Free Home Renovation Ideas + Programs

This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements. Utilities will come out to mark the area to help you avoid damaging or being injured by underground utility lines. The timing for processing your request differs from state to state. The homemods.org national directory lets you search by state for funding, service providers, and other resources.

• For a unique, eclectic look, scour antique shops for hardware pieces.
• For example, its rules might say you can’t get a grant if your savings are over a certain limit.
• Unsecured loans also have lower borrowing limits than their secured counterpart; you can usually borrow up to £50,000 depending on your circumstances.
• Finding ways to add personality to where we live will create a home, we feel happier with.
• An 18-year-old in Nebraska was shocked to find a wildfire right outside his home after his family’s video doorbell notified him there was movement outside their front door.

An herb garden is planted, and the custom wallpaper is hung. Amy Cutmore is Editor-in-Chief, Homes Audience, working across the Future Homes House & Home Improvement portfolio. She works on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life.

This task relates more to maintaining your home’s value than increasing it, but it’s essential. Without properly functioning gutters, which are designed to carry water away from your home, rain may seep inside or pool around the foundation, causing problems such as mold and mildew. Eventually, water damage can compromise the house’s structural integrity, leading to costly repair bills. Older homes, in particular, are likely to have hardwood floors lurking beneath carpet. If you’re not sure, pull up your carpet in an unnoticeable corner and check. If you do have wood floors, there’s a good chance you’ll have to refinish them to restore them to their original splendor, but it will be much less expensive than installing new flooring from scratch.

Project 3: Simple bathroom

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Before you close up the walls, you’ll need a second inspection from the electrical inspector . Many of these projects can be undertaken by an enterprising DIYer, but some projects, such as enlarging window openings, might call for a contractor’s expertise. Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated. Demolish as much as possible if you will not be living in the house. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling.

Clean the gutters

Whether an art-arranging project went awry or you’re tired of looking at dings around the house, concealing wall blemishes is a weekend-worthy project. With a putty knife and surfacing compound, you can easily repair nail holes and other minor wall imperfections. For larger holes, place an adhesive patch over the area and spread an all-purpose drywall compound over it with a trowel.

One of the first home improvement shows to hit airwaves, “This Old House” began airing on PBS way back in 1979. Hosted by Bob Vila, Steve Thomas, and Kevin O’Connor, the series follows the remodel of a house — typically in the New England area — over the course of several episodes. The longer timeline allotted to each flip allows for an in-depth look at different aspects of the process and lends the show more of a how-to feel in comparison to many of its competitors. Decking is a great way to improve your garden, giving prospective buyers the perfect place to entertain guests.

That will reduce evaporation, more water will reach the roots and you’ll conserve water. Mulching can also help keep the soil from drying out too quickly. If you’re ready to take more drastic measures, replace your grass with something that’s more drought tolerant like stones and hearty groundcover. As grass and other plants dry out during droughts, the risk of fire increases. If you’re using an outdoor fireplace or firepit, take extra care to avoid jumping sparks and have an emergency water bucket nearby.

Even a single remodeling can offset the gains by well into the six figures. Local authority loans are available to owner-occupiers towards the cost of necessary works to improve, repair or extend their existing houses. These loans are only available from some local authorities, so you should contact your local authority to check whether the scheme operates in your area. British homes tend to be dark, and those with lots of natural light feel larger. Even if you’re not planning on moving, adding these can promote a sense of wellbeing. A cash-out refinance can be just the ticket if you’re searching for a low-cost way to turn your home improvement list into a finished project or two.

As both an investor and content marketing professional, Kyle combines his passion for real estate investing and educational background with his love of helping others. His experience with real estate tech companies, including contributing to BiggerPockets Pro, gives him insight into markets across the United States. Another of Canada’s preeminent designers, Candice Olson hosted HGTV’s “Divine Designs” for all of its 16 seasons. Rather than flipping an entire house, Olson focuses on renovating and refurbishing single rooms and bringing the owners’ visions for interior decor to life. Since the show’s cancellation, Olson has devoted much of her energy to writing and publishing design books aimed at folks who want a little bit of her sparkle in their own homes. Alternatively, you may want to consider a home improvement loan.