DIY
SWAPPING OUT A FAUCET
Choose a faucet that fits in your existing sink, and this can be a pretty simple plumbing project.
CHANGING A LIGHT FIXTURE
The electric box is already there. Phew. Turn off the circuit, connect the wires and screw that baby in.
REFINISHING HARDWOOD FLOORS
If the wood's in decent shape, lightly sand with a floor buffer and brush on polyurethane.
LAMINATE FLOORING OR VINYL TILES
Both can go over an existing floor. Many planks snap together; vinyl tiles are often peel-and-stick.
DIAL
MONKEYING AROUND WITH PLUMBING
Sure, replacing a toilet or sink are possible DIY projects, but be wary of things that leak.
DOING MOST ELECTRICAL WORK
Installing a light where there wasn't one already, or running any new wiring, is serious work.
INSTALLING A HARDWOOD FLOOR
It's an art, and with possibilities for buckling, gapping and cupping...don't mess around.
HANGING KITCHEN CABINETS
This calls for precise leveling, shimming, mass reserves of time and patience, you get the idea.
DROP
ADDING A HOT TUB
Unless everyone on the block has one, you don't really need a hot tub. Plus the upkeep costs a lot.
BUILDING AN ADDITION
With an average cost of $200 per square foot, an addition rarely pays off if you plan to sell soon.
PUTTING IN A BACKUP GENERATOR
Whoa— this can run you upwards of $10,000. A nice luxury but one that costs a pretty penny.
BREAKING GROUND FOR A POOL
Sure, it's nice come summer, but it's a lot of extra dough, which shouldn't be ignored.
-- The Nest Editors
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