple, elegant black. Also consider upgrading your front door lockset at the same time.
Following is a good video on how to paint your front door.
How To Paint Your Front Door
Change Out Your Front Door Lockset or Interior Doorknobs
If you're painting or replacing your your front door this is a great time to replace your door lockset. Interior doorknobs provide a touch of style without needing to replace a door. There are a variety of options to fit the design of the rest of your home.
Following is a tutorial on replacing the front door lockset:
How To Replace A Front Door Lockset
Add Some Peel & Stick Wallpaper - Bring New Life & A Fresh Look To Any Room
Wallpaper has come a long way. If you have a wall or space that needs some character, peel and stick wallpaper may be your solution. Quickly update a room and give it a completely new look, create a contrast wall or even add a mural for a special effect. Aside from the paper itself, the project requires only basic household tools, and there are a ton of options with different patterns and textures - the choices are seemingly endless. Best of all, it's not MESSY and it's EASY!
Here’s a straightforward tutorial that covers this simple project well:
How To Install Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Frame Your Bathroom Mirrors
Give your bathroom a touch of class and character with frames around your mirrors. Standard 'builder grade' mirrors can be easily dressed up if you aren’t ready to spring for all new mirrors. If this is you, then this DIY framing project should be just what you're looking for to turn your ordinary bathroom décor into extraordinary.
Here’s a video tutorial that shows how easy it can be to go from boring to stylish!
How To Frame Bathroom Mirrors
Replace Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Similar to a replacing doorknobs, changing out your kitchen cabinet hardware is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without having to replace or refinish the entire cabinet. Door handles and drawer pulls are relatively easy to switch out, so don’t be afraid to try something bold. To ensure an easy installation, we strongly recommend buying replacements that fit the holes already drilled in your cabinets.
Here’s a video tutorial that covers the entire installation:
How To Replace Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Swap Out Your Shower Heads
This project is one that delivers both style and functionality. If the look of your shower head lends to a dated feel, or you just want to change the way your shower delivers water, a replacement is in order. Shower heads are fairly easy to swap out, and are well worth the investment.
Check out this video tutorial that breaks down the installation process:
How To Replace A Shower Head
Add Some Decorative Trim
If you are looking to create some contrast or add dimension to a room, consider adding decorative trim to your walls. From adding a chair rail to s more involved wainscoting, the change in the character of the room can be significant. Whether you choose to paint the trim the same color as the wall or a contrasting color, the result is a classic, interesting look.
Here's an excellent guide to designing and installing your wall trim:
