Skip to main content

The 5 best remodeling ideas that won’t ruin your entire summer

Simple home remodeling projects shouldn’t take weeks as a professional passes in and out of your home. Fortunately, there are many DIY remodel projects you can begin and complete in as little as a few hours. If you need a few ideas for easy home remodeling projects that won’t eat up your time, we’ve got you covered.

Embellish your rooms with crown molding 

In the past, crown molding was installed where the ceiling and wall intersect to hide blemishes or material differences. Now, crown molding is a decorative finish that instantly elevates a room and drives up the home’s value. It’s also a seemingly small detail that leaves a lasting impression on guests. 

Recommended Videos

Most crown molding is either made of wood, plaster, or composite material. Composite materials like foam, vinyl, or PVC are the most DIY-friendly types because they’re flexible, light, and insect-resistant. You’ll need a few tools for this project, too, including a miter saw, caulk, paint, painting accessories, wood glue, a tape measure, and gloves. Perhaps the trickiest part about this project is getting the measurements right, but there are many helpful guides online, such as this HGTV how-to guide.

Install new sinks and faucets
Lina Verovaya / Unsplash

Install new sinks and faucets

Whether your sink or faucet is rusty, no longer functional, or simply needs a makeover, replacing it is no problem. This project might seem hefty for a non-professional, but upgrading your sinks and faucets is a straightforward process. You’ll need a few essential tools to make this home remodeling project happen: A wrench set, handsaw, hammer, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, tube cutter, slip joint pliers, pipe wrench, sandpaper, P-trap, braided supply tubes, shut-off valves, and, of course, your new faucet and sink. 

Your kitchen is a good place to start if you plan on replacing all the sinks and faucets in your home. Lowe’s shows us how to do it.

Repaint your siding and exterior trims

Your exterior house paint may need a little revamping, and summer is a great time to complete a repainting project. Warm, but not extremely hot, summer days help paint dry between coats and layers to dry evenly. Classic color combinations like gray or other neutral siding colors with white trim will spruce up the exterior of your home. It’s helpful to know that that glossy or semi-gloss paint is best, thanks to its durability and resistance to scratches, insects, and stains. 

To avoid paint trips, cover light fixtures and door and window edges before proceeding. This project takes about three days with at least two people, depending on your home size. Note that you may need to consult with your homeowner association about exterior renovations, such as paint jobs. They may have a set of permitted colors you can choose from.

Replace your hardware
Random Sky/Unsplash

Replace your hardware

Cabinet and drawer handles and doorknobs can feel dated, especially in old buildings. Lucky for you, you can upgrade your hardware in as little as a few hours on a Saturday morning. Choose more modern hardware, such as straight bars instead of knobs in a metal that complements your materials. For instance, light-colored cabinets pair well with black or steel, while dark wood looks best with a warm metal like brass or bronze. Opt for black hardware if you may want to repaint your cabinets but haven’t officially decided yet.

For this project, you’ll need a screwdriver, wood putty, putty knife, hardware installation jig, pencil, drill, screws, and your hardware, says Better Homes & Gardens.

Upgrade your lights 

Modern apartments feature stylish, practical pendants and light fixtures. Gone are opulent chandeliers with faux crystals. Now it’s all about metal or glass pendants in geometric designs. Hanging bar lamps and glass lamps are common in kitchens because they add an element of intrigue that’s reminiscent of a chic, upscale restaurant. 

While pendant lights look best over a kitchen island, they also work well over a mini dining set, suggest Foter. Most ceiling boxes will hold your new pendant light, as these products are usually lightweight. Besides attaching the wires correctly to your new fixture, the bulk of this project consists of picking out which light best suits your home. 

When you want to remodel your home but don’t want to spend your whole summer nitpicking over measurements and various power tools, these five easy remodeling ideas are your best bets. Most people reserve home remodeling for professionals, but you can complete these DIY projects in days without calling a contractor. Recruit help from a friend or family member, and achieve your new remodeling without trouble.

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
What flooring is best for a basement? Don’t make an expensive mistake
There are several flooring options for your basement and a few you should avoid. Here's what you need to know
Person laying down laminate flooring in basement

One challenge you might face as a homeowner is choosing the best flooring for your basement. Whether you’re refinishing the space, updating the existing flooring, or searching for a moisture-resistant solution, selecting the right flooring for your basement is essential. To help you make the right decision, we’re weighing in on the pros and cons of some of the most popular basement flooring solutions and will answer the question: "What flooring is best for a basement?"
What to consider when choosing basement flooring

Before you begin choosing a type of flooring for your basement, it’s essential to consider what specifics are required for your space. What flooring is best for a basement relies heavily on the following.
Moisture
One thing you need to consider before deciding on flooring is moisture control. Basements tend to present issues when it comes to mold, mildew, and water damage, so it’s important to keep this in mind when choosing your flooring. In addition, we always recommend speaking to a professional about your specific situation, as some basements are more prone to moisture than others. Homeowners living in areas with high humidity, for example, may need to take extra precautions.
Durability
Durability is another important consideration. Depending on how frequently you intend to use the space and what activities will be happening in your basement, you may need to opt for a more durable solution. For example, if you choose to transform your basement into an at-home gym, a durable flooring option would be best. Alternatively, if your basement becomes an at-home theater or game room, ultra-durable flooring may not be necessary.
Usage
While we’ve covered some possible uses above, your basement flooring is more than just a durable surface. Its appearance and comfort must also be taken into consideration. For example, if you host parties or gatherings in your basement, you might not want an epoxy floor that makes the room feel cold and dull. Alternatively, an at-home gym won’t need fancy tiling or laminate to work for your needs. Additionally, if you plan to sell your home a few years from now, how will your flooring solution affect the value of your home?
What's better for a basement: Vinyl or laminate?

Read more
How much does it cost to finish a basement and add value to your home?
A finished basement is an investment in your home. Here are our tips for getting started on this project
Finished basement seating area with white walls and carpet

If you're looking at home improvement projects that will give you a return on your investment when you sell your home, consider remodeling your basement. If you don't have a finished basement, finishing it will not only increase the livable space in your home but give you confidence that your money will come back to you when you sell. The first question you're probably asking yourself is, "How much does it cost to finish a basement?" Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but we break down the possibilities below.

Before you get too far ahead of yourself dreaming about all the ways you're going to decorate your new basement, it's important to think about its functionality. Adding spaces like a bedroom or bathroom in your basement will increase the price of the renovation, as will a basement bar or movie room. But these usable spaces will also increase your resale value. You'll want to know your plan before getting quotes because not only will additional electrical, plumbing, and sheetrock be needed for these spaces, but you'll also want to be sure any contractors you use have the requisite expertise to get the job done.
What is the cost to finish a basement?

Read more
10 creative pumpkin carving ideas no one in your neighborhood will have
Make your porch the star of the show with these carving ideas for your pumpkins
Three carved pumpkins sitting on a street surrounded by fall leaves

Pumpkin carving is a long-standing Halloween tradition that's adored by folks of all ages. If you look forward to this spooky season all year long and want to have the best-carved pumpkins on the block this year, you've come to the right place. With stylish, themed, and even dual-purpose designs, these 10 unique pumpkin carving ideas will have your neighbors green with envy.
Pumpkin carving with movie and character designs

When the kiddos on the block see these lovable characters and signature designs from the movies they love, you'll get all the compliments from both parents and their adoring kids for your uniquely decorated fall porch.
1. Mike Wazowski
Since this beloved Monsters, Inc. character already resembles the shape of a pumpkin, you basically just need to carve out his face with his distinctive single eye. Those trick-or-treaters will love seeing their favorite round monster on your porch. You'll probably even hear his name called out with the same adorable chants we heard from Boo and her friends in the iconic movie.
2. Death Star
The ominous starship weapon of the dark side is easily recognizable due to its circular shape, round crater-shaped gun, and the war-torn damaged section on the upper right side. Star Wars fans of all ages will love seeing this iconic relic from the films that are beloved throughout the generations. Check out this outline on how to cut out a Death Star pumpkin.
3. Tinkerbell

Read more