4 DIY Projects to Spruce Up Your Bathroom

Americans spend a lot of money on home improvement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s last American Housing Survey (AHS), homeowners spent $130 billion renovating in 2013 alone. However, not all home improvements are created equal.
bathroom renovation [city2]
Renovations vary widely, but some almost always increase a home’s value. Others—the home office, for instance—almost never do. While it’s true that spending money on an upgrade or remodel for your own personal delight has merit, the best projects double as investments. They allow you to improve the look, feel, and value of your home in a way that will make you money when you decide to sell.

The Wisdom of the DIY Bathroom Renovation

Improving your bathroom is a terrific way to increase both your home’s value and your enjoyment of it. Since the average bathroom remodel costs more than $9,000, taking a more modest DIY approach will save you money. Add to that savings the satisfaction of doing the work yourself, and you’re likely to wish you had more bathrooms to roll up your sleeves over.

Here are four DIY projects for any bathroom that needs a makeover.

Increase Your Storage Capacity

Especially if you live in an older home, the odds are pretty good that your bathroom is a little on the small side compared to today’s standards. Short of a major overhaul, you can still improve the way your bathroom looks and feel by increasing storage capacity for towels, washcloths, tissue and toiletries.

Of course, how you increase your storage capacity will be determined by your bathroom’s current layout, but here are some suggestions:

  • Replace a pedestal sink with a vanity.
  • Place a floating shelf over the toilet.
  • Construct a built-in shelving unit.

Change Out Hardware

New faucets on the tub, shower and sink will quickly and easily bring your bathroom into the chic 21st century. Whether you want hands-free technology, water lit up by LEDs or something more classic in brushed nickel, updated faucets look and perform better. While you’re at it, change out the pulls on any vanities, and replace aging or plastic towel racks and toilet paper holders.

Tile!

If you’ve never tiled before, it may feel like a skill that’s out of reach. Thankfully, the opposite is true: So long as you’re willing to study some YouTube videos and use the right tools, you can make your bathroom feel like a brand-new room in just a couple of days. From the floor to the shower, a freshly tiled bathroom will increase your home’s value and your opinion of it in a short amount of time.

Color Schemes

Perhaps the easiest way to spruce up your bathroom is to paint it. For a renovation that’s preceding a sale, select a color that is more neutral; however, if you’re planning on staying for more than five years, let your imagination run wild. Just be sure to use paint in a semi-gloss or high gloss finish, as these repel moisture and inhibit mildew.

Whether you’re trying to up the resale value of your home in [city2] or you just want to love your space more, these four DIY projects will get your bathroom spruced up in no time.