Why not use your free time to make home improvements and save money?
Getting motivated to tackle DIY projects during your time off work can be challenging, but it’s easier to get started than you might think.
The list of improvements you could make is endless, but why not try some of these projects this weekend?
Fix Leaky Faucet
People often feel intimidated by DIY projects involving water and leave things like a leaky faucet until the next time a plumber visits.
However, learning to fix a leaky faucet will save you money on water and repair bills. It is a reasonably straightforward job, and you can watch YouTube videos to get up to speed or ask a friend for help.
Seal Windows and Doors
Ensuring your windows and doors are properly sealed is a great way to reduce your energy bills.
Keep your home warm by insulating your doors with weatherstripping and ensuring your windows are properly sealed when closed. Even if you have done this fairly recently, it’s worth checking for drafts, as seals deteriorate over time.
Build a Compost Bin
Building a compost bin is excellent for the environment and your garden but can also help you save money.
Using natural compost will reduce fertilizer costs, and reusing waste you usually throw away will reduce disposal costs. You can also save money on mulch and topsoil while improving your soil health without costly interventions.
Repair and Repaint Furniture
Is your chair looking tired, or is the varnish on your tabletop looking worn?
It’s tempting to throw things out and start again, but you can save a lot of money by repairing your furniture. Really old furniture was often built to higher standards, so you can save your chair or table by applying paint or varnish or fixing the upholstery.
Install a Dimmer Switch
A dimmer switch is easy to install and can create a relaxing ambiance in a room, particularly in areas without room for lamps and other lighting.
There are also money-saving reasons to install a dimmer switch. By turning your lighting down, you will save energy and won’t have to change your bulbs as often.
Replace the Air Filters in Your HVAC System
While an HVAC system is excellent for keeping the air in your house clean, over time, the filters become clogged with dust and debris. This increases the amount of work your HVAC system has to do to maintain air quality and the amount of energy needed to do it.
Changing the air filters will reduce your energy bill, save money on repairs, and extend the system’s life.
Install Shelves
Sometimes, you need to buy a storage solution, but make sure you are already making the most of your existing space before you do.
Installing shelves can reduce clutter and the need to buy additional solutions. Strategically placed shelves may not even be necessary, as a new cabinet or wardrobe might do the job.
Fix Cabinet and Door Hinges
It’s easy to ignore squeaky cabinets and door hinges, but they are signs of wear and tear that worsen over time.
Fixing these yourself can help you avoid a potential repair bill. You can also upgrade your cabinet hardware to refresh the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money on a refit.
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Adding a low-flow showerhead to your bathroom takes no time at all, and you will immediately see savings in your water bills.
This doesn’t mean sacrificing water pressure—many modern low-flow showerheads keep the pressure at a comfortable level—but it does mean wasting less water and saving on utilities.
Fix Drywall Holes
Holes in drywall develop over time, and while it might be tempting to hide them with a cabinet or strategically placed picture, addressing the problem head-on will save you money in the future.
Small drywall holes are easy to fix, but if they are left, they will grow to the point where you will have to have them repaired professionally.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
You can make upgrades to your home that do not take long to do and will pay for themselves over the year through the money you save on your energy bills.
Start by replacing your old light fixtures with energy-efficient ones. You can also install energy-saving curtains to reduce the heat you lose through your windows.
Make a Cable Tidy
Organizing cables and cords using a homemade method will keep them tidy and reduce wear and tear over time, reducing the need to buy replacements.
You can use cable clips to organize wires and keep them out of the way, or you can save even more money by improvising with household items like clothespins or binder clips.
Install a Chalkboard Wall
Installing a chalkboard wall gives you a permanent place to keep your reminders without spending money on diaries or post-it notes. It’s also a striking feature to add to your home without spending much.
They are easy to install—chalkboard paint can be purchased at your local craft store—and are cheap to clean and maintain.
Regrout Bathroom Tiles
Grouting gets dirty and deteriorates, putting you at risk of water damage and expensive repair bills.
By being vigilant, you can plan when it is time to regrout. It doesn’t cost much, and you can save money by extending the life of your bathroom. Doing this job yourself will save you so much money over time.
Install Pegboards
Another way you can maximize your existing space is by installing pegboards.
Using pegboards in your garage or kitchen, you can organize your tools and utensils without spending money on cabinets or shelves. The pegboards are usually fully customizable, so you can easily change the layout if your storage needs change.
