Saturday, November 28, 2009
3 simple, affordable DIY projects
editor
<img alt=""
src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/zHuRQoo51GKe/photos/d33d1a815b4f81d279a4fc719b0848fd/ori_51f3106b3059c3.jpg?ug_____DURSCfz6v"
align="left" width="300" height="300">Many of us have put off
projects we want to do at home because the cost is not something
our budgets can handle this year. But in keeping with my
<strong><a rel="nofollow"
href="http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/home/diy-a-little-at-a-time-349909/">DIY,
a little at a time</a></strong> mantra, why not pick
three affordable DIY projects to do this year? They don't
have to be grand projects. Even refinishing or painting one
garage-sale find can be just thing to refresh a room. So here are
three simple, affordable DIY projects anyone can do to recharge at
home.<br><br><strong>Paint.</strong> Yes,
you can. You can change a room dramatically by changing the color
of the walls. And, even if you're intimidated by the
thought of taking brush to a wall, the beautiful thing about paint
is it's easy to paint over. Expect to pay between $200 and
$350 for paint and tools for one room, but by using your time,
you'll save a ton of money if you do it yourself. Need some
help? Here's a <strong><a rel="nofollow"
href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20159698,00.html">How
to Paint a Room buide from This Old House.</a></strong>
As for choosing colors, here's <strong><a
rel="nofollow"
href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20161202,00.html">how
to use a color wheel guide</a></strong> to find the
right colors for you. Remember, the way it looks on the chip is
probably not how it will look on your wall; the light in a room
affects how it really looks. The nice thing is some paint brands
now sell small jars of some of the more popular paint colors so you
can test a color out before buying a whole
gallon.<br><strong><br>Paint an old piece of
furniture.</strong> Hit a few garage sales this year and
you'll at least one piece of furniture past its prime but
with a little love would change a room. If you're
intimidated by refinishing furniture, think about painting instead.
Of course, as this <a rel="nofollow"
href="http://www.ehow.com/how_121_paint-wood-furniture.html">eHow
article notes</a>, first make sure your find is not an
antique that will be ruined by a painting party. Check out <a
rel="nofollow"
href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/01/before-after-barbs-desk.html">design*sponge's
Before&After features</a> to find some wonderful
reincarnations through
paint.<br><br><strong>Simple
landscaping.</strong> We'd all love to call in a
top-notch landscaper to clear out old brush and come up with a plan
for perennials and annuals to frame our home beautifully. But if
money is tight, make a vow to learn how to prune your own greenery
this year. All outside projects begin with clearning and pruning.
Here's a <strong><a rel="nofollow"
href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-prune-plants.htm">How
to Prune Plants guide from HowStuffWorks</a></strong>.
If it's as cold where you are as it is where I am, the nice
thing is we've got some time to study before the snow melts
and the greenery comes into full view. <br><br>All
possible with some time and a little studying. What projects are
you tackling this year when money is tighter than time?<br>
Related: projects, paint, home, diy
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Posted by Nikki Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:25am PST
I think that these are great ideas... HGtv has really good ideas as well... just make sure to sand the furniture piece before painting =]
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Posted by Dianne Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:43am PST
I am tacking my front yard this year, noticed I did not say this week or month. I am taking my time, Iam doing this in the Caribbean sun, you know; but I feel the desire to create an impact in the front of my yard. I am hoping to plant bridal bouquet:pink, purple and white.
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Posted by Squeek Sat Jan 24, 2009 2:09pm PST
Where do you buy your paint and supplies from! I do professional painting and with paint included, never charge more than 600.00 for a room, trim and all!
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Posted by Rosie Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:48pm PST
Prime first so you only have to use one coat of paint, then use use an "Oops" paint if you don't really care what color you paint the walls; "Oops" paints are the paints that came out the wrong color for a customer so they sell them at a discount. A good way to to save money.
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Posted by urmom Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:13pm PST
I painted my whole room, tools and all and it was like 50 bucks tops. During this time, I dont see the need to go out and blow 300 bucks like its nothing, just for a new color room.
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Posted by Cricket Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:19pm PST
To the person who never charges more than $600 for a room. ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? $600 is a LOT of money for one room! I'd like to have your job. I can paint it myself for $100 or less including supplies and paint.
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Posted by Krazy One Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:12am PST
yea I agree $600 is alot of money for one room I dont know where u get ur customers
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Posted by Dory Devlin, Shine staff Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:11pm PST
Hi everyone -- I think it depends on where you are in the country. Here in my corner of the metro New York area, $600 for a professionally painted room sounds very good. As with everything, it's cheaper if you do it yourself if you've got the time.
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