Family and friends can stretch home improvement dollars

Homeowners today want big home improvement results … but without big budgets they may not recoup. How do you achieve such lofty goals without the financial investment? Look no further than your friends and family.

Got a handy hubby or a bro that’s a pro? Labor costs can often be the biggest budget line item, so enlisting the help of handy family and friends can be a cost-effective way to achieve your goals.

Many homeowners are already latching on to the do-it-yourself trend. During recent in-aisle research commissioned by Moen Incorporated, 45 percent of retail shoppers in the faucet aisle planned to install the faucet themselves, while 28 percent said they would have a family member install. Only 13 percent planned to hire a plumber, while even less (6 percent) would hire a contractor.

Larry Stone, president and chief operating officer of home improvement retailer Lowe’s, recently told USA Today that, despite the company’s overall drop in earnings, its stores were seeing relatively good sales in do-it-yourself products such as painting and landscaping products. “Even in today’s tough economic times, consumers appear willing to take on smaller projects around the home,” Stone told USA Today.

Since time may be limited for your “free laborers,” find quick projects that can provide the biggest impact for both aesthetics and functionality.

Kitchen Equipped
While a full kitchen remodel can be time-consuming and expensive, there are several updates that can be completed quickly and achieve impressive results. Countertops, for example, are one of the most used and space-consuming surfaces in the kitchen. Upgrading basic laminate countertops to a solid-surface material will dramatically update the entire look of your kitchen while providing a quality work surface.

Additionally, solid-surface countertops open your design ability to other areas, such as the sink. Instead of the traditional drop-in sink, upgrade to an under mount stainless steel sink. Then, add the final finishing touch with a beautiful and functional faucet.

Bathroom Basics
As you move your crew to the bath, a few basic elements can completely change the look of the room — the vanity, walls and flooring. Designers agree that the furniture look in bathroom vanities continues to be popular, with dresser-like vanities complete with under mount sinks. Home improvement retailers have a variety of styles to choose from — or you can save even more by recycling an old dresser. Be sure to finish off the high-style area with a beautiful high-arc faucet.

Once the vanity is in place, it’s time to paint. Painting is easy enough for even a novice; however, choosing the color can sometimes be the most difficult part. Cool, light colors can help make a smaller room look larger or create a serene feeling, while darker colors can create a warm, cozy environment.

Finally, finish the room with flooring. Depending on your helpers’ skill levels, large ceramic tiles are extremely popular for an upscale look. However, laminate-flooring options may be easier to install. And, luckily, today’s laminates are available in a variety of designs — some which even replicate the look of ceramic tile.

Patio Pleasures
Nothing makes a backyard more enjoyable than a beautiful patio area to sit and relax with your (hard-working) friends and family. With a bit of sweat equity, a beautiful stone patio is easily attainable. Like most projects, prep work is key. For most climates, you’ll need to dig out and compact the dirt under your new patio area to accommodate four to six inches of crushed stone to put beneath your pavers. Once a level surface has been achieved you can begin laying the pavers. There are endless choices of patterns and colors to create a beautiful design. Finally, sweep sand over the pavers to fill the gaps and secure your patio into place.

No matter what your skill level, by enlisting the help of some friends and family, in no time at all, you’ll have a new and improved home that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg — just an I.O.U. to your handy helpers.

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