Are you eager to tackle home improvement projects but worried about the steep costs? Look no further. With this comprehensive guide, we unveil six remarkable DIY projects that can save you hundreds of dollars while transforming your living spaces into works of art. From removing a deadbolt without visible screws to creating your own eco-friendly cleaners, we have got you covered.
Armed with straightforward but effective techniques and some invaluable tips, you will be empowered to take charge of your home’s transformation.
So whether you are a newbie or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, this guide is your gateway to a more rewarding and cost-conscious home improvement journey. Roll up your sleeves to make the most of your DIY prowess.
Table of Contents
Project 1 – Remove a Deadbolt and save money
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to remove or replace a deadbolt, you can do it as a fun DIY project. Several deadbolts hide underneath decorative plates, making them seem more complex to install than they are. But by employing a few straightforward steps, you can confidently remove a deadbolt without visible screws and save big on professional services and locksmith fees. Let us dive into the project and see how much money you can save.
Depending on the job’s complexity and geography, professional locksmith services usually range between $50 and $200 or upwards. By tackling the deadbolt removal yourself, you save on the entire cost of hiring a locksmith. Assuming a conservative estimate of $80 for a typical deadbolt removal service, let us see how much you can save:
DIY Deadbolt Removal Cost: $0 Professional Locksmith Cost: $80
Potential Savings: $80
Project 2 – Make your own cleaners
Creating your own cleaners can result in massive cost savings while simultaneously avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. Store-bought chemicals usually cost approximately 10 cents per ounce, whereas a DIY citrus-scented kitchen cleaner can be as low as four cents per ounce, depending on the location, store, and brain.
To get started, grab some baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and castile soap for the cleaning recipes. Further, cleaning yourself saves more money, as professional housekeeping services cost an average of $167 per session nationwide and slightly more ($171) in Central Pennsylvania. Moreover, with DIY cleaning, you only need to account for the cost of the cleaning products.
Project 3 – Painting your home
Painting your home is indeed a daunting task. However, hiring a professional painter can cost you $15,000 or more for a 3500-4000 square foot house. To save time and money, you can use a commercial-grade sprayer that offers a better and faster finish. New constructions need minimal taping, with windows being the primary concern as flooring comes later.
For a streamlined process, pick one color for ceilings and walls, such as Sherwin Williams Creamy. It takes away the need for cutting in. Satin finish works well for shiplap, doors, and trims. You can use the sprayer to paint floors and trim outside before installation, further saving money and time. But, if opting for black interiors on windows, ordering unfinished windows and painting them yourself can account for substantial cost savings.
Project 4 – Installing a hardwood flooring
Installing hardwood flooring is a feasible DIY project. You can easily conduct it with references and tutorials from platforms like YouTube. It will amount to substantial savings, approximately $12000 or more, depending on the square footage. But proper installation techniques and research are vital to ensure a successful outcome.
Broadly, hardwood flooring is of two types – engineered and solid. Amongst the two, engineered hardwood is usually considered easy to install. Employing the apt tools is vital for a more efficient, quicker, and accurate installation.
We recommend working as a team for this project. One person can cater to the nailing and cutting, while the other person can lay out the boards. Ensuring color variations and different lengths in each piece during installation is imperative and demands attention to detail.
Project 5 – Landscaping
Landscaping projects are expensive. However, undertaking them yourself can result in significant savings. A well-thought-out plan, including sketches and research on suitable plants for your climate will ensure a simple and clean design.
After you have bought the plants and shrubs, the hard work begins. Planting, edging, and mulching can be accomplished via teamwork. Collaborating with a partner can make this process enjoyable and efficient.
By DIY-ing landscaping projects, you can save thousands of dollars compared to hiring professionals. The exact cost savings will vary depending on the project size, but it can be substantial when considering the expenses associated with hiring landscapers and purchasing fully grown plants. Careful planning and research are the keys to successfully achieving beautiful landscaping on a budget.
Project 6 – Installing a low-flow faucet
Do you wish to save money on your household’s water usage? If yes, consider installing a low-flow faucet. On average, homes spend approximately $1000 on water annually. By replacing existing faucets, showerheads, and toilets with low-flow WaterSense models, you can cut your water bill by around 20 percent.
You have multiple alternatives when it comes to the project’s complexity. For a comprehensive approach, replace the entire fixture with an EPA WaterSense-labeled model, ensuring maximum water efficiency.
Alternatively, opt for a straightforward and more cost-effective solution by replacing the faucet’s aerator with a low-flow model at the tip. Either way, you will contribute to water conservation while enjoying reduced utility costs.
So these are the six best DIY projects to help you save money and beautify your space in a minimum budget.
17 Simple Home DIY Projects That Will Save You Money
https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/best-money-saving-diy-projects/
