Whenever you need a home improvement, does your first thought go toward hiring a professional? That may save you time, but there’s plenty we can do on our own. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can make some pretty impressive improvements through DIY home renovation projects. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get a sense of satisfaction from knowing you did it yourself.

Of course, not everyone is cut out for doing their own home renovations. If you’re not confident in your abilities in a certain task, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. But if you’re feeling handy and have extra time, here are some DIY home renovation ideas to consider.

Install New Hardware

Updating the hardware in your home is one of the greatest DIY home renovation projects. This includes door knobs, drawer pulls, light switch covers, and more. You can find affordable hardware at most home improvement stores or online retailers. When choosing new hardware, be sure to select pieces that fit the style of your home.

If you’re not sure how to install new hardware, instructional videos and articles online can help. In most cases, you’ll likely only need basic tools, such as a screwdriver, wrench, or glue. Many people can do these relatively easy projects without too much trouble. Just be sure to take your time and follow the instructions carefully.

Style Your Windows

Outdated windows make a house feel antiquated, so a nice remodeling home technique is to upgrade your window style. This includes adding window treatments, painting the trim, or hanging new curtains. Like with new hardware, window treatments should aim to fit your home’s style — or at least your personality!

Home decor magazines and websites are great resources for window treatment ideas. For example, you can search for “window treatment ideas” or “curtains for living room” to get some inspiration. You can also ask a sales associate at a home décor store for help, or check out a few of our favorite window treatments.

Install a Ceiling Fan

Installing a ceiling fan is an at-home project that can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Ceiling fans circulate air and help to regulate the temperature in a room. They can also be used to improve the ventilation in a room.

When installing a ceiling fan, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. For example, you’ll need to make sure the fan is properly balanced before turning it on. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s probably best to hire a professional to install the ceiling fan for you.

Even if you have to splurge on a professional, using a ceiling fan saves energy throughout the year, lowering your electricity bill. Those savings add up fast!

Increase Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the term used to describe a home’s attractiveness from the street. If you’re trying to sell your home, increasing curb appeal can be a great way to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Even if you’re not trying to sell, increasing curb appeal can make your home more enjoyable.

There are several ways to increase curb appeal for a home makeover, including landscaping, painting the exterior of your home, and adding architectural details. When landscaping, choose plants that are appropriate for your climate, just as you would for planting a garden. You should also consider the amount of maintenance required when selecting plants. Likewise, if you’re painting the exterior of your home, choose a color that compliments the style of your home.

Refresh Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the first things people see when they come to your home. If it looks outdated or worn, it can leave a bad impression. Luckily, you can use DIY home decorating projects to refresh your front door and give it a new look.

One of the easiest ways to do house renovation and refresh your front door is to repaint it. The color you choose should complement the style of your home. You can also install new hardware, such as a door knocker or doorbell, to give it a more polished look. Add a decorative wreath or other accents to make it more inviting.

If your front door is looking particularly shabby, you might want to consider replacing it altogether. Whatever you do, refreshing your front door is a great way to give your home an instant facelift.

Rework Your Home’s Layout

If your home feels outdated or cramped, rework the layout using DIY home decorating projects. This might be a tall order, but it’s worth it if you’re unhappy with how your home looks or feels.

There are a few different ways to rework your home’s layout. One option is to rearrange the furniture. This can help open up a room and make it feel more spacious. The furniture you choose should be appropriate for the size and shape of the room.

Another option for such home projects is to switch the function of rooms in your home. For example, you could turn your dining room into a home office or your guest bedroom into a playroom. This can be a great way to make better use of the space in your home. Plus, the changes are invigorating!

You can also add or remove walls to change the layout of your home. This is a more drastic change, but it can really help to improve the flow of your home. Absolutely make sure not to take out a load-bearing wall or column. If you’re not sure how to make this change, it’s best to hire a professional.

Update Your Lighting

Updating your lighting is among the most effective DIY home renovation projects. It can also be a great way to save money on your energy bill. Some ways to update your lighting include installing new fixtures, adding dimmers, and using energy-efficient bulbs. These bulbs are often a bit more expensive initially, but certain types can save you up to 35% a year on your energy bill.

When updating, be keen on the light fixtures you buy. They should serve two purposes: to match the style of your home and provide the type of light you need. You may also consider installing a skylight to let in more natural light. Most importantly, make sure the lighting in your home is safe and up to code.

Increase Storage Space

If your home is cluttered and you’re running out of storage space, then increasing that space is a great way to make your home more livable. There are several different ways to do house remodeling and achieve this goal, including adding shelving units, installing cabinets, and getting rid of anything you don’t use or need.

If you’re unsure where to start, start picking up any clutter that’s built up on the floor, tables, desks, and dressers around the house. Sometimes getting rid of just a few items can free up space, or encourage you to keep going and de-clutter some more.

Next, look around your home and see what areas could benefit from some extra storage. Once you’ve identified those areas, you can start planning how to implement storage space. Sketch out and measure the space before making any purchases or crafting a new cabinet or shelf. Finding out you don’t have nearly as much room as you hoped for is an unpleasant surprise!

Redo the Floors

Refinishing or replacing your floors is a great remodeling home exercise as it gives your home a fresh, new look. It also increases the value of your home. If you’re not sure what type of flooring to choose, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, think about the style of your home. The type of flooring you choose should complement the style of your home. Second, consider your budget. Flooring can be expensive, so you’ll need to make sure you can afford it. Finally, think about how easy the flooring will be to maintain. You’ll want to choose something that’s easy to clean and won’t show dirt or stains easily.

For example, if you have a traditional-style home, hardwood floors would be a good option. If you’re on a tight budget, laminate or vinyl floors might be a better choice. If you’re looking for something easy to maintain, tile or stone floors might be the best selection. Whatever type of flooring you choose, make sure it’s installed correctly. This will help ensure it lasts for many years to come.

Renovating your home can be a big undertaking, but it’s worth it if you’re unhappy with how your home looks or feels. If you’re unsure where to start with DIY home improvement, try focusing on one of these projects: refresh your front door, rework your home’s layout, update your lighting, or increase your storage space. Take your time, plan carefully, and have some fun along the way. You’ll love how your new home project turns out!