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 following article, we listed those projects that you can do after construction.
1. Demolition works
Before construction can begin, it is occasionally required to demolish an existing structure or one of its components. Although demolition works require specific tools like a sledgehammer, pry bar, and saw, you can borrow it from someone. It is a project that you can do with the help of friends or family members, and it can take a few days to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the demolition.
2. Install laminate floors
Installing laminate floors requires tools like a saw, 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 of the rooms.
3. Install carpet floors
Installing carpet floors requires tools like a power stretcher, knee kicker, and carpet knife. It is a project that you can do yourself with the help of a friend or family member, and it can take a full day to complete, depending on the size of the room and the complexity of the shape.
4. Install interior lighting
Installing interior lighting requires tools like a drill, wire stripper, and screwdriver. It is a project that you can do yourself, and it can take a few hours to complete. Considering that all manufacturers nowadays install basic sockets for wire connection, the knowledge of an electrician is not required.
5. Create a DIY gravel driveway.
Creating a DIY gravel driveway is a project that requires some basic landscaping skills and tools such as a shovel, rake, and tamper. This project may require some assistance, especially when moving and positioning heavy materials or renting heavy machinery. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and it can take day or two.
6. Install a new roof on your house.
Installing a new roof on your house is a complex project that requires some roofing skills and it is recommended to hire a professional for this project for safety reasons. Still, simple metal roofing projects can be DIY. You will need tools such as shingles, flashing, and roofing nails. This project requires some assistance. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size and complexity of the roof.
7. Install a new garage door.
Installing a new garage door requires tools like a power drill, a level, and a wrench. If you have experience in DIY projects, you can do it yourself, but it’s better to have someone to help you, as the door can be heavy and cumbersome. It may take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the installation.
8. Lay a brick or stone walkway in your garden.
Laying a brick or stone walkway in your garden requires tools like a shovel, wheelbarrow, rake, and level. It is a project that you can do yourself, but it requires some basic skill and patience. Depending on the size of the walkway, it can take several days to complete.
9. Install a skylight in your roof.
Installing a skylight in your roof requires tools like a reciprocating saw, circular saw, hammer, drill, and level. It is a project that requires some basic skill, and although it’s recommended to hire a professional you can do it yourself. Installation can take one to two days, depending on the complexity of the job.
10. Install a bay window in your home.
Installing a bay window in your home requires tools like a circular saw, hammer, drill, and level. It is a project that requires some basic skill. Installation can take one to two days, depending on the complexity of the job. Potential savings can range up to $2,000 in installation costs.
11. Install a new attic ladder.
Installing a new attic ladder requires tools like a hammer, drill, 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 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the model.
12. Install a gutter system on your house.
Installing a gutter system on your house requires tools like a 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 a full day to complete, depending on the size of your house and the complexity of the roof.
13. Install interior door in your home.
Installing interior doors in your home requires tools like a hammer, drill, 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 hours to complete, depending on the number of doors.
14. Build a brick wall
Building a brick wall is a more complex DIY project that requires some masonry skills and tools such as a trowel, mortar, and level. This project may require some assistance, especially when mixing and laying the mortar. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size of the wall.
15. Fit plasterboard
Fitting plasterboard is a DIY project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project may require some assistance, especially when cutting and installing the plasterboard. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size of the area.
16. Fit skirting board
Fitting skirting boards is a DIY project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project can be completed quickly, and you can save money compared to hiring a professional.
17. Insulate your loft
Insulating your loft is a DIY project that requires basic insulation skills and tools such as insulation materials, a utility knife, and a staple gun. This project may require some assistance, especially when moving heavy insulation materials. The time needed to complete this project depends on the size of the loft. Insulating your loft yourself can save you money on your energy bills in the long term.
18. Excavations
Excavations are a little bit more complex DIY project that may require some heavy machinery such as a mini digger or excavator. It can be done with simple tools like pickaxe and shovel. This project requires help from your friends, the more the better, and it could be done in a fly days. A lot of money can be saved.
19. Install crown molding
Installing crown molding is a DIY project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a saw, drill, and screws. This project can be completed quickly, and you can save a lot of money compared to hiring a professional.
20. Waterproof your bathroom
Waterproofing your bathroom is a DIY project that requires no skills if modern coatings, a caulking gun, and silicone sealant are used. This project can be completed very quickly.
21. Install window shatters
Installing window shutters is a project that requires basic carpentry skills and tools such as a measuring tape, saw, drill, and screws. This project may require some assistance, especially when measuring and installing the shutters. The time needed to complete this project depends on the number of windows and the complexity of the shutters.
22. Build and install Sliding Barn Door
Building and installing a sliding barn door can add charm and character to your home. 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.
23. Refinish Old Wood
Refinishing old wood can give it new life and save you money compared to buying new furniture or flooring. The tools needed include sandpaper, stain or paint, and a sealant. Depending on the size of the project, you may need someone to help you. The time it takes varies depending on the size of the project and the type of wood, but it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
24. Soundproof a Wall
Soundproofing a wall is an excellent way to reduce noise in your home. The tools needed include soundproofing materials like acoustic foam or mass-loaded vinyl, drywall, screws, and a drill. The time it takes depends on the size of the wall and the complexity of the project.
25. Seal Windows and Doors
Sealing windows and doors is a great way to save money on energy bills and improve the comfort of your home. The tools needed include weather stripping, caulk, a caulk gun, and a utility knife. Most people can do it themselves with some basic DIY skills, and it usually takes a few hours to complete depending on the number of windows and doors.
26. Install Vinyl Flooring
Installing vinyl flooring is a cost-effective option for the floors in your home. The tools needed include vinyl flooring, a measuring tape, a utility knife, and adhesive. 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 size of the area.
27. Tile a backsplash
Tiling a backsplash is a great way to add style and functionality to your kitchen or bathroom. The tools needed include tiles, adhesive, a notched trowel, a tile cutter, grout, and a grout float. This project may require some assistance from another person to help with the measuring and cutting of the tiles. It usually takes a few hours to complete depending on the size of the area.
28. Wall paint
Wall painting is a simple and effective way to refresh the look of any room. 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 few days depending on the size of the rooms.
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.