5 affordable do-it-yourself projects homeowners can finish in little time

Do-it-yourself home-improvement projects can be fun, rewarding and cost-effective. A comfortable, stylish home helps residents enjoy more time with friends and family, and DIY projects are a simple way to make living spaces even better. Perhaps best of all, they empower homeowners to personalize their homes to reflect their tastes, preferences and individual needs.

Thanks in part to trends in green building that encourage homeowners to invest in improving the efficiency of their homes, studies have estimated that the global market for home-improvement goods and services is expected to grow by 4.5 percent annually to exceed $1.1 trillion by 2025. And the DIY market is expected to account for more than half of that figure.

That is all good news to homeowners with great ideas for home improvement who are looking for easy DIY projects or custom materials they can purchase inexpensively. Even better news: Many projects can be completed for less than $500, potentially adding value to your home and, in many cases, adding years of enjoyment.

Those with the time and motivation this season to move forward on a DIY project that can add more personal flair to a home can consider tackling one of the following home-improvement ideas slated to cost less than $500.

1 A kitchen backsplash with flash: Adding an eye-catching new backsplash to an existing wall — or replacing the current backsplash with a fresh, updated design — can make a kitchen feel like an entirely new space. DIYers are only limited by their creativity since the choices for backsplash materials is now nearly endless, with a vast variety of ceramic, metal, wood, concrete, glass, composite or stone designs to choose from in a number of shapes, sizes and configurations. Research suggests reports that 16 square feet of DIY backsplash materials should run about $400 to $600, and those who undertake the project could have a finished product in as little as two to three days if they study up on techniques ahead of time.

2 Beautiful and appealing yard space: Grooming and beautifying a yard can be an excellent way to boost a home’s overall appearance, increase its value and express one’s personal taste. To get started, talk with a local nursery about the best options for the yard and climate. The fun part will be choosing and installing a mix of new trees, shrubs, container plants, flowers and/or other outside plants that can turn an outdoor space into eye candy.

3 Pleasingly personalized paint: There is nothing like a new coat of smooth, clean paint to make a room feel transformed. Aiming to energize an entry space? Cover the walls with a bright, welcoming color that pops. Want to make a bedroom more restful? Exchange that overly dramatic yellow with a soothing cream, taupe or seafoam. Best of all, paint is easy to change out again whenever your current color choices start to lose their luster. Expect to spend close to $200 for enough paint and supplies to paint a 10-by-12-foot room.

4 The “personal best” bathroom: While a complete renovation may be beyond the average DIYer’s skill level, most homeowners can capably complete less-difficult replacements involving showerheads, faucets, light fixtures and hardware. You might also paint or wallpaper walls, replace your shower curtain, towels, rugs, wall decor and window treatments.

5 The finishing touch? Crown molding: There’s a reason crown molding is so popular; it can instantly add elegance, contrast and distinction to an otherwise ordinary room. These days, the decorative trim can be found in wood, plaster or polyurethane to fit any budget. In addition to ceiling lines, you may wish to add crown molding to your home’s upper cabinetry and other structural elements.

One of the great joys of homeownership is the ability to personalize the space. These tips were provided by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc., which has many other resources, such as budgeting and home-maintenance tips to help new homeowners.