10 Budget-Friendly DIY Jobs to Refresh Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
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Have you recently moved into a new home or feel as though your current one needs a little TLC but are worried about money? Well, I don’t believe that you need to spend a fortune or have to always fork out for a team of experts to make your space feel alive. There are plenty of small, doable home improvement jobs that you can easily carry out yourself at very little cost that will help to add style, comfort, and maybe even a little more value to your home. Here are ten budget-friendly DIY job ideas to get your creative juices flowing – perfect for Green Nest Living readers who care about saving money and sustainability.
1. Paint Doors or Cabinets
Few things can transform a room as quickly as a fresh coat of paint. An interior door, kitchen cupboards or even a freestanding wardrobe can look completely different with a new pop of colour. Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly and then give it a light sand so the paint adheres well. A primer will also help if you are moving from a dark shade to something lighter.
Green Tip: Choose low VOC or plant based paints to keep indoor air healthier and reduce chemical fumes. You could also check places like Facebook Marketplace for leftover paint people are giving away this reduces waste and saves money.
2. Update Handles and Knobs
Replacing dated drawer pulls, cupboard knobs and door handles can instantly give furniture and rooms a facelift. Pinterest is a great place to look for some inspiration, really think about the overall feel you are going for and create boards that reflect this.
Green Tip: Look around for reclaimed handles from charity shops, salvage yards or online marketplaces as these often have more character and are usually sturdier than mass produced pieces. If you find metal ones that have lost their shine, a quick polish or a coat of metal friendly paint can quickly and easily bring them back to life.
3. Add Colour or Texture to Your Walls
Decorating your walls can be a big job but once done, it can completely transform a space. If you are on a tight budget or time short or just want your room to make an impact, consider painting a feature wall in a strong shade. Greens are very in right now and there’s a great variety of shades available from eco-friendly brands such as Lick. If you are a little hesitant about painting or you are renting and need something temporary, self adhesive wallpaper or peel and stick wall panels could be well worth exploring. Many are made from recycled paper or printed with water based inks, so you can create a striking look without the mess or the long term commitment. When you are done with a design you can often remove and reuse it elsewhere.
Green Tip: As above look for low VOC or plant based paints. Check out the sustainability credentials of brands or if you don’t want to buy new, see if you can source secondhand paint.
4. Refresh Bathroom Grout
Grout and sealant quietly do the hard work of keeping moisture at bay but over time they can become discoloured, mouldy or start to crack/come away. Giving these areas some attention will not only brighten up your bathroom but it will also help to prevent water damage. Carefully scrape out the old grout or sealant, clean inside well and apply fresh grout/sealant. It is not a glamorous job but it protects the tiles you already have and means you are far less likely to face costly repairs later.
Green Tip: When it’s time to reseal or regrout, look for low-VOC or water-based sealants and grout to cut down on indoor air pollutants. If you’re removing old material, scrape it out in strips and take it to your local recycling centre’s construction-waste area rather than putting it into your normal bin. And keep any leftover grout sealed in a jar so you can patch small areas later instead of buying a new bag.
5. Give the Kitchen Splashback Some Attention
Grease, splashes and everyday wear can make any kitchen splashback look tired and a bit grotty but improvements don’t have to be costly. A deep down clean may be all you need. White vinegar is a fantastic eco option if you need to cut through grease and grime. Simply take an empty spray bottle, fill half with cooled boiled water, fill the other half with white vinegar, add a few drops of essential oils to help with the scent (lemon or lavender are both nice choices), grab a reusable cloth and you’re ready to go. Bicarbonate of soda is another green cleaning option. This can be scrubbed straight on, left to work for a few moments then wiped away, or you can mix it in a bowl with a little bit of water to create a paste.
If your tiles still don’t look their best you could opt to replace them all (if budget allows) or you could try self adhesive splashback panels which are quick to fit and easy to wipe down.
Green Tip: Hunt out end of line tiles or reclaimed pieces to avoid buying new. Reusing leftover tiles reduces waste and gives you a unique, characterful feature.
6. Upcycle Furniture You Already Own
Before you buy anything new, take a fresh look at what you already have. A wooden chair with a sagging seat can be reupholstered with a fabric remnant. A battered side table can be sanded and oiled. An old chest of drawers can be completely reinvented with paint and new handles. Upcycling not only saves money and reduces landfill but also gives you furniture with a story. That is something you simply cannot buy off the shelf.
Green Tip: Source items on secondhand sites or maybe check out your local Repair Cafe for help.
7. Rethink Lighting and Switch Plates
Lighting sets the mood in every room and simply swapping a tired lampshade for a fabric one in a warm tone or adding a dimmer switch can make your home feel calmer and more inviting. If you are comfortable with basic electrics, replacing old switch plates or pendant fittings can be a straightforward job. If not, get in a local electrician to be safe.
Green Tip: Choose LED bulbs for a warm glow and a fraction of the energy use and consider picking up second hand lamps or vintage shades to keep the look unique and sustainable.
8. Fix Sticking or Squeaky Doors
Many of us live with sticking or squeaky doors, it’s one of those jobs we all often overlook. Fixing these may seem like a small thing but it’ll make all the difference especially in the long run. Tighten any loose hinges with a screwdriver, oil them to stop squeaks and if the door still sticks lightly sand the edge until it swings freely.
Green tip: Before buying specialist sprays, try what you already have. A tiny dab of cooking oil or a drop of natural beeswax rubbed onto the hinge pin often quiets a squeak just as well as commercial lubricants. If a hinge really does need replacing, choose solid brass or stainless steel so it lasts for decades and can be fully recycled at the end of its life.
9. Add a Little Greenery
Plants instantly soften a space and bring a feeling of calm. If you are new to houseplants, start with low maintenance varieties such as pothos, spider plants or herbs like basil and mint. To keep costs low, wht not ask friends or neighbours if they are happy to share cuttings? And instead of buying new planters why not upcycle some old jars or tins.
Green Tip: Collect rainwater for watering or save up drinking water that has been left on the bedside table from the night before.
10. Tidy Up the Entrance
Your front door sets the first impression before anyone even steps inside. A wash down with warm soapy water, a fresh coat of exterior paint or varnish and a clean doormat can all make a quiet but noticeable difference. If you have a porch or steps, sweep away leaves and add some potted plants. For house numbers or name plaques, reclaimed wood or metal adds character and lasts well, reducing the need to replace it anytime soon.
Green Tip: Use eco-friendly cleaning products such as white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or castille soap. These are not only better for your health than chemical filled products but they are also kind to the environment and wildlife.
With these simply yet effective budget-friendly DIY tips, your home should begin to look and feel much better in no time!
*This post contains affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission from each sale. This does not affect how much you pay or your shopping experience. For further information, please refer to my disclosure page.
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