Home improvement is one of those terms that covers just about anything. Do it yourself home improvement is the process of renovating, remodeling or making additions to one’s home without the use of a contractor. Do it yourself improvements are often performed to raise the asking price of a house before it is sold. Home remodeling can be a costly affair that necessitates some type of financing, however, do it yourself house improvement can often be achieved quite inexpensively.
Remodeling
Do it yourself improvements can include remodeling of a room, a garden or an entire house. A remodeling project, regardless of the size, requires planning and some major decisions so if you’re not up to d-i-y structural remodeling, consider a smaller project such as building a flowerbed out of railroad ties or stacked flagstones. Another easy remodeling project could be to build a garden pond. These small improvements can make a huge visual impact and improve the overall amenity and living space in your garden.
Do It Yourself Kitchen Renovations
A thoughtfully planned, well decorated kitchen is a sound investment in your home. Obviously, kitchen remodeling can be a major renovation project, however there are many do-it-yourself improvements that can be done in the kitchen. Do-it-yourself kitchen remodeling can encompass kitchen cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances. Upgrading cabinets, fixtures, and sinks in the kitchen can be daunting but can often be tackled by the home handyman, with a bit of expert advice. And, remember, kitchen (and bathroom) remodeling usually brings greater returns than modifying or adding leisure amenities.
Projects
Often a simple remodeling project can make an ordinary room beautiful. Do it yourself home improvement projects can be as simple as a small repair or repainting a room. Another small, or inexpensive project can be replacing the linoleum or carpet. Generally people categorize home improvement projects by the area where the improvement is located. Remember many projects require a permit from local planning authority. You may need to advise your home insurance company know about your renovations.
Flooring
Home improvements can cover adding new flooring such as carpets, tiling, linoleum, wood flooring, or solid hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring is a popular option as a do it yourself home improvement as it is durable, cost effective and easy to install. Vinyl or ceramic tile flooring can cost from $10 dollars to $40 dollars per square yard. Vinyl laminate flooring is ideal for a small budget home improvement job.
Loan
A small do-it-yourself house improvement plan usually does not require financing, however, larger projects often necessitate additional financing, or a house improvement loan. Refinancing refers to paying off the old loans and taking out a new mortgage on your home. The cost of obtaining unsecured loans is comparatively lower than secured loans and an unsecured loan is often advised for small home improvement projects with expenditures of less than $10,000. Secured home improvement loans are usually secured against your home.
Work to a Plan
Remember the old adage, “if you fail to plan you’re planning to fail”? Well, it applies to do it yourself home improvements as much as any other area of life. So take the time to draw up plans and a timetable to achieve your goals. If you find that you need to engage a contractor for any of the remodeling work review the plans and specifications prior to signing any contract. Get formal bids from a short list of three contractors on the same plans and specifications.
Do-it-yourself house improvement is more than just a new coat of paint and can have long term benefits for you and your family. Home improvements are a real investment, producing both a better house in which to live and an increase in the potential resale and value of your home.
