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In recent years we have experienced a somewhat difficult economy, as well as significant fluctuations in material costs across the construction industry, and for some this has meant scaling back or shelving those home extension dreams.

If you’re one of those people, or perhaps you’ve been thinking of moving but now just isn’t the right time, ether due to that economic climate or for personal reasons, then it might just be worth considering some renovations and upgrades instead.

In this article we’ll review some of the different ways you can make your home feel like new, predominately DIY without the need for additional trades. And you never know, you might also add some value to your property in the process.

Side note: Any links contained within this article are NOT affiliate links and are not sponsored. They represent just some of the products we believe in and companies with whom we hold trade accounts.  In some instances, we may also be able to pass on our trade prices directly to customers, so that you can benefit from the savings yourselves.

1. Replace your caulk

Starting off with a particularly cheap upgrade, and one which can be easily done in an hour or so, let’s check that bathroom caulk (you may also find it in other rooms).

Usually found around the edge of your bath, shower or wash basin, caulk (sealant) can degrade with age. It often begins to form brown areas (mould) first, and then can turn brittle and crack. If left to deteriorate, eventually water can begin to seep through and affect the framing, materials and structure beneath, aside from its unsightly appearance!

It’s a simple job, but the better job you do, the longer it’s likely to last. Here’s a handy guide from Home Building & Renovating – https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/caulking

2. Re-painting areas

It might seem like an obvious one, but a fresh COAT of paint or a new colour scheme can really transform a space, and depending on how steady those hands are, it’s another one that you can do yourself.

Re-painting can help to remove some of those dirty finger marks and stains that may have built up over the years, whilst giving your rooms a fresh new feel.

If you fancy a colour change, then a great way to test colour schemes is by using COAT’s peel and stick samples. They’re mess free, 100% accurate, real paint samples that you can move around your room and test in different light.

(psssst…..the first three samples are free for all, and if you need any more than that, we can order them for free through our trade account)

3. Refresh or replace timber products

Closely linked to the previous point, depending on your existing timber finishes, you might also want to include repainting timber skirtings, door frames/architraves and doors, or retreating if they are natural/treated wood finishes.

Alternatively, you could replace your existing internal doors with something new. Changing your internal doors is a simple way to transform the look and style of your home.

A few good suppliers you could take a look at, are Howdens (www.howdens.com), XL Joinery (www.xljoinery.co.uk) and Todd Doors (www.todd-doors.co.uk).

4. Replacing ironmongery

If you feel like your doors (and furniture drawers perhaps) could use a little makeover, but you don’t want to go as far as replacing them all, then you could just replace the handles. This simple DIY job can easily improve the overall appearance of your home.

If you’re looking to add a touch of class, I’d definitely take a look at the range of ironmongery from Corston Architectural Detail (www.corston.com) as not only do they supply quality handles and associated ironmongery, they also have a range of complimentary switches, sockets and lighting for a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home.

Dowsing and Reynolds are another great option, and we hold trade accounts with discounts available from both suppliers.

5. Upgrade electrical fittings

Depending on what exactly you intend on replacing, you might need to seek some professional assistance with this one, but these replacements could be chosen hand in hand with those mentioned in the previous point, for fitting by others.

Tired or broken plastic switches and sockets could be replaced with new in an alternative finish, or perhaps with added functionality, for example USB charging ports in sockets, or standard switches replaced with dimmers to offer additional control.

You could also upgrade light fittings (internal and external) or include additional task or feature lighting in your home to change the mood within different spaces. Something as simple as replacing old light bulbs for LED fittings can also greatly improve your homes energy efficiency.

We’d recommend speaking with suppliers and an electrician before selecting any new electrical fittings, to ensure that they are suitable, compliant and fit for purpose.

6. Replace bathroom hardware

Fully replacing and renovating a bathroom can be a costly exercise, often involving more than one trade. If your bathroom is outdated but your budget won’t stretch to a full renovation, then consider replacing some of the existing hardware.

If your fittings are looking old and discoloured, then you could change your current bath and basin taps for shiny new, untarnished ones, or try a new style, perhaps black or brushed brass for example to create an entirely new look.

Just remember, try to buy the best that you can afford. Quality fittings will last longer and save you some pennies in the long run.

7. Refresh existing kitchen cabinets

A newly fitted kitchen is probably one of the most expensive home improvements you can make, so a full replacement is not a decision to be taken lightly. Instead, why not give those existing cabinets a fresh new makeover.

If the cabinets are structurally sound, then you could give them a good clean, sand them down (material dependent of course) and brush on some new paint. You could also consider replacing old doorknobs or handles for new. Buster and Punch (www.busterandpunch.com) offer a great range of solid metal products, in a variety of finishes.

If your cabinets are not particularly suitable for painting, i.e laminate or thermofoil, then a vinyl wrap is another good option. You’d need to get a professional in to do this, but since you’ll be busy with all the other renovations, it might be nice to sit back with a cup of tea and leave this one to the experts! Luxe Kitchen Wraps (www.luxekitchenwraps.co.uk) offer a wide range of high-quality finishes and compared to DIY painting a kitchen, it can completed much sooner. Luxe are predominantly based in Southampton, but as they’re long-time friends of ours, they’re always willing to make an exception and travel up to serve new clients in and around Tunbridge Wells.

8. Change window coverings

Switching up your window coverings is a great way to freshen your home décor and can also come with additional benefits depending on your choices, for example you could opt for thermal or blackout linings to curtains.

Custom window coverings can come at a high cost, but there are many budget friendly options available, for example from stores such as IKEA or Dunelm.

9. Revitalise flooring

Laying new flooring is likely to be one of the more expensive upgrades, depending on material choices and the size of the areas to be covered. Instead, you could refresh and revitalise existing carpet areas by having them professionally cleaned, or perhaps there’s a nice timber floor beneath which could be brought back to life.

Existing hardwood flooring could be re-finished and any tiled areas could be re-glazed, for a fraction of the cost of laying new.

10. New storage solutions

Now if there’s one thing you can never have enough of in the home, it’s storage! And although a freestanding bookcase or sideboard will do the job, you can’t beat a built-in solution made from high-quality materials, and whilst this is likely to be one of the more costly renovations, fitted storage has the potential to add value to your property.

Whether your home could benefit from a re-design of under stair storage space, an entertainment wall or alcove shelving, your best bet is to speak to a local carpenter on this one.