5 Home Improvement Projects to Do Indoors

As the nation battles COVID-19, you are likely spending more time indoors to practice social distancing. Like many, you may be wondering how to use this extra time at home.

Many people are using this time to do projects that increase their homes’ value. Now is the perfect opportunity to check off tasks that have been on your to-do list.

Here are some value-increasing home improvement projects that you can do indoors.

1. Fresh Paint Job

One of the easiest indoor projects to complete is painting one or multiple rooms in your home. Focus on rooms that have outdated paint colors or have wear and marks on the wall. When selecting your paint color, be mindful of the color of other rooms and the overall style of your home. Carefully consider different shades and invest in high-quality primer and paintbrushes.

2. Replace the Flooring

Whether you have some outdated carpeting or worn out hardwood, use this time to purchase and replace the flooring in your home. While ripping up and taking out flooring seems like a daunting task, here are some tips that can help:

To rip up carpet:

1. To start, grab the carpet in a corner with pliers and pull.
2. When you’re able, grab the carpet with your hands and pull along the length of the wall.
3. Slice the carpet into strips as you go along.
4. When you come to a “transition,” or place where it meets another piece of carpet or other flooring, cut the carpet and leave the transition in place.
5. Leave the tack strip unless it is rotten or badly rusted.

To rip up hardwood:

1. Map out the removal area or section that you’re looking to replace with new flooring.
2. Use a circular saw to cut the existing hardwood into small sections of 1-2 feet. Set the depth of the saw blade to the same thickness of your flooring so you don’t cut through the subfloor (for example, if your hardwood is 5/8" thick, set the blade at 5/8").
3. Pull up the boards using a pry bar.
4. Dispose of the old hardwood flooring.
5. Pick up remaining nails, staples, and other debris.

When ripping up flooring, make sure you wear protective equipment such as long-sleeve clothing, gloves, safety goggles, and knee pads (if needed).

3. Update the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, given its regular use. Maintaining and occasionally updating the kitchen can help improve your home’s long-term value.

There are many ways you can enhance your kitchen, regardless of your current layout or design. Here are a few popular upgrades:

1. Butcher block countertop
2. Wooden backsplashes
3. Kitchen islands

Wooden kitchen accessories are highly popular because they are relatively easy to install and bring natural warmth and beauty into the home. Butcher block countertops are perfect for all homeowners due to their durability and safety for food preparation.

Shop Butcher Block Countertops

4. Replace the Air Filters

Now, more than ever, people are concerned about the quality of air in their homes. Dust and other air pollutants can cause illness, worsening allergies, and other health effects.

You can improve your air quality and protect your family’s health by regularly replacing your HVAC air filters (frequency depends on your HVAC system). Find the size of the air filters you need by unhooking the latch on the cover and looking at the old, dirty filter. In many cases, you can purchase air filters online and have them delivered to your home.

5. Install New Bathroom Vanities

Similar to the kitchen, the bathrooms are highly important for a home’s value. You can quickly and affordably upgrade these spaces by installing new bathroom vanities. This is especially true if your vanity is outdated, showing wear and tear, or you don’t have a vanity at all! When selecting your vanities, be mindful of things such as size, style, and color.

Whether you are social distancing due to COVID-19, or looking for a rainy day project, home improvement is always a worthwhile use of time indoors. For years, homeowners have turned to Hardwood Lumber for high-quality butcher block countertops, backsplashes, stair treads, and other wooden accessories. Browse our selection today or contact our team to see how Hardwood Lumber can help enhance your home.