You’ve probably heard and read that building a house is the most significant investment that many people make in their lives. Taking this into account, as well as market movements, all savings options should be analyzed. One of the possibilities is DIY projects. However, many people do not like to roll up their sleeves. If you are not one of them but believe you are not skillful enough, do not have the appropriate tools and equipment, or are frightened of making a costly mistake, this article is for you. There are many projects that do not require any special equipment and skills, all you need are simple home tools and good will.
What construction projects are DIY-friendly?
DIY-friendly projects are those which don’t require any specific experience, craftsmanship or tools and therefore can be performed by anyonewilling to work. By implementing such projects, house owners can not only achieve significant savings and increase the resale value, but also make the original and soulfull house!
In this article, we will provide you with a list of just such project ideas. In the previous article, we listed those projects that you can do during construction.
1. Make a simple headboard
A simple headboard can add style and elegance to your bedroom. The tools needed include wood, a saw, screws, sandpaper, and paint or stain. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete.
2. Create a paneled feature wall
A paneled feature wall is a trendy way to add texture and interest to any room. The tools needed include wood panels, a saw, nails or screws, sandpaper, and paint or stain. This project may require some assistance from another person to help with the measuring and cutting of the wood panels. The amount of time it takes depends on the size of the wall and the complexity of the design.
3. Update cabinet doors
Updating cabinet doors can give an old kitchen or bathroom a whole new look. The tools needed include new cabinet doors, a screwdriver, sandpaper, and paint or stain. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete.
4. Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a popular way to add pattern and texture to walls. The tools needed include wallpaper, wallpaper paste, a wallpaper brush or roller, wallpaper smoother, and a utility knife. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete. However, if you have never wallpapered before, it may be worth getting some help from a more experienced friend.
5. Hang shelves
Hanging shelves is a great way to add storage and display space to any room. The tools needed include shelves, brackets, a drill, screws, a level, and a stud finder. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete depending on the number of shelves.
6. Transform windows and doors with film
Window and door film is a cost-effective way to update the look of your home. The tools needed include film, a squeegee, a utility knife, and a measuring tape. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete depending on the number of windows and doors.
7. Paint the garden gate or front door
Painting your garden gate or front door is an easy way to update the exterior of your home. The tools needed include paint, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths. Most people can do it themselves without any help, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete depending on the size of the area.
8. Fake a marble side table
Faking a marble side table is a budget-friendly way to add a stylish piece of furniture to your home. The tools needed include a wooden side table, marble contact paper, a ruler, and a utility knife. Most people can do it themselves without any help, and it usually takes a few hours to complete.
9. Build a living plant wall
Building a living plant wall is a great way to add greenery and interest to your home. The tools needed include a wooden frame, chicken wire, soil, plants, and a staple gun. This project may require some assistance from another person to help with the heavy lifting. It usually takes a few days to complete depending on the size of the wall, and of course a lot more time for plants to grow.
10. Swap your door handles
Swapping your door handles is an easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your doors. The tools needed include new door handles, a screwdriver, and a measuring tape. Most people can do it themselves without any help, and it usually takes a few hours to complete depending on the number of doors.
11. Repurposing Furniture
Repurposing furniture is a great way to save money while giving old furniture a new life. The tools needed depend on the project, but often include paint, sandpaper, a screwdriver, a staple gun, and new hardware. Some projects may require assistance from another person for heavy lifting or assembly. The time it takes to complete a project varies depending on the size and complexity, but it can be anywhere from a few hours to several days.
12. Build a Raised Garden Bed
Building a raised garden bed is a great way to create a functional and attractive garden. The tools needed include wood, screws, a drill, a level, and soil. This project may require assistance from another person for heavy lifting or assembly. It usually takes a few hours to a day to complete depending on the size of the bed.
13. Reupholster Furniture
Reupholstering furniture is a great way to give old furniture a new look without having to buy new pieces. The tools needed include fabric, a staple gun, foam padding, and a screwdriver. Some projects may require assistance from another person for heavy lifting or assembly. The time it takes to complete a project varies depending on the size and complexity, but it can be anywhere from a few hours to several days.
14. Install a Faucet
Installing a new faucet is an easy way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom. The tools needed include a new faucet, a wrench, plumber’s putty, and Teflon tape. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to complete.
15. Frame a Mirror or a painting
Framing a mirror or a painting is an easy way to add a decorative element to your home. The tools needed include a frame, a saw, a measuring tape, and a staple gun. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to complete.
16. Build a Mailbox
Building a mailbox is a great way to add a personal touch to your home while also saving money. The tools needed include wood, screws, a saw, a drill, and paint. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to a day to complete depending on the complexity of the design.
17. Style up the Stairs
Styling up your stairs can give your home a new look without a significant expense. The tools needed include paint, carpet, or adhesive vinyl, and a staple gun or adhesive. Most people can do this themselves, and it usually takes a day or two to complete.
18. Install a Rain Barrel
Installing a rain barrel is an excellent way to save water and money on your water bill. The tools needed include a rain barrel, a drill, and a downspout diverter. Most people can do these themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to complete.
19. Build a Compost bin
Building a compost bin is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. The tools needed include wood, screws, a saw, and a drill. Most people can do this themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a day or two to complete.
20. Build an Outdoor Fire pit
Building an outdoor fire pit is a great way to create a cozy outdoor living space. The tools needed include pavers, sand, and a fire pit ring. Most people can do this themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a day or two to complete.
21. Build a Pergola
Building a pergola can create a beautiful outdoor living space and add value to your home. The tools needed include wood, screws, a saw, and a drill. This is a challenging DIY project, and it is recommended to hire a professional. The time it takes depends on the size of the pergola and the complexity of the project.
22. Build wooden Window Boxes
Building wooden window boxes is a DIY project that requires basic woodworking skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. With some help, you can finish the project in a few hours or less.
23. Doghouse
Building a doghouse is a DIY project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. With some help, you can finish the project in a few hours or less.
24. Make your house number
Making your own house number is a DIY project that requires stencils or stenciling tools, paint or a marker, and a level or ruler. This project can be completed quickly.
25. Make a garden fountain
Making a garden fountain is a DIY project that requires some basic plumbing skills and tools such as a water pump, hose, and basin. This project may require some assistance, especially when lifting heavy materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the complexity of the fountain.
26. Build a DIY garden shed.
Building a DIY garden shed is a project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project may require some assistance, especially when lifting and positioning heavy materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the shed.
27. Create a DIY retaining wall with concrete blocks.
Creating a DIY retaining wall with concrete blocks is a project that requires some basic masonry skills and tools such as a trowel, mortar, and level. This project may require some assistance, especially when mixing and laying the mortar or lifting and positioning heavy materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the retaining wall.
28. Create a DIY concrete countertop for your kitchen.
Creating a DIY concrete countertop for your kitchen is a project that requires some basic concrete skills and tools such as concrete mix, molds, and a trowel. This project may require some assistance, especially when mixing and pouring the concrete or lifting and positioning heavy materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the countertop.
29. Build a DIY deck or patio.
Building a DIY deck or patio is a project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project may require some assistance, especially when lifting and positioning heavy materials or installing electrical wiring. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the deck or patio.
30. Build a DIY wooden outdoor shower.
Building a DIY wooden outdoor shower is a project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project may require some assistance, especially when lifting and positioning heavy materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the shower.
31. Create a DIY outdoor kitchen with a grill and countertops.
Creating a DIY outdoor kitchen with a grill and countertops is a project that requires some basic carpentry and plumbing skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and plumbing fixtures. This project may require some assistance, especially when lifting and positioning heavy materials or installing electrical wiring. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the outdoor kitchen.
32. Build a playhouse for your kids.
Building a playhouse for your kids is a project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project may require some assistance, especially when lifting and positioning heavy materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the playhouse.
33. Create a DIY greenhouse for your garden.
Creating a DIY greenhouse for your garden requires basic tools such as a measuring tape, saw, hammer, drill, and screwdriver. You can do it yourself with the help of a friend or family member, and it can take several days to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the greenhouse. Potential savings can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the materials used and the size of the greenhouse.
34. Build a DIY wooden fence for your garden.
Building a DIY wooden fence for your garden requires tools like a circular saw, drill, hammer, and level. It is a project that you can do yourself with the help of a friend or family member, and it can take several days to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the fence.
35. Build a DIY wooden hot tub enclosure.
Building a DIY wooden hot tub enclosure requires tools like a circular saw, drill, hammer, and level. It is a project that you can do yourself with the help of a friend or family member, and it can take several days to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the enclosure.
36. Build a DIY wooden bird feeder.
Building a DIY wooden bird feeder requires basic tools such as a saw, drill, and screwdriver. It is a project that you can do yourself, and it can take a few hours to complete. Potential savings can range from $50 to $100 in buying a pre-made bird feeder.
37. Create a DIY wooden bench with storage.
Creating a DIY wooden bench with storage requires basic tools such as a saw, drill, and screwdriver. It is a project that you can do yourself, and it can take a full day to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the bench.
38. Build a brick pizza oven
Building a brick pizza oven requires specific tools like a trowel, level, and saw. It is a project that requires some skill, and it’s recommended to hire a professional unless you have experience in similar projects. Building a pizza oven can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the job.
Obviously, building a house is not a job for everyone, but the smaller projects listed above should be considered for DIY. I’m telling you from personal experience, I did all this myself, even though I’m not good at manual labor at all.