The Best Home Improvement Advice for Successful DIY Projects

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Making upgrades to your home is exciting.  You take pride in your abode and it should reflect your personal sense of style.  Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or you’re new to homeownership, these great tips will help make your DIY projects successful.

Making upgrades to your home is exciting.  You take pride in your abode and it should reflect your personal sense of style.  Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or you’re new to homeownership, these great tips will help make your DIY projects successful.

 

Tidy up bookshelves.  Looking for a free and easy way to bring style and organization to a room?  Cluttered, disheveled bookshelves are an eyesore, so one idea is to simply arrange your books in a way that is symmetrical and tidy.  It’ll make the entire room feel more polished and orderly. You can then edge shelves with ribbon, paper or fabric for added personalization.  Choose a selection that compliments the rest of the room if you’re looking for a subtle touch, or pick a bold color or pattern to draw attention to your newly transformed shelves.

 

New window treatments.  Whether you opt for shades, blinds or curtains, installing new window treatments is an inexpensive and impressive way to upgrade a room.  You can do this easily with minimal skill, just follow the instructions from the window treatment manufacturer.

 

Paint a wall.  Painting an accent wall, or even a whole room, is a great way to breathe new life into your home.  For a minimal investment you can really make an impact. For a bonus, consider painting your baseboards and crown molding.  HGTV recommends you first patch any gaps between the trim and the ceiling and walls, then opt for a high-gloss paint.  

 

Front door face-lift.  Prettying up the entrance to your home is not only satisfying, it’ll improve your home’s curb appeal.  Good Housekeeping recommends starting with a fresh coat of paint.  You don’t need a lot of skill but there is a right way and wrong way to paint a door, so if it’s your first time around you should review an online tutorial.  Finish off your project by installing new knobs and hardware; if this is beyond your skill set, consider hiring a handyman.  

 

Play it safe.  Whatever you decide to tackle, always make safety your first priority.  With your painting projects, for example, you are likely to be using a ladder.  Some experts advise the following ladder safety tips:

  • Open your ladder fully and lock the braces on each side.
  • Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.  Hold on with both hands as you go.
  • Put your paint on the bucket shelf before you get on the ladder.
  • Don’t stand or sit on the top of your ladder.
  • Place your ladder close enough to your work so that you don’t need to lean over, potentially upsetting your balance.  As a rule of thumb, your belly button shouldn’t go beyond the frame of the ladder.

 

Planning is the key.  With any home improvement, research your idea and ensure you have the supplies and ability to perform the tasks.  When you’re planning a DIY project it’s best to learn from home improvement books, magazines, websites, and blogs, as well as home improvement stores or locally-offered classes.

 

Leave it to a pro.  While doing improvements yourself can be satisfying and fun, there are some undertakings best left to professionals.  For instance, some experts include electrical and plumbing projects in this category for safety reasons. Also, some projects that exceed your ability may be better left to professional contractors. Refinishing a hardwood floor may sound simple, but it requires skill and experience beyond that of many homeowners.  Rather than ruin a hardwood floor that offers potential, hire a professional to ensure it’s done right.


DIY projects are a great way to make your home reflect your style.  Let these ideas inspire you to upgrade your home in fun and exciting ways.  Do some planning, stay safe and recognize your limitations for success. You’ll be proud to point to your project and say, “I did that!”