If you just bought a home in Colorado Springs and are planning to undergo some DIY renovations, there are a few things you should know. First, home renovations are never what they seem, especially in older homes. It’s important to understand what you are doing and be prepared for unexpected problems and potential obstacles because you never know what really exists until you begin your project. To better assist new homeowners who want to save some cash and undergo renovations on their own, we have put together a two-part blog: 4 Renovations You Can Do Yourself & 4 Renovations to Hire Out (to be published this Friday).
Without further ado, here are a number things you can do on your own:
1. Landscaping
Landscaping is relatively easy to do without professional help; it just requires time. While you are probably not thinking about landscape projects with winter ahead, spring and summer will be here before you know it. Wanting to start a garden or plant new bushes for curb appeal? Maybe you are dreaming of turning your dirt backyard into a cozy, summer hangout spot? Grab a shovel and some friends! Most landscaping projects only require your sweat and time.
And it should be noted, if you are planning to begin a garden next spring, now is the time to start your seedlings for locally grown Perennials. You can learn more about Colorado’s climate, Zone 1A, in Sunset’s climate zone article.
2. Tiling and Backsplash
Tiling and adding backsplash might look daunting, but with patience and a few Youtube videos to help, it is actually quite easy. Beginners might find backsplash squares easier to work with and remember to use spacers for even lines.
3. Refinishing Cabinets (Or Installing New Ones)
A small cosmetic fix, refinishing old cabinets—or installing new ones—is quite simple. One of our Old Colorado City clients recently repurposed discarded cabinets from a local bank for their guest house kitchen. If you are refinishing, be sure to properly prep and sand surfaces before adding a fresh coat of stain or paint. To install new ones, it’s as simple as having a few pair of hands and an electric screwdriver. If you are ditching the old cabinets, recycle them at Pikes Peak Habitat For Humanity.
4. Installing a New Toilet or Sink
While we don’t recommend plumbing on your own (stay tuned for part two of this blog), it is actually quite easy to install a new toilet and/or sink. Just make sure to turn the water off and follow instructions (Youtube has excellent tutorials)!
You can save a lot of money by tackling some of these house renovations on your own. Sweat equity is always a good thing—if not for resale, to gain a sense of pride and love for your new home.
Keep a lookout for 4 Renovations to Hire Out this Friday!