4 Perfect Home Improvement Projects for People Who HATE Renovating
Meaningful transformations minus the elbow grease.
There are two types of people in the world: Those who love renovating a home and those who...well, could do without it. Problem is, even if you buy a completely turnkey home, you need to maintain your space every so often. What’s the alternative? Moving every time there’s the slightest bit of wear and tear? Not exactly an option.
Fortunately, spiffing up your space doesn’t have to be a total pain in the neck. To help, a few home improvement experts are sharing the best projects for everyone. Yes, even those who find renovations completely insufferable. Turns out, a little bit of elbow grease can go a long way.
Make Your Home Energy-Efficient
For Lane Dixon of Aire Serv, a Neighborly Company, the best home improvement projects are also the most practical. “Start with simple maintenance and efficiency upgrades,” he recommends. “Replace air filters and seal drafty windows and doors.”
If you want to make a big impact—and get the best bang for your buck—Dixon says a smart thermostat can decrease your utility bill. “A smart thermostat is appealing and requires minimal effort and disruption to the home,” “It can improve comfort and function, help reduce energy use.”
Once you turn off the HVAC switches on your electrical panel—and confirm your smart model is compatible with your older setup—remove the front of your thermometer. Take a picture of the wiring and carefully unscrew or remove them from their terminal locations. From there, you’ll want to remove your old thermostat, add the new one, and screw each wire into its new terminal location.
It seems like a doozy, but Dixon promises the entire task can be done in about an hour.
Swap out Your Hardware
You don’t need to undergo a huge project to spruce up your space. “To ease frustration, start small,” explains Brian Meussner, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company. “Often, a simple solution can make a big impact.”
For a low-lift, high-style transformation, look to your cabinetry hardware. Knobs and pulls are the jewelry of a kitchen, so swapping out standard finishes for a store-bought alternative can make your space feel more curated. Since most hardware is screwed into cabinets, all you need is a screwdriver and a few minutes.
Why stop there? You can also switch out the wall plate for your outlets and light switches, which is an easy and affordable task.
RELATED: 11 Designer Tricks That Make Any Home Look More Expensive
Level up Your Lighting
Have razor-thin patience for home improvement jobs? “Choose projects that can actually improve your day-to-day,” recommends Meussner. “Some of the lowest disruptions, biggest impact upgrades can include lighting enhancements, such as brighter or smart lighting.”
While drilling a cordless sconce to the wall or rearranging a floor lamp can give your home a layered, inviting glow, don’t overlook your light bulb choices. Case in point: You can screw in a smart bulb, download the corresponding app, and control the glow with a simple tap or swipe.
RELATED: Designers Say These Lighting Mistakes Can Make Your Home Feel Off
Apply Paint
When in doubt, a fresh coat of paint is the gift that keeps on giving. “It's not an expensive upgrade and it makes a huge difference,” says Elmer Mayorga, a home repair professional in Southern California. With a few pointers, painting a wall can be a lot easier than you think, but choosing the right color requires some careful consideration.
“The wrong color can make it feel like the walls are screaming at you,” says Mayorga. For a “calming and peaceful space,” he encourages you to stick with neutrals and light shades. However, if you want to think outside of the box, check out the clever tactics designers use to the perfect hue.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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