Contrary to what most people believe, home improvement projects don’t have to be expensive. You can do plenty of easy upgrades yourself without breaking the bank. Check out this list of 12 easy home upgrades you can do yourself!
Upgrade #1: Change Your Light Bulbs
If you’re looking for an easy way to save money and energy, changing your light bulbs is a great place to start. LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save money on your electric bill and won’t have to change your bulbs as often.
Upgrade #2: Get a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is another easy way to save money and energy. These devices learn your heating and cooling preferences to adjust the temperature accordingly. Some models can even be controlled from your smartphone, so you can make sure your home is comfortable no matter where you are.
Upgrade #3: Caulk Your Windows
If your home is drafty, a straightforward way to fix the problem is to caulk your windows. This will help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air during the summer, making your home more comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills. Plus, you can easily do this yourself with a tube of caulk and a putty knife.
Upgrade #4: Add Weatherstripping
In addition to caulking, adding weather stripping to your doors and windows can help seal up any gaps and prevent drafts. You can find weather stripping at your local hardware store, and it’s easy to install yourself. Just make sure to use the right material for your doors and windows — for example, foam weatherstripping is ideal for doors, while V-seal weather stripping works well for windows.
Upgrade #5: Upgrade Your Insulation
If your home is still drafty after caulking and weatherproofing, it might be time to upgrade your insulation. This is a more involved project, but it can make a big difference in the comfort of your home and the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. But of course, there’s no harm in calling in reinforces and getting a professional opinion (or even help) with this one.
Upgrade #6: Replace Your Jammed Doorknobs
If you have any doorknobs sticking or jamming, it’s time to replace them. This is a quick and easy project that you can do yourself, making your doors more functional and attractive. You can even go with electrified door locks if you want an extra level of security since it’ll be more difficult for someone to pick the lock.
Upgrade #7: Install a Smart Doorbell
A smart doorbell is a great way to add security to your home. These devices allow you to see and speak to visitors from your smartphone to always know who’s at your door. Some models even come with features like motion detection and night vision, so you can feel confident that your home is safe and secure.
Upgrade #8: Fix Your Leaky Faucets
A leaking faucet can waste a lot of water, so it’s essential to fix any leaks as soon as possible. This is a relatively easy project that you can do yourself, and it can save you money on your water bill. All you need is a wrench and some pliers, and you can have your faucet fixed in no time.
Upgrade #9: Add a Water Filter
If you’re concerned about your water quality, adding a water filter is a simple and effective way to improve it. There are a variety of filters available, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. For instance, if you have hard water, you might want to install a whole-house filter to remove minerals from your water.
Upgrade #10: Install a Ceiling Fan
If you want to improve the airflow in your home, installing a ceiling fan is a great option. Ceiling fans are relatively easy to install, and they can make a big difference in the comfort of your home. Although this can be tricky to do by yourself since you’ll need a ladder, getting someone to help you with this one might be your best bet.
Upgrade #11: Clean Your Gutters
If your gutters are full of leaves and debris, they will clog up and make a mess. Cleaning your gutters is a relatively easy project that you can do yourself, and it will help keep your home in good condition. You’ll need a ladder, a garden hose, and a pair of gloves to do this.
Upgrade #12: Paint Your Front Door
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your front door. This is a quick and easy project that you can do yourself, making your home more inviting. Make sure to choose a color that compliments your home’s exterior; otherwise, you might end up with a door that sticks out like a sore thumb.
These are just a few easy home upgrades you can do yourself. With extra time and effort, you can make your home more comfortable and efficient without breaking the bank. So, clear your schedule this weekend and get to work!
