Beachside DIY ideas, from a pro
Like a doctor at a cocktail party, general contractor and TV personality Josh Temple often finds himself cornered by homeowners looking for advice. “It happens absolutely everywhere I go. Yesterday I was at the airport and ... people start pulling out pictures of their bathrooms and kitchens,” he says. “But it’s a compliment, at least that’s how I take it, so I embrace it.” ¶ The star of DIY’s “House Crashers” — where he wanders the aisles of Home Depot offering gratis renovations to lucky shoppers — Temple also has been seen as a host and mentor on HGTV’s “Beach Flip,” in which competing teams revamp run-down beach homes. ¶ With 20-plus years of experience, the Silver Lake resident’s expertise is irrefutable and probably pricey. Good thing he agreed to reveal some of his best tips for what you can DIY at your beach pad (and, really, any coastal home) to add value and appeal.
Paint
Beach houses are susceptible to moisture and thus mold. Repainting walls can alert you to mold or water damage, and a fresh coat of paint can help deter mold. Plus, a fresh coat of paint can transform a space.
Note: Dark colors can make a room feel small and depressing. People come to the beach for the sun, water and sand, so keep the colors light and refreshing.
Wall and ceiling treatments
Wall and ceiling treatments are a perfect way to break up the monotony, infuse personality and give dimension and texture to an otherwise flat space.
Shiplap, barn wood and reclaimed wood on walls are popular right now. And there’s good reason: It’s an easy install, the cost is low, and the aesthetic is calm and pleasing. But there are a few things to keep in mind when installing wood on a wall or ceiling:
Make sure the wood is free of pests and mold. Planing or sanding the boards is essential.
Almost all boards are warped, crowned or bowed, so plan on little gaps. I like to “shade” (paint the wall black) the wall before installing the wood. That way, when there are gaps or knotholes, the wall color doesn’t shine through.
When installing boards on a wall, try to nail into studs, or at least use construction adhesive on the back to keep the boards in place.
Coat the wood with a polyurethane, lacquer, whitewash or paint to protect the material and keep it clean.
Flooring
A new floor can drastically change a room’s vibe. On “House Crashers,” I always make the homeowners do the flooring with me. Most people are simply afraid of screwing it up, so I like to show them that it’s no big mystery.
With the exception of 3⁄4-inch real wood, nail-down floors, flooring comes with easy-to-follow manufacturer’s instructions right on the package. And even with nail-down flooring, there are plenty of instructional videos online that give great instructions.
There are so many options for flooring. Hardwood, engineered wood, laminates, vinyls and tile are all viable options, and each choice comes with hundreds of designs, colors and durability ratings.
My biggest advice for installing your own floor is to take your time and have patience.