Budget-Friendly DIY Projects for First-Time Homeowners

By Kari Klaus, Founder of Realty Sage

As a new homeowner, the process of customizing your home can be a daunting task. However, RealtySage has compiled a list of 11 easy, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious DIY projects to help you make your home truly your own!

Kitchen projects:

1. Start your green makeover by painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets with low-VOC paint. Rust-Oleum Chalked Serenity Blue Chalk Paint and Country Chic Chalk Style Paint (both available on Amazon) are excellent eco-friendly options.

2. Next, consider replacing your cabinet hardware with recycled or sustainably-sourced options. Etsy has a wide variety of unique, handmade, or recycled knobs and handles, like these Recycled Glass Knobs.

3. Door knobs can be easily swapped out as well. Look for environmentally-friendly knobs, like these from Rocky Mountain Hardware and these from Albion Doors & Windows.

4. To revamp your kitchen backsplash, consider using recycled glass tiles, like these from Mineral Tiles. For installation, use a low-VOC adhesive like Musselbound, which you can order on Amazon, or directly, through MusselBound’s website.

Curb appeal

5. Add a splash of color to your front door with eco-friendly, low-VOC exterior paint. Consider using BACKDROP Premium Exterior Paint, which can be easily ordered from Amazon.

6. Landscaping with native plants can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal. Check your local nurseries for options. And to maintain the garden, consider using organic mulch, like these from Home Depot.

Lighting and Electrical:

7. Change out your light fixtures for energy-saving LED ones. You can find an assortment of LED fixtures on Amazon, Lowe's, and IKEA. Here's a modern LED ceiling light from Amazon that's perfect for any room.

8. Exchange old, worn-out outlet covers with ones made from recycled or sustainable materials. These can be found on Amazon. Here's an example of a recycled outlet cover from Amazon.
   

Bathrooms:

9. For grout cleaning, ditch the harmful chemicals. Instead, a vinegar and baking soda solution can be used. These ingredients can be found in your local grocery store or on Amazon.

10. Upgrading your shower head can make a huge difference. Choose WaterSense labeled models like all of these showerheads. 

Window shades:

11. Lastly, installing eco-friendly window coverings can also improve your home's energy efficiency. West Elm and Pottery Barn offer a wide selection of blinds and curtains made from organic or recycled materials. Check out these organic cotton window treatments from West Elm.

Remember, the ultimate goal of these DIY projects is to personalize your new home while keeping an eco-friendly approach.

 Happy renovating!