Jade Small

Jade Small

October 29, 2024

15 Home Improvement Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

Renovating Does Not Have to Be a Hassle

Couple decorating room with pictures together.

Upgrading your living spaces doesn’t have to mean taking out a loan or hiring an expensive contractor. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can achieve a stunning transformation yourself.

These simple tricks are all about enhancing the look and functionality of your space without doing any major renovations. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you refresh your home and impress your guests without spending a fortune.

Upgrade Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

Photograph of cupboard door handles in a kitchen showroom.

A simple and affordable way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom is by upgrading the knobs and pulls on your cabinets. 

Swapping out old hardware for stylish, modern designs can give your space a whole new look. Choose hardware that fits the existing holes to avoid additional drilling. 

Pro tip: Select a sleek design that complements your cabinets for a long-lasting, chic update.

Make a Room Feel Bigger with Mirrors

Young Caucasian woman putting mirror on wall.

Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect light and make the space feel larger. They not only create an illusion of depth but also brighten up darker corners of your home.

The best part? It’s a quick fix for tight spaces like hallways or bathrooms. 

Hanging a mirror is a renter-friendly, non-permanent solution that takes no time at all. No construction or remodeling is required.

Read More: 5 Important Things to Consider Before Jumping Into the RV Craze

Fix Sticking Doors with Simple Adjustments

Handyman fixing bifold doors sticking or not sliding properly.

Doors that stick or don’t latch properly can be frustrating, but the fix is often simple. Issues like humidity or excess paint can cause doors to bind. 

Planing the edges or adjusting the strike plate can get them back in working order. It’s a perfect beginner project that doesn’t take much time or effort, yet leaves a noticeable improvement.

Stay on Trend Without Breaking the Bank

Stylish Scandinavian modern white cozy eco interior in minimalist style.

Instead of constantly repainting to keep up with trends, use neutral colors for your walls, floors, and ceilings. Then, incorporate trendy accents through furniture, pillows, and decor. 

This way, when the trend fades, you can easily swap out these items without redoing your entire room. It’s an affordable and flexible way to keep your home stylish year-round.

Protect Floors with Felt Pads

Anti-skid felt pad cover install on sofa leg.

Extend the life of your floors by adding felt pads to the legs of your furniture. 

This small, inexpensive hack prevents scratches and scuffs, especially on hardwood or laminate floors. It’s easy to install and helps reduce noise when moving furniture around.

With felt pads, you can maintain your floors for years without worrying about damage.

Change Your Foyer Lighting for Instant Impact

Foyer in upscale home with French doors

Your foyer is the first thing guests see, so why not make it memorable? 

Upgrade old light fixtures with something modern and bright. Choose a fixture that matches the size of the space and provides plenty of light. 

If you’re not confident in handling electrical work, hire an electrician to help. This simple change can set the tone for the rest of your home’s decor.

Get Creative with Hidden Storage

Modern architecture interior with luxury hallway with glossy wooden stairs in modern storey house.

Create more storage by using spaces you probably have not been using like attics, crawl spaces, or even under your stairs. 

You can also add a custom shelve or hooks to make the most of these overlooked areas. These spaces are perfect for storing seasonal items, decorations, or things you don’t use every day. 

It’s an easy way to declutter without spending on external storage units.

Read More: Your Heat Should Be On 8 Hours Daily in the Winter, Experts Claim

Transform Your Windows with Stylish Treatments

A sofa with colorful pillows in the room near windows with sunscreen curtain.

Windows are usually the neglected part of home decor, but they’re a great way to make an impact. 

Swap out basic blinds for elegant curtains, sleek shutters, or modern roller shades. Not only do window treatments enhance the aesthetic of a room, but they also provide privacy and light control. 

Keep Plumbing Valves Accessible

Caucasian male plumber fixing a sink in the bathroom

When remodeling, don’t cover up important plumbing valves like the main water shutoff. 

To make sure there’s easy access to these essential fixtures for future repairs or emergencies. You can install an access panel or leave an opening behind cabinets or walls. 

This small detail could save you big headaches down the road if you ever need to shut off the water quickly.

Plant Smart to Protect Your Foundation

Beautiful manicured lawn and flowerbed with deciduous shrubs on private plot and track to house against backlit bright warm sunset

When landscaping, be mindful of how close you are to planting trees and shrubs to your house. Large roots can damage the foundations of your home over time, leading to expensive repairs. 

Go for plants with non-invasive roots and keep them at least several feet away from your home’s foundation. Always plan your landscaping to protect your property from future issues.

Magnetize Your Tools for Easier DIY Projects

Handyman using a cordless screwdriver to install a window handle.

Having trouble holding onto small screws while working? Magnetize your screwdriver by rubbing it with a strong magnet.

This trick helps hold screws in place while you’re installing them, making DIY projects a lot easier. It’s especially useful when working in tight spaces or on projects where you need both hands-free.

Say goodbye to dropping tiny screws and hello to frustration-free repairs.

Repurpose Carpet Scraps for DIY Jobs

Color carpeting, samples of colored nap flooring without overlock.

Don’t toss out old carpet scraps! They’re perfect for use in future projects. 

You can pad your knees while working, protect your floors when moving furniture, or use them as drop cloths while painting. 

These carpet pieces are versatile and can save you money in the long run. Plus, they offer a softer, more durable surface than typical protective materials.

Refresh a Room with New Door Knobs

New wooden interior door complete with a handle and latch made of brass.

Replacing those drab and dingy knobs might seem like a tiny detail, but replacing them can give your home an affordable mini-makeover 

You can modernize with sleek handles or add a vintage touch, new knobs can instantly elevate the look of a room. Sleek new handles in brushed nickel or matte black will instantly uplift those rooms. 

Make sure to measure the door and hole size to ensure the replacement fits perfectly.

Layer Rugs for Style and Comfort

Handmade Cotton rug for floor covering.

Even if you have carpeting, layering an area rug can add warmth, texture, and color to a room. 

Area rugs can cover worn-out spots or simply provide a fresh look to a space. They’re especially handy in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids.

Choose a bold design to make a statement or a neutral one for a cozy, subtle touch.

Boost Curb Appeal with Simple Garden Touches

A red door on a wooden navy blue house with white trim.

Enhance your home’s porch or entrance with easy-to-grow plants, window boxes, or hanging baskets filled with colorful flowers. 

Not only does it brighten up your front yard, but it also gives your home a welcoming, cheerful vibe. Adding greenery is one of the simplest ways to improve curb appeal without investing a lot of time or money.

 Plus, you’ll love coming home to the colorful display.

Read More: 31 Things People Do That Ruin Their Homes