12 Quick DIYs Every Homeowner Should Consider

Transitioning from a renter to a homeowner is a significant milestone filled with excitement, opportunities, and often, an extensive to-do list. Here are some easy places to start.

Owning a home comes with the freedom to personalise and modify your living space to suit your style and your lifestyle.

However, for many new homeowners, the financial investment in a property means that there might be a tighter budget for improvements and modifications. 

The good news is, once the Budget Moving Truck has been unpacked, there’s no shortage of cost-effective and impactful DIY projects that can help you transform your new house into a home. 

From refreshing the wall colours to enhancing the exterior landscape, these changes can add personality and charm without breaking the bank. 

And whether seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice willing to roll up your sleeves and learn, anyone can try their hand at these.

12 easy DIY fixes to transform your new home on a budget

1. Fresh coat of paint

One of the easiest ways to transform a space is by changing the colour of the walls.

A fresh coat of paint can make the house feel brand new and, depending on your chosen palette, can add a sense of openness and light.

But painting doesn’t have to be limited to the plaster. Painting over exposed brick, timber panelling and even dated kitchen tiles can breathe new life into a tired space.

2. Upgrade lighting fixtures

Lighting can drastically impact the look and feel of a home. Consider replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones that suit your style.

This is also an opportunity to install energy-efficient LED bulbs which last a lot longer than traditional globes.

3. Replace cabinet and door hardware

Updating the knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and doors throughout the house can make a big impact with minimal effort.

4. Install smart home devices极>

Smart thermostats, light bulbs, doorbells and security systems are increasingly popular and relatively easy to install.

Modern security systems can be easily managed from your mobile device, giving you peace of mind. Picture: Getty

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While not an aesthetic improvement, these devices can increase the comfort, security, and energy efficiency in your home, instantly improving its liveability.

5. Raise the curtain

If you’ve got the budget, replace old blinds or curtains with new ones to match your style and enhance natural light.

If you’re confident in your ability to measure up and willing to hang them yourself, there are myriad online stores where you can order made-to-measure curtains and blinds for a fraction of the price. 

6. Upgrade your mailbox

This is often overlooked, but a new mailbox can significantly boost your home’s street appeal, so choose one that complements the style of your home and then go stand across the street and admire it from afar.

7. Landscape

Planting a garden, whether it’s flowers, shrubs, or a vegetable plot, can enhance the exterior of your house and provide a rewarding hobby. If outdoor space is limited, consider potted plants or a vertical garden.

8. Add area rugs

If the flooring isn’t in the best condition, or doesn’t match your style, consider adding area rugs.

Soft furnishings like an area rug can instantly give a home a warm and welcoming touch. Picture: realestate.com.au

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These will not only help to cover up unsightly scratches in the floorboards or take the attention off those pink kitchen tiles, but also add a layer of comfort and sound insulation until you can afford to upgrade.

9. Caulk and grout

Freshen up your bathroom or kitchen by re-caulking around the tub, sink, and tiles. You can also re-grout the tiles for a clean look.

10. Replace light switch plates

Swapping out old, discoloured light switch plates with new ones can instantly make a room look fresher.

11. Deep cleaning

Not technically a “fix,” but a thorough cleaning can make a house feel like new.

Consider renting a carpet cleaner or power washer for a day to clean rugs, carpets, or the outside of your house.

12. Add Greenery

Indoor plants can breathe new life into any space by bringing a bit of the outside world in.

Depending on the light and temperature conditions, consider plants such as pothos, snake plants or succulents to add low-maintenance lush.