Warm weather is (mostly) here, and something about the spring air makes people want to update their living space. Some projects seem manageable—even for beginners—but can end up being more complicated than expected. Ready to do some renovations? Keep reading to learn which projects you can DIY and when you should hire a professional.
What to know before renovating
Before you get started, you have some prep work. Depending on your project, you may need permits or approval from your HOA. Any project that involves digging often requires notice to avoid things like pipes and electrical lines, so always check with local authorities first.
If you’re planning to DIY, be honest about your skill level and set realistic goals. And of course, you can’t start a project without a budget. Make a list of the updates you want to tackle, prioritize them, and then divide them into projects you can take on yourself or those that require more resources. From there, you can set a budget for your DIY supplies and a budget (or savings goal!) for professional projects.
Why you should do it yourself
DIY projects can be tempting, especially when there are hundreds of YouTube tutorials you can reference. And for good reasons—doing it yourself can save you money, which you can put towards a vacation or projects that require professional help. But while some people are handier than others, not every project is right for every DIYer.
Beginner-friendly DIY projects
Luckily, there are a ton of quick and affordable projects you can tackle if you’re looking for a quick way to spruce things up. If you have a standard toolkit, some patience, and are willing to put in some elbow grease, here are four quick projects for you.
1. Add a new coat of paint
Painting the walls yourself can save significantly on labor costs and is an easy way to transform your home. But don’t limit yourself—paint can make a big difference in a lot of other ways, too. Instead of repainting all your walls, try an accent wall or even painting the ceilings. Love your kitchen but want to give it a zhuzh? Repaint the cabinets! And for a touch of fun, paint the trim or door edges.
2. Update the fixtures
Another quick and easy DIY project is to update your fixtures. New fixtures can be purchased for relatively low cost, and since they don’t require serious tools, this is a great project to tackle yourself. If you repainted your cabinets, changing out the knobs or handles can also help finish out your new aesthetic. You can also update bathroom accessories like towel racks or toilet paper holders. While you’re at it, tighten loose cabinet doors or install drawer liners as needed. Those small upgrades can help save time and keep your house looking its best.
3. Elevate the exterior
A little exterior maintenance goes a long way. Cleaning your gutters, power washing your patio or driveway, and pulling those pesky weeds are all manageable DIY tasks. While landscaping sounds scary—and can be a bit of trial and error—it can also be relatively straightforward. Even beginners can tackle things like planting new shrubs, starting a garden, or adding a fire pit. Just be sure to contact the appropriate utility services if you plan to dig. Even if you have a less-than-green thumb, getting your hands dirty can be rewarding—and great for your mental health.
4. Take on the tiny details
When I first moved into my house, a friend accidentally put a small hole in the wall while helping rearrange furniture. Two and a half years later, that hole is still there, taunting me. That brings me to the easiest, cheapest, and most important DIY projects—fixing those tiny details.
Set aside time to patch small holes, replace burnt-out bulbs, or oil that squeaky door. These may barely feel like DIY projects, but you’ll be surprised how much they improve your house.
Advanced DIY projects
Not your first rodeo? Some DIY projects require a little more investment, in time or supplies, and often a little bit more money. If you’re ready to take on some more complicated DIY projects, here are a couple of options for you.
1. Replace light fixtures
While we wouldn’t advise you to start rewiring your house, changing out your light fixtures is a project many experienced DIYers can handle. It’s more involved than basic upgrades but usually takes a short amount of time. Since most electricians charge by the hour, doing this yourself can lead to meaningful savings.
2. Simple drywall work
While my friend only put a dime-sized hole in my wall, other accidents can happen, and more serious drywall damage can occur. Patching holes or replacing damaged sections can be tackled with some patience and the right tools. The process is fairly forgiving but can be messy and time-consuming, especially when it comes to sanding. You can get sheets of drywall or an adhesive patch, plus drywall mud, putty knives, a drill, a precision knife, screws, and sandpaper. Save this project for a day when you have plenty of time.
When to hire a professional
With so many tutorials available, it can feel like you can DIY almost anything. However, some projects are better left to a professional, regardless of your DIY experience, because they can be dangerous and extremely expensive to fix mistakes. Unfortunately, some of these renovations can be costly to start with. If you need a little extra financial help, a personal lifestyle loan can help cover the costs.
It’s important to remember that some of these jobs can require permitting, and tackling these projects on without one could cost you your homeowners’ insurance. Here are three things you should always leave to a professional.
Electrical rewiring
We touched on it briefly when we mentioned updating your lighting fixtures, but significant electrical work should always be handled by a licensed electrician. While there are plenty of tutorials available, electricity is dangerous, and mistakes can lead to serious injury or costly damage.
Plumbing work
Plumbing is for professionals. Water damage can escalate fast, and just like electricity, it can be an expensive mistake to fix. Skip the DIY and call an expert when dealing with any plumbing problems or upgrades.
Structural changes
Never make structural changes without consulting a trained architect or structural engineer. While fixing drywall is manageable, tearing down walls or making large renovations is not. Improper structural work can compromise your home’s foundation and create dangerous conditions. Start with a professional to avoid serious—and costly—mistakes.
Key takeaways
- Repainting, filling small nail holes, or changing out hardware are easy DIYS that can have a big impact for a little money.
- Drywall is a great project for more advanced DIYers
- Things like electrical, plumbing, and structural changes should be left to the professionals.
Whether you’re ready to renovate now or just dreaming of the day, we hope these tips help you. Have a favorite DIY tip? Share it in the comments below!
