iSnare.com - Free Content Articles Directory
Authors Contents [Advanced Search][Add OpenSearch][Job Search]
Distribute your articles to thousands of article sites for only $2 and below! Read more...

Index  Home Management
 

The Real Cost of DIY Home Improvement Projects

 
[ Contact the Author] [ Send to a Friend] [ Article Publisher] [Make PDF] [ Print] [ Bookmark & Share]
 
Read our Terms of Service before reprinting this article. The submitter specified above has claimed the rights to this article.
Benedict Smythe

Let’s get one thing clear- not all do it yourself projects are inexpensive. More often than not, DIY projects are actually quite expensive, depending on the outcome that you desire. Look at it this way- if you don't have control over the quality of store shelf products, then the DIY approach inverts the whole picture: you are now in control of the quality and appearance of any project you wish to get into.

If you have a warped picnic table and you wish to replace this with something that would look like it was done by an Italian craftsman in his prime, then expect that the DIY project would be expensive because you want something that will demand quality materials like exotic wood and top rated paint finish.

However, not many people want to invest so much in do it yourself projects- mainly because the budget is not there to begin with. So much can be said of expensive DIY projects, but it doesn’t mean that less expensive projects would yield poor results.

Issues regarding craftsmanship would entirely be credited to the person who has engaged in the DIY project. If you have little creativity or has little understanding of carpentry, then don’t expect that the new railing for your staircase would look like it was built by a highly experienced crew of carpenters.

So what would solve this apparent contradiction between skills, technical-know how and budget? The answer is simple- inexpensive projects that would yield beautiful results but do not require a high level of competence. Below are just some inexpensive and yet rewarding DIY home improvement projects that you can start with if you’re feeling the DIY itch now:

1. Repainting- a fresh coat of paint is always a good thing, especially for old houses. New paint gives a refreshing feel to an area, and improves the aura of a house. If a house has been standing for five years and has not been applied with even a drop of fresh paint since the day its doors were first opened, then now would be a good time to plan for a repainting.

Repainting projects need not be a 10 weekend projects- it does not have to cover the whole expanse of the house. You can start with the porch or the living room - this will take you 2 to 3 weekends.

2. Wood works- even if it sounds daunting at the start, making new furniture for the house (for the family and of course, for your own personal use) is actually one of the most fulfilling ways to jumpstart your own DIY fever. The trick is to always start small.

Not everyone is an expert with the use of wood, saw hammer and nails. This is the reason you should always start small- because in case your project fails, you can conveniently just throw away the failed project without worrying too much about the raw materials that you used. Don’t attempt to build a bed or a large cabinet for all your clothes yet.

A good starting project would be a foot stool that may be used around the house-whether in the study room or in front of the couch in the living room. Get a feel of it and see how it goes from there.

Important NoticeDISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.

The author of this article was Benedict Yossarian. For home improvements Benedict recommends Dekorbeton Decorative Concrete as a cheap alternative to expensive bricks and Roof Bond Spray Foam Roof Insulation to reduce your heating costs.

Article Tags: diy [See Dictionary], project [See Dictionary], projects [See Dictionary]
Got a question about this article? Ask the community!
Article published on December 10, 2008 at Isnare.com
 
Rate this article:

DIY Renovation For Small Bathrooms
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

The bathroom can be one of the more troublesome spots for DIY or do it yourself enthusiasts, because not only would you be dealing with a fairly limited space, but also, nearly everything in it has been fixed, or had installed in a permanent manner...

Dealing With Dampness: What to Do When Dampness Envelops Your Home
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Dampness or unwanted moisture in the house is indeed a serious problem While a little dampness is hardly noticeable, real dampness tends to degrade paint on the walls, and causes molds and other unpleasant growths to further make themselves at home in your own house...

DIY Electrical Socket Installation
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

A well planned home has electric sockets at every pre-determined spot in the house, allowing for ease of use anytime of the day...

DIY Fence Installation: The Basics
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Who said fences are out of vogue Fences remain useful additions to any home or any yard...

DIY Insulation: When the Cold Should Be Kept Out
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Loft insulation may be one of the most neglected DIY projects this side of the Home Improvement Planet...

DIY Home Security: Keeping Unwanted Elements Out of Your Home
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Let’s face it- crime is here to stay Often, innocent homeowners and children suffer the worst of crime...

Polish Silver Like a Pro: DIY Silver Polishing
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Who doesn’t like silver Family dinners and other important events in the family wouldn’t be complete without silverware on the table...

Caring For Your Copper: Nature’s Second Silver
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Copper may be aptly called nature's second silver because of its inherent malleability and usefulness...

Making Your Fireplace More Secure: DIY Fireplace Improvement
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Fireplaces are quite important installations in the colder regions of the world For those who have little trust in central heating, fireplaces offer the warmth and comfort that central heating just doesn’t give...

Choosing Between Gas-burning Fireplaces and Wood-burning Fireplaces
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Homeowners are often frazzled by a big choice that they would have to make: gas or wood Fireplaces do add comfort and immediate warmth to any home and is indeed a calming presence to any weary homeowner after a day’s work...

Do it Yourself Holiday Ideas For Your Home
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Don’t have anything to do this summer, or during the holidays, even Why not try your hand at DIY or do it yourself home improvement...

Pros and Cons of DIY Home Improvement: An Assessment
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Interestingly enough, the idea of improving one’s home is attractive to the “experts” of DIY as it is to individuals who’ve had no prior experience in do it yourself projects...

Advantages of DIY Home Projects
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

DIY home improvement has gained ground in the past few years due to two distinct reasons: rising prices of goods and rising prices of home improvement through contracted work...

DIY Project Killers: What to Avoid When Engaged in DIY Home Improvement Projects
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Do it yourself home improvement or home renovation can be one of the most challenging and rewarding things that you can do at your own house...

How to Start a DIY Home Improvement Project: Tips & Tricks
Submitted by: Benedict Smythe

Do it yourself projects are efficient ways to minimize cost, and to a certain degree, tap into your creative side...

Candle Safety Pointers
Submitted by: Christine Benson

From simple little candles to gorgeously hand-crafted candle lanterns, candles have always been and will always be a great addition to any home decor...

Kitchen Designs: Give Your Kitchen a Complete Make-Over
Submitted by: Andrew Stratton

When it comes to remodeling your home, the best place to start is in your kitchen No other room in the house can add value and be more practical than redesigning this functional part of the home...

Choose the Right Tiles For Your Needs
Submitted by: Adam Peters

Although there are various flooring surfaces available in the market, not all of these are suited to your requirements...

Finishing Your Basement In A Cost Effective Manner
Submitted by: Todd Bishop

Tough times call for tough measures While the ongoing fiscal downturn has put many basement finishing plans on hold, many others are looking to go ahead with their plans and are looking at economical yet good ways of turning their basements into living spaces...

A Useful Guide to Laminate Flooring
Submitted by: Adam Peters

The salient features of laminate flooring are that it can be installed easily, is affordable compared to hardwood flooring and yet at the same time imparts the hardwood look by giving a beautiful glow and earthy, elegant feel to your home...

Do it Yourself Energy Efficiency Projects: Your Home's Thermal Envelope (Part 1)
Submitted by: Bounce Energy

Many people struggling through the tough economy are not going to be able to take advantage of the 2009-10 Energy Efficiency Tax Credit simply because they can’t afford new windows and doors, water heaters, or more insulation...

Do it Yourself Energy Efficiency Projects: Your Home's Thermal Envelope (Part 2)
Submitted by: Bounce Energy

Windows If you have double-hung wooden sash windows with storm windows that are drafty, there are several ways to make them more energy efficient...

Do it Yourself Energy Efficiency Projects: Your Home's Thermal Envelope (Part 3)
Submitted by: Bounce Energy

Doors to Roof Right now, there are a few things you can do around your home to air seal it to save money during the winter months and during the summer...

Do it Yourself Energy Efficiency Projects: Your Home's Thermal Envelope (Part 4)
Submitted by: Bounce Energy

The most expensive part of doing laundry is using hot water And while you might be able to switch to using warm or cold water for your laundry, having hot water for bathing or cooking or washing dishes is an important convenience...

Do it Yourself Energy Efficiency Projects: Your Home's Thermal Envelope (Part 5)
Submitted by: Bounce Energy

Unless your attic is finished, your attic space is essentially just outside your house’s enclosed thermal envelope...

An Outdoor Table is a Multi-Purpose Table
Submitted by: Donald Weatherfield

Like the traditional rocking chair or the modern recliner, both of which are symbols of relaxation in your home, a table is utilitarian first and can be a novelty item second...

A Pub Set For Your Home
Submitted by: Donald Weatherfield

If you are planning to purchase new furniture or re-do your home decor, then don’t forget your dining room furniture...

Choosing a Home Office For Comfort and Effectiveness
Submitted by: Alex Sarovschli

Choosing the right office furniture may seem like a hassle It may seem like it involves endless decisions and choices that are hard to make...

Creating a Nice Dining Space
Submitted by: Alex Sarovschli

With the various uses we can find for dining spaces during these modern times, there are a lot of thing to consider other than eating in this space...

Buying White Bathroom Suites
Submitted by: Amaan Goyal

Looking for comfort and ambience and perfect décor in the bathroom but cant find the fittings that go together...

Isnare.com Footer Divider

© 2004-2009. Isnare Free Articles - An Isnare Online Technologies Free Articles Project. All Rights Reserved.   Privacy Policy