It’s time to DIY! Check out the best DIY home improvement projects that can be knocked out in less than a day.
There’s a serious feeling of satisfaction that comes with successfully putting together a pack from IKEA. Even more so when you escape with only a couple of bruises (and only a couple F-Bombs dropped!).
But with every home improvement comes that little niggle that says: ‘I wonder what the bathroom would look like with white tiles?”. In other words, when it comes to home renovations, you are never quite finished!
Whether you’re a first home buyer looking to put your stamp on your new abode or a long term owner ready for a revamp, these easy DIY projects are sure to get you inspired and ready to pick up that paintbrush!
Re-Painting
When fixing up your home there’s one DIY essential that goes along way to bringing some fresh colour into your home. A lick of paint brings a home back to life, adding some much needed vibrance.
Whether you’re repainting your houses interior or giving the exterior a brand new coat, there are a few essential tips you should follow.
Making Sure You’re Set On The Colour!
Arguably the most important tip before you dip your brush in paint is to make sure you’re absolutely set on your colour. Afterall, once dried there’s no washing it off!
A good tip is to sample a number of different colours before you start painting on a few different rooms or surfaces (called a “brushout”). Testing multiple colours on different rooms/walls is important as there will be different levels of light exposure around the house. This can change the visible colour and may be very different to your original thoughts. Unless you want to change the whole decor in the home, including soft furnishings, applying a “brushout” is a cost and time effective way to ensure you get what it shows on the tin!
Prepping Your Surface
Another repainting essential for both the inside and outside of your house is to ensure your surface is absolutely spotless – afterall you don’t want that old Huntsman painted into your decking!
Dirty surfaces limit the longevity of the paint job, causing paint to easily peel or chip away from its surface. Things such as oil, dirt and grime are all major culprits so it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean any surfaces that you intend to paint.
This can be simply done by using a washcloth and soap to wipe away those dirty hand marks, cobwebs and other grease. When cleaning the exterior of your home, use a pressure washer to get rid of any grime or dust that has built up over time. It’s quicker and more effective.
Taping The Edges
Putting tape around the edges is a simple yet effective way of getting a clean and professional look for your home. Nobody likes to colour outside of the lines!
Once the paint has dried for 24 hours simply peel the tape away at a 45 degree angle for the best results. Running a sharp knife lightly along the tape and paint line will prevent the tape from pulling at the freshly painted surface.
Cleaning Your Brushes
Cleaning your brushes is something that may seem like an afterthought, but it can actually go a long way to improving the quality of this, and future, paint jobs. Nobody enjoys cleaning rock hard paint from a brush!
Simply giving your brushes a thorough clean after every wall or surface will ensure it comes out cleaner,smoother and will reduce the time it takes to complete your job. Soaking the brushes in turpentine (white spirits) after the project is completed ensures they are properly cleaned and ready for the future.
By following just a few of these simple steps your house will have a polished more professional look and guests will be asking for the number of your “professional” painter.
New Blinds And Curtains
Blinds and curtains are arguably one of the most important furnishes in your home. Whether your choice is based on style, privacy or keeping rooms cool in summer or warm in winter your window dressing sets the tone.
When choosing new blinds there are a few things to consider.
Mood & Purpose
Think about the mood you want to set and the purpose of the room i.e. what will it be primarily used for. Living rooms are generally the first port of call for visitors, so it’s best to choose a warm and inviting style.
When choosing kitchen blinds it’s best to choose ones that can be cleaned easily – especially as food will be prepared in this space. Being able to control the amount of light and privacy you want should also be taken into consideration. An important question to ask yourself is ‘how much sun does this room get?”. Blinds are excellent at keeping a room cool but the choice of material should reflect the intensity of heat they will face (remember: wood can warp!).
For bedrooms, you want blinds that encourage sleep by blocking out the sun. Brighter coloured blinds also make the room appear larger and create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation.
Colour
Above all else you want a style that matches the current vibe of your home but at the same time adds a little character and charm.
Darker blinds work better to darken rooms and block out the sun but it’s important to keep in mind that they can make a room look deceptively smaller. Despite this, darker colour blinds are very convenient and provide a good contrast against white walls.
For those who may be looking to be a little more adventurous and a little left of centre, bright and fun coloured blinds can be explored. Using bright coloured blinds can be fun and exciting and can create a focal point for you room, turning something that was once quite dull into something that is now vibrant and energetic.
For help with painting your home & picking up supplies browse our Local Painters & Decorators business directory.
Reinventing Your Backyard
Whether you have a large, spacious backyard or a small patio these backyard DIY projects are sure to get you spending more time outside.
Grass
All houses should try to incorporate a bit of green space somewhere in the backyard. Whether it’s just a tiny patch that’s home to a table and chairs or a large space where your kids can kick the footy, having fresh green grass brings new life to your home.
There are a few different ways that you can grow grass in your outside space. Sewing seeds or laying turf are two of the most common and easy ways to do this. Grass is also very affordable and can be purchased from most nurseries and hardware stores near you.
However, for those of you who simply don’t have the time to maintain fresh grass there is a simple solution – fake grass! Laying fake grass or astroturf in your backyard is again an easy and affordable solution that brings a whole new level of vibrancy and light.
Find your local landscape gardener here.
Trees and Plants
Another way to bring a bit of colour and life to your backyard is by planting trees and plants, making a world of difference to your home.
Magnolia’s, maples, frangipanis and lilly pillies are all great plants that will create a vibrant new mood and bring some colour. These trees and plants suit both small and large sized backyards
and can alternatively be placed in pots if your backyard doesn’t permit planting. Simply have a look at your local independent nursery or alternatively your local Bunnings.
Fire Pit
If gardening just isn’t your forte but you’re still looking to revamp your backyard then we have a fiery solution for you.
A fire pit is the perfect way to give your backyard some additional ambience and encourage people to socialise at your home – ideal for both summer and winter months.
There are countless ways to build a fire pit and you can be as creative or basic as you wish. Follow this link to get the “101” on building your very own fire pit. All the materials needed can be found at your local hardware store. For those who may already be spent from repainting the house or laying a fresh patch of grass, hardware stores sell ready made fire pits that are easy to build!
So there you have it, a guide to some of the best DIY projects and home improvement ideas that will make your guests water at the mouth and put a smile on your face when you walk through the door.
Remember: safety first. Always take the necessary precautions when attempting home improvements.
