DIYs You Can Do While in Quarantine
by Luke Murry from councilofneightbors.org
With so many people staying home during the pandemic, it’s understandable that your to-do list might involve relaxing and trying to remain stress-free. But addressing projects around the house can provide a sense of accomplishment. It can also keep your mind off what’s going on in the world. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost a lot to get many DIYs done, ensuring you won’t exceed your budget while staying home.
Consider Each Project Carefully
There are numerous low-budget home renovations you can complete during the quarantine. For example, you can convert a spare bedroom into a suitable home office. Or, you can redecorate your master bedroom to turn it into a relaxing oasis.
For bigger projects, you may need a bit of a financial boost. The good news is that despite the current economic worries, mortgage rates are exceptionally low. That means refinancing your mortgage could be a smart way to get the cash you need to make home improvements. One option is a cash-out refinance, which replaces your current loan with a larger one and gives you the difference in cash. Be sure to discuss the terms and options with your lender before committing, and use sites like PennyMac to research the best cash-out refinance rates currently available.
If you plan to sell your home, you may want to consider which projects can make your property more appealing to buyers. One helpful way to see what’s trending in your area is to look at local listings to see how other homeowners are showcasing their homes. You can take some cues from these to incorporate them into your projects.
Tackle Mid-Size Projects One Area at a Time
Whether you’re repainting a room or replacing flooring, divide and conquer when it comes to mid-size home projects. Aim to complete one project before starting on another, and take steps to stay motivated during the process.
You’ll likely spend less if you budget and plan for each project individually, so breaking projects into chunks can help. Decide how much you are willing to spend on your DIY efforts ahead of time — and keep a close eye on your expenditures.
Some inexpensive DIYs around the house include repainting rooms, replacing aging light fixtures, and refreshing bathrooms and other small spaces with rugs, accessories, and décor. Something as simple as choosing the right paint color can cost very little yet make a significant impact on the ambiance and overall enjoyment of your home, explains Architectural Digest.
If you have the skills, another DIY idea is erecting a steel shed on your property. An outdoor steel shed can be used for storage, garage space, or a workshop. They also last longer than wood sheds and are more affordable.
Try Some Nearly Free DIYs Around the Home
If your budget is supremely low for home improvement, you will need to get creative. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do while waiting for the pandemic to pass. Start with some budget-friendly DIYs, and you might be surprised how much you can accomplish.
For example, by repurposing what’s already in your yard, you can start growing flowers, food, and more. Bob Vila recommends budget-friendly garden projects like creating pathways in the landscape, converting a tree stump into a planter, or planting young trees.
Costs for installing a new vegetable (or flower) garden can vary, but some of the cheapest garden methods include using containers for your plants, making your own compost, and growing new plants from store-bought leftovers and their seeds.