5 DIY Home Improvement Projects

By Stephen Sellner | Citizens Bank Staff

Not every home improvement project needs a contractor. Some jobs are simple and manageable enough to tackle on your own, even if you’re not destined to star in your own HGTV show.

The DIY life can be a thrill. Not only do you get to marvel at your handiwork for years to come, but, if done correctly, you can save yourself some serious cash.

However, with DIY projects, you’ve got to be aware of your limitations. You don’t want to be knocking down walls if your only construction background is some YouTube videos you watched the night before.

Below are some home improvement projects that you could reasonably tackle on your own.

1. Wallpapering

The good news with wallpaper is you can check your supplies before installing. Before you apply any glue, cut the wallpaper to length to ensure you have enough material to cover all your walls. But go ahead and buy extra wallpaper and paste, just to be on the safe side. Once you’re sure you have enough material, mix the paste just right and apply.

Pro tip: Before you start, paint the walls with wallpaper sizing for easy removal and replacement down the road.

2. Prefinished floors

These floors “float” on top of your existing floor. Easier to install than traditional floors, they simply snap together.

Installation is pretty straightforward; just follow the directions. But make sure you have a flat surface to start from. If you have bumps or dips in your floors, go with a professional instead.

3. Painting the interior or exterior

Painting really comes down to preparation, so make sure you clean your surfaces and fill any cracks or holes before starting. If you see something before the paint goes on, you’ll probably still see it after.

Make sure to buy quality paint with a high solids content from a reputable dealer.

4. Storage

This includes hanging adjustable shelves, assembling small cabinets, and extends to anything that installs with hardware. Just remember to have patience since instructions can be written poorly.

Pro tip: Use a small finish nail to find wall studs when hanging. It’s better to touch up a tiny nail hole than risk a shelf or cabinet crashing to the floor.

5. Landscaping

Get your hands dirty! Handle your own mulching and pull your own weeds. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even install a stone walkway or fence for the backyard. There’s plenty of “how-to’s” out there to help you get the job done.

What to remember

Taking on a DIY project can save you money — if it’s a simple enough job. Otherwise, you could be calling a contractor to fix your mess, which will cost more money in the long run. Before you start, acknowledge and stay within your limitations. Once you establish those, get a helper, stretch your muscles, take breaks, and remember to lift with your legs!