Home Improvement on a Budget

You finally have the time to work on home improvement projects, but you don’t want to stretch the budget. The good news is you can make a big difference and enhance your California home with these easy DIY projects.

Change Out Lighting

Replace those dated ceiling lights with modern fixtures. Make sure you choose lighting that can handle the space and light requirements, and stay within the wattage guidelines when you install bulbs. And whenever you work on electrical projects, turn off the power before starting.

Redo Bathroom Caulking

Bathroom caulk can attract mold and will yellow with age. Cracked caulk lines will allow water to soak behind walls and floors, causing more grief in the future. Remove the old caulk with a putty knife or similar tool, and clean the area with a bleach and water solution before replacing it with a clean new bead of silicone caulk.

Upgrade The Thermostat

Energy Star reports that homeowners can save up to 8% of their heating and cooling bills by switching to a smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats are available for less than $30, so it’s a win on the savings front.

Change Door Hardware

Changing the interior and exterior doorknobs to matching finishes and styles can make a bigger difference than you might think. Plus, you’ll add a level of security by replacing loose keyed knobs and adding deadbolts to the exterior doors.

Replace Cabinet Pulls

Replace those old cabinet knobs or pulls with classic choices to immediately update the kitchen. Measure the “spread” between the two screws on your existing hardware, or take one with you to compare to new ones. Make sure the attached screws are the same length as the old ones or buy proper lengths of screws for your cabinets.

Drain Your Water Heater

No one will notice this project, but it will save you money and help you avoid plumbing problems. Drain a few gallons of water from your water heater two or three times per year to clear sediment at the bottom of the tank. This keeps the buildup to a minimum and allows the heater to work efficiently and last longer. Turn the gas and pilot light off or unplug the unit before starting and check the heater for leaks, which could cause headaches down the road.