Being stuck in quarantine can be a real pain — there’s no denying that. However, it’s important to recognize that things could be much worse. As such, it’s a good idea to always find ways to look on the bright side, such as having this free time and opportunity to finally tackle home improvement projects that have always somehow ended up on the back burner.
The best part is that there’s no dearth of home projects that you can do yourself, which is truly in keeping with the tenets of social distancing. Plus, there are countless resources you can easily find online to help you get them done. So, let’s begin!
Seek to Add Value
No doubt, some of the best DIY projects are those that are useful and functional, ultimately adding value and equity to your home. This can be as workable as replacing faucets or lighting fixtures, regrouting bathroom tiles, or even just changing your furnace filters for the year. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can convert spare rooms into more functional ones, or spruce up your outdoor space. You might even want to keep it simple by finally tackling your household clutter, which will certainly do a lot in keeping your home more organized.
Finding ways to boost your home’s safety is also worthwhile. It’s great to note that you really don’t need to turn to professional security providers as you can DIY your home security in more ways than one. For one thing, you can install your own home security systems — including cameras, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, programmable thermostats and lights, etc. — and set them up to integrate with your home network and gadgets. For another, you can simply change or upgrade your locks, or improve your landscaping so it becomes a natural deterrent for burglars, as opposed to one that inadvertently assists in their misdeeds.
Invest in Beauty
DIY projects can also be a great way to make your home more pleasing to the eye. These, in turn, could increase your quality of life, especially when you’re stuck in isolation. It’s important to take stock of what your home needs, as well as have a clear vision of how you want it to turn out. This way, you can give the most fitting home improvement projects your full attention.
Now, there’s plenty you can do to improve your home aesthetically, so you might find yourself faced with the problem of choosing the best project to keep you busy. Repainting rooms, doors, countertops, or even a wall or two are easy yet impactful ways to go about it. Ditto with revamping old furniture, or even starting a garden — to name just a few.
Don’t Break the Bank
Of course, even the simplest DIY projects will have some costs associated with it, which is a challenge when you’re in quarantine. The fact is that there’s more than one way to cover the costs of your DIY home improvement efforts, so you definitely want to look into your options.
Consider refinancing your mortgage to pay for your projects. In fact, this can be an opportune time to do so as mortgage rates are on the low side at present. Granted, these rates do fluctuate on a daily basis, so it’s more than prudent to use your lender as a guide for refinancing during the coronavirus pandemic. A cash-out refinance can also be a good idea, especially if you have bigger home improvement projects in mind. Essentially, this option allows you to access funds via the equity you’ve built up. But do make sure to have the necessary documents already on hand as you talk to lenders, so you have a better handle on your options.
Suffice it to say, you’ll want to choose improvements that are well within your skill level and budget, as well as those that truly make your home a better place for you and your family. This, in turn, makes them well worth the time, effort, and investment you’re bound to put in. It’s truly a productive way to spend quarantine, and you may even have fun while you’re at it!
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