If you’re considering taking on home improvement projects yourself rather than hiring a professional, here are five tasks that could potentially save you money. Keep in mind that while DIY projects can be cost-effective, they also come with their own set of challenges. Here’s a closer look at some projects that are worth trying, depending on your skill level and comfort with DIY tasks:
1. Replace a Showerhead
**Difficulty level:** Easy
**Potential Savings:** Hiring a plumber for this task can cost between $45 and $150 per hour, according to HomeGuide.com. Since replacing a showerhead typically takes only a few minutes, a plumber might charge for a minimum service time, making this a potentially easy DIY project.
**How to do it:** You’ll need a wrench or pliers to unscrew the old showerhead. Clean the threads on the pipe before installing the new one. Screw on the new showerhead and tighten it by hand. Avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.
2. Set Up a Garden Bed
**Difficulty level:** Easy
**Potential Savings:** Professional gardeners can charge around $75 per hour, according to TheSpruce.com.
**How to do it:** Many garden beds come as pre-assembled kits that can be put together in a few hours. Follow the instructions to assemble and position the bed, then plant your choice of vegetables or herbs. This project can enhance your yard and potentially save money on groceries.
3. Paint an Accent Wall or Architectural Feature
**Difficulty level:** Medium
**Potential Savings:** Hiring a painter could cost around $70 per hour. A DIY project might take a similar amount of time and only require the cost of paint and supplies.
**How to do it:** Choose a wall or feature to paint and prepare the area with painter’s tape. Apply high-quality paint and consider using primer if needed. For best results, plan your color scheme carefully and be patient with the preparation and application process.
4. Install Floating Shelves
**Difficulty level:** Easy to medium
**Potential Savings:** Professional handymen typically charge between $60 and $70 per hour.
**How to do it:** Floating shelves often come in kits designed for easy installation. Follow the kit instructions to mount the shelves securely. Ensure accurate measurements to avoid misplacement and minimize the risk of damage.
5. Replace a Faucet
**Difficulty level:** Easy to medium
**Potential Savings:** Plumbers generally charge between $45 and $150 per hour. Replacing a faucet yourself could take one to two hours.
**How to do it:** Turn off the water supply before starting. Use a bucket and towels to catch any water that might spill. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, using plumber’s tape on connections to prevent leaks. Avoid overtightening to prevent damage.
While these projects can be done yourself, they might not be suitable for everyone. Evaluate your skill level and the complexity of each task before starting. In some cases, hiring a professional might be more cost-effective if you’re unsure about completing the project successfully.
