If you are an avid DIY enthusiast, you may have made a New Year resolution to do at least one major home improvement project in the coming 12 months, which is a noble goal indeed.
Normally, the DIY-er would take on progressively more challenging projects, and if you are lacking inspiration, here are a few home improvement projects for you to consider in 2023.
1. Walk-In Fitted Wardrobes in The Master Bedroom
This will certainly test your carpentry skillsets; start by creating a ‘to scale’ diagram, using the room recesses and the finished design should be enough for you to cost the project. You can order everything from a single online supplier and have it delivered to your home.
Typically, you would use 2×1 for studying and composite sheets, which come in a range of attractive finishes. Don’t forget to order screws and plastic plugs, plus hinges, brackets, and fixings; if you need some help, search YouTube for fitted wardrobes and you’ll find a list of videos.
Start by measuring up the target wall to see how much space you have, then calculate the size of the drawers, and add a tie rack, with shoe slots at the bottom of the wardrobe. There are online resources to help you design the interior of the wardrobe, with free downloadable blueprints.
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2. Bathroom Renovation
If your bathroom has seen better days, why not plan for a radical revamp, replacing the tiling, installing a new bath, and finishing it off with cork flooring? If you prefer a luxury space, marble or granite solutions with gold fixtures and fittings, with a walk-in digital shower and custom-made mirrors.
If you think your plumbing skills are up to it, great, otherwise you can ask Dr Leak’s Sydney Plumbers to hook up the connections.
Underfloor heating would be a great addition; perfect for those cold winter mornings; you can have dry or wet underfloor heating, the dry system is a blanket that you unroll between the floor joists; a wet system uses the hot water from the central heating (if you have a central heating system).
3. Build A Deck in The Yard
Your back garden is the perfect place for a rest and relaxation area and building a deck is quite a challenging project. You might need to remove some soil, which you can use to create a rockery at the back end of your garden.
Like all projects, start with a ‘to scale’ diagram to calculate how much space you have. Using composite decking means zero maintenance; search online for a local timber supplier who would have composite decking.
The secret to success lies in the ground preparation; ideally, you want a 2×2 timber frame that is both solid and level. Set posts in every corner and when they are set, this is your foundation from which to build the framework.
4. Landscaped Garden
Why not boost your home’s curb appeal and have the garden landscaped by a professional? Set aside a budget, have an open mind, and let the creative side of you take over; the contractor can show you many images of his previous projects.
Why not add a few features like a waterfall, rockery, and a fishpond? We are still in the summer here in Australia, which is the perfect time for an outdoor project and you and your family have a great rest and relaxation ambiance. Click here for a guide to installing a portable outdoor spa.
5. Build an Extension
If you think your building skills are up to it, why not hire an architect to design a single-story extension? You can save a small fortune with a self-build; you might need some help from a few able-bodied buddies for the heavy work.
Again, YouTube comes to the rescue, with literally hundreds of ‘how to build an extension’ videos. The only reason you need an architect is to have the blueprint approved by the local authority; planning permission is, of course, required when you extend the parameters of a structure.
6. Cladding the Exterior
Stone cladding can transform your exterior; there are many different finishes to choose from and prices vary depending on quality.
Search online for stone cladding to view the different finishes and when you do find what you’re looking for, you can place an online order. Cladding adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, plus it looks great!
Building A Comprehensive Tool Kit
In order to carry out any home improvement project, you need the right tools and equipment; most homeowners add to their tool kit as they need specific items.
Here are some tools to acquire
- Hand tools – Claw hammer, wood chisels, screwdrivers, handsaws.
- Power tools – Hammer drill, screwdriver, circular saw, jig-saw, planer/sander.
- Other equipment – Stepladders for working at height, a bench, and power extension cords.
- Painting & decorating – A full set of quality paintbrushes, a roller and tray, sandpaper, and old bedsheets for covering furniture.
Planning A Project
Every home improvement project should be carefully planned; start by drawing a sketch, which should lead to a scaled diagram that is detailed.
This allows you to calculate the materials you will need and costing the project is the next step. List all materials and the tools you will need to complete the project and make sure you have all items on the list before you start work.
Understanding The Process
It is important to fully understand the process of any given project; what should be done first and each step until the project is complete.
If there are aspects you are unsure about, YouTube has thousands of ‘how to’ videos for every project imaginable and you can rewatch as many times as you wish. Many homeowners follow such videos and with no previous experience, you can work wonders.
It makes total sense to improve the most valuable asset you own, which not only makes your home more comfortable, home improvements also boost the value of the property.
