Home improvement projects can be costly, but there are plenty of ways to save money and still get the job done. With a bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can tackle many home improvement projects yourself without spending a fortune. Here are a few cheap home DIY projects that you can do yourself.
1. Repairing Your HVAC Systems
If your home has central heating and air, chances are you’ve had to call a professional to repair or replace your HVAC system at some point. However, there’re some cheap home DIY projects for maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Every few months, you should check and clean your air filters. This simple task can improve your system’s efficiency and help it run more smoothly. You should also check the area around your outdoor unit to ensure no debris or dirt is blocking the airflow.
Air conditioning installation can be tricky. Some AC units come with easy-to-follow instructions. If you feel confident in your ability to follow directions, you can install your own AC unit and save money. You can complete this project in a day or two, depending on the size and type of unit.
2. Installing New Floors
Hardwood floors are a classic choice for any home. They’re easy to clean and maintain and can last for decades with proper care. However, hiring a professional to perform a hardwood floor install can be expensive.
If you’re handy with tools and have some experience working with wood, there’re some cheap home DIY projects to install your own hardwood floors. You’ll need to rent or purchase the necessary tools, and it may take a few weekends to complete the job depending on the size of your home.
Another cheap flooring option is laminate. Laminate floors are easy to install and can give your home the same look as hardwood floors for a fraction of the cost. You can find laminate flooring at most home improvement stores, and it’s usually a do-it-yourself project.
3. Cleaning Your Drains
Clogged drains are a common problem in most homes. Homeowners often call a plumber to clear their drains, but this can be an expensive fix. There’re some drain-cleaning solutions that you can make yourself using household ingredients.
For example, you can use vinegar and sodium bicarbonate to clean your drains. Simply pour half a cup of sodium bicarbonate down your drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water. This natural solution will break down hair or grease, causing your drains to clog.
Other cheap home DIY projects for drain-cleaning include using a plunger to dislodge the blockage or using a drain snake to reach deep into the drain and remove the clog. These solutions are usually cheap and easy to find at your local hardware store. You can also ask a sales associate for help picking the right product for your needs.
4. Renovating Your Bathroom
A bathroom renovation can be a big project, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. It may include cheap home DIY projects like painting, tiling, and installing new fixtures. A bathroom remodeler can do everything for you, but it’ll cost a lot more than if you did the work yourself.
If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, start by listing the tasks you need to complete. Once you have a plan, research the cost of materials and compare them to the price of hiring a professional. In most cases, you will find that doing the work yourself is much cheaper.
When it comes to tiling, you may need to hire a professional if you are not confident in your abilities. However, painting and installing new fixtures are relatively easy and cheap home DIY projects most people can accomplish without any problem. For example, you can install a new toilet or sink in just a few hours.
5. Repairing Your Garage Doors
Did you know that garage doors are one of the most commonly used entry points for burglars? This is why it’s important to ensure your garage doors are in good working condition. If your garage doors are not functioning properly, they could risk your home.
There’re a few cheap home DIY projects to repair your garage doors. First, check the springs and make sure they are not broken. If they’re, you’ll need to replace them. You can also lubricate the door tracks to help the doors open and close more smoothly.
If your garage doors are still not working properly after trying these simple fixes, you may need to call a garage door contractor. However, you can fix the problem yourself in most cases without spending a lot of money.
6. Cleaning Your Chimney
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to clean your chimney at least once a year. This helps prevent the dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause fires. A chimney cleaner will charge you a fee to clean your chimney, but there’s no need to hire someone when you can do it yourself.
You’ll need to purchase a chimney brush, and some chimney sweep logs to clean your chimney. You place the logs in your fireplace and light them. They’ll create a lot of smoke, but this smoke will help loosen the creosote from your chimney walls. Once the creosote loosens, you can use your chimney brush to scrub it away.
After cleaning your chimney, put a Chimney Balloon in the fireplace to prevent air from coming up and causing more creosote to form. This is an important step in keeping your chimney clean and safe. It also helps save you money on your heating bill.
7. Removing Pests
Pests can be a big problem, especially if you live in an area with many of them. They can damage your home, contaminate your food, and spread disease. If you have a pest problem, the first step is to identify the type of pest. Once you know what kind of pest you’re dealing with, you can find the best way to get rid of them.
There are various cheap home DIY projects to remove pests, including setting traps, baits, and using chemicals. You can buy these products at your local hardware store. If you need help with how to use them, you can ask a sales associate for help.
In most cases, you’ll be able to get rid of pests without hiring an exterminator. However, if the problem is severe, you may need to call in a professional. They can identify the type of pest and find the best way to eliminate them permanently.
8. Repaving Your Driveway
If your driveway is in bad condition, it can make your house look run-down. It’s also a safety hazard, as driving on a driveway full of cracks and potholes can be difficult. Fixing your driveway is a big job requiring paving services, but you can do it yourself.
You’ll need to buy some asphalt and a tamper for this procedure. Asphalt is the black material for driveways, and a tamper is a tool that helps you smooth it out. Getting a good quality tamper is important, as it’ll make the job easier. Your local hardware store can help you find the right Tamper for your project.
First, use the tamper to remove loose dirt or debris from your driveway. Next, pour the asphalt into the holes and cracks. Use the tamper to smooth it out, and once it is dry, you should have a new, smooth driveway. You can also use asphalt sealer to protect your driveway and make it last longer.
9. Cleaning Your Pool
Pools can be a great way to stay cool in the summer, but they can also be a lot of work. If you have a pool, you must clean it regularly to keep it looking its best. You can hire a pool cleaning service or go for some cheap home DIY projects.
You’ll need to purchase a pool brush and some chemicals to clean your pool yourself from your local hardware store. First, empty your pool of all the water. Next, scrub the sides and bottom of your pool with the brush. Be sure to get all the dirt and debris out.
After scrubbing the pool, you’ll need to add the chemicals. These will help kill any germs and bacteria that are in the pool. Once you add the chemicals, you can fill the pool back up with water. Instead of hiring a pool cleaning service crew, cheap home DIY projects for cleaning your pool can save you a lot of money. It’s important to clean your pool regularly to prevent any health hazards.
10. Building a New Fence
Is your old fence falling apart? Or maybe you don’t have a fence and want to build one. Either way, building a new fence is a big project that requires some planning. But it’s something you can do yourself, saving you money.
You’ll need to purchase some lumber, posts, and hardware to build a new fence. Your local hardware store should have everything you need, including tools such as a saw and hammer.
Building a fence is a simple project, but it’ll take some time. First, you’ll need to measure the area where you want to build the fence. Next, cut the lumber to the correct size and assemble the fence. Once you build the fence, you’ll need to attach the hardware. This includes putting up the posts and attaching the panels.
Building a new fence sounds like a task only a fence contractor could complete. However, with some planning and the right tools, you can build a new fence yourself. This cheap home DIY project will save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment.
11. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet can be a nuisance. Not only is it annoying, but it can also waste a lot of water. If you have a leaky faucet, you need to fix it as soon as possible. Fortunately, this is a cheap and easy project that you can do yourself.
To fix a leaky faucet, you’ll need to purchase a new washer from a local hardware store. First, turn off the water in your sink. Next, remove the handle and the escutcheon plate. These are the two pieces that cover the faucet. Once you remove these, you’ll be able to see the washer. Remove the old washer and replace it with the new one. Be sure to put everything back together tightly so there are no leaks.
A leaky faucet can be annoying, but it’s an easy problem to fix. You can fix a leaky faucet yourself with a trip to the hardware store and some basic tools. This cheap home DIY project will save money by reducing your water bill.
12. Cleaning Your Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your home, as they help protect it from water damage. However, they can also be a pain to clean. If you have gutters, you need to clean them regularly to prevent any problems. You can hire a gutter cleaning service or go for some cheap home DIY projects.
To clean your gutters yourself, you will need to purchase a ladder and some gloves. First, wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and debris. Next, climb the ladder, remove all the debris from the gutters, and dispose of it properly.
Cleaning your gutters is a simple task, but it’s time-consuming. However, you can do it yourself during the spring and fall. With a little bit of time and effort, you can keep your gutters clean and save yourself some money.
Conclusion
There’re many cheap home DIY projects that you can do yourself. These projects can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. You can complete any of these projects with some planning and the right tools. So, next time you have a problem around the house, consider doing it yourself. Cheap home DIY projects are a great way to save money and improve your home.
