With the winter holidays over and the weather getting even colder, January is the season for cabin fever. But outdoor adventures are not the only remedy. A DIY project to change the look and feel of your
“cabin” may be just what the doctor ordered!
To DIY or Not To DIY
DIY projects present opportunities to peruse Pinterest, watch YouTube and check out DIY blogs for ideas and how-to helps. There are loads of resources that allow you to adventure beyond the comfort zone of home improvement projects you’ve successfully completed in the past to try something new. However, before starting on any DIY project, you need to be realistic about two things:
1. Your budget
2. Your skills
For these reasons, you will likely want to avoid home improvement projects that require structural changes to your mobile or modular home. Consider getting a professional if your project requires:
• Room expansions
• Rewiring
• Plumbing
If you need recommendations for a local contractor, please contact us.
Cabin Fever Busters on a Budget
Having cautioned you about remodeling projects that are likely to run up costs and cause major headaches for unseasoned professionals, there are loads of DIY projects that can brighten, freshen and maximize your mobile or modular home on a budget. Here are some ideas:
Paint
One of the most budget-friendly ways to change the look and feel of the room is to give it a new color…or colors. Selecting coordinating primary (think walls), secondary (think trim and/or doors) and accent shades (think furnishings and wall hangings) can make the new look more sophisticated.
If painting just doesn’t challenge your creative side enough, consider adding a wall border—either wallpaper, trim or tile, giving you two separate paintable “palates”. Borders and plank paneling (usually on the lower half of the wall) can also add texture.
Light Fixtures
Both the amount of light and light sources can drastically change the look of a room, and light fixtures are generally easy enough to switch out without needing any in-depth electrical knowledge. Beautiful yet cost-effective light fixtures may be found during sales at home improvement stores, but secondhand stores like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore or warehouse outlets may have even better prices.
Cabinets
Cabinets, especially for the kitchen, may be one of the bigger ticket items you will purchase for a DIY remodel project, but new cabinetry can significantly alter the look and function of your space. Tight spaces, like in bathrooms, may also be “cabineted” with less-conventional storage solutions, like an old dresser with the back cut out.
If new cabinets are not in the budget, you can still change the look by changing the color. Many cabinets can be repainted or refinished after a quick sanding. Switching cabinet and drawer pulls can also make a difference, and decorative pulls may add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise “serious” room.
DIY home remodel projects may be the perfect cure for cabin fever because they can get you out of your house (even on cold days). Hunting for something unique at thrift shops, antique stores or estate sales are fun activities anyway, but they are even more rewarding when an incredible find becomes part of your mobile or modular home!
Best wishes on your DIY home improvement projects!
