10 DIY Tips for Affordable Home Improvement

10 New Home DIY Tips: Easy Home Improvement on a Budget

Moving into a new home can be stressful, especially when trying to achieve your ideal setup while sticking to a budget. Fortunately, there are many DIY tips to help you save on renovation costs. Here, we’ll guide you through some of the best and easiest ways to improve your home without hiring an expensive contractor.

Experienced in DIY home improvement? Skip ahead to our top 10 new home DIY tips. New to DIY home decor projects? Check out our guide to saving money when decorating a new house below.

3 Ways to Save Money on Home Refurbishment

1. Budgeting
   - Setting a Budget: Whether you're updating your current home or undertaking a complete renovation, the first step is to set a budget. Determine how much you can spend based on your project goals. For major renovations, account for all available funds and monthly savings. For smaller updates, like refreshing a kitchen, you might already know your spending limit. Avoid depleting all your savings when moving in; reserve some funds for bills and emergencies.
   - Prioritizing Expenses: Identify everything you want to change in your home and prioritize the list. Budgeting doesn't mean spending cheaply but rather spending wisely. Focus on essential needs first, like a new oven, and consider DIY updates for less critical areas, like the bathroom. This approach helps you allocate your budget effectively for each project.

2. Repurposing Materials
   - Simple Updates: Repurposing materials can save you a lot. For instance, you can sand and paint old cupboards or remove their doors and paint the interiors for a fresh look. Use cheaper paints and DIY chalk paint recipes instead of buying expensive options.
   - Sourcing Materials: Websites like Freecycle and Preloved offer low-cost or free materials. Local charity and second-hand shops are also great for finding pieces to repurpose. Ask friends and family if they have items they no longer need. This can yield soft furnishings, materials, and even furniture.

3. Knowing Your DIY Limits
   - Evaluate Your Skills: While there are many DIY projects you can handle, some tasks may be too time-consuming or difficult. Enlist help from experienced friends and family, but consider hiring a contractor for complex projects like wiring changes or wall installations. Tackling projects within your skill set prevents costly mistakes and ensures quality results.

10 New Home DIY Tips

Ready to start transforming your new house into a home? Here are our top 10 easy and affordable DIY tips:

1. Make Your New Home Easy to Find
   - Use house number stickers on your door for easy identification. They’re simple to apply and come in various styles, saving you the hassle of installing metal or ceramic numbers.

2. Update Old Cupboards
   - Paint the exterior of wooden cupboards or use chalk paints for a modern look. For a spacious feel, remove the cupboard doors and paint the interiors a bright color.

3. Re-tile Your Kitchen Backsplash
   - Peel and stick tiles are an easy way to refresh your kitchen. Remove old tiles and follow the simple instructions to install new ones.

4. Update Old Staircases
   - Use decorative stair stickers on the risers for a budget-friendly update. They are customizable and cheaper than replacing carpet or varnishing.

5. Create a Picture Wall
   - A picture feature wall can enliven a room and showcase your personality. Use framed photos or mixed media displays for a unique touch.

6. Protect Your Privacy While Keeping Natural Light
   - Apply frosted window film to large windows for privacy without sacrificing light. It’s an easy and cost-effective solution.

7. Create Custom Tiles on a Budget
   - Use stencils and paint to design your own tiles. Clean and prime the tiles, then paint a base color and apply the stencil design with a paint roller.

8. Update Furniture with New Handles
   - Replace old drawer knobs or cabinet handles with unique ones from second-hand or antique shops. This simple change can give furniture a fresh look.

9. Increase Kitchen Prep Space
   - Make a multipurpose chopping board for your sink or repurpose old furniture as a movable kitchen island. Adding wheels allows you to move it as needed.

10. Say Goodbye to Boring Shelves
   - Customize shelves using different shapes, materials, or brackets. Use repurposed or recycled materials to create unique and budget-friendly designs.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you try any of these home improvement ideas, let us know. Feel free to share any additional ideas you think we should include. Enjoy your next DIY home decor project!