Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling - My Favorite Trick

Do-it-yourself home remodeling is definitely on the increase. And while there are many ways to make changes to your living space, I have one definite favorite for cost, ease, impact and versatility.

My favorite do-it-yourself home remodeling trick is paint. I love paint! Why do I love paint? Let me count the ways.......

1) Cost

The average cost of a gallon of quality interior latex paint is $40 - $50. Depending on how many coats you will need to apply to cover the current color or if you will apply primer first (approximately $35 - $45 per can), an average size room will take 2 gallons. Ceiling paint adds another $25 - 30. Approximate cost if using 1 gallon of primer, 1 gallon of ceiling paint and 2 gallons of paint is $140 - $175. Throw in brushes, plastic drop sheets, rollers, painters tape and all the other things you might need for about $50 more. So for about $190 - $225 in paint and supplies you can completely change the look of a room even if that is all that you do.

2) Ease of Use

Paint is a great place for a do-it-yourself home remodeling beginner to start. Granted, there are many advanced techniques that may require more time, patience and practice. However just painting a solid color while requiring a little skill, can quickly be learned to achieve outstanding results.

3) Impact

I love the impact that paint can make. Taking a room and painting it a whole new color can make it feel like a whole new room. Even if everything else about the room remains the same. Don't be afraid. Try something new. Liven up a room with bold color or subdue a room with soft color. If you don't like it that's ok. You can change it because paint is also.....

4) Versatile

Paint can go on the walls or even be used to update your furniture, woodwork and cabinets. Paint is a great way to keep up with current trends and because of its low cost and ease of use, you can actually afford to be trendy in this area. And when the trends change in a couple years so can your paint job.

Do-it-yourself home remodeling can be fun if you know what you are doing. Painting is just one step that you can take to make your house into your home. Some you can do yourself. Some might be better left to professionals. To help save yourself time, headaches and frustration, do yourself a favor and invest in a good guide like the one found at http://www.RemodelingForBeginners.com. With a book as well as videos, this resource can show which seemingly complicated projects are really simple and which seemingly simple ones are better left to the pros. Written by a 10 year remodeling professional specifically for beginners, I cannot think of a better place to start your remodeling adventure.

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