3 DIY Projects you don’t need a Contractor for: Who knew?

Do-it-yourself has become more than a trend, it has now become a lifestyle. People are making their own lighting fixtures out of recycled mason jars and other health conscious folks are making their own cleaning products and cosmetics. Whether you’re an avid DIYer or not, you have certainly thought about it at some point, a little project here and there that saves you money while simultaneously giving you that sense of accomplishment. But when it comes to those big projects around the house, we typically “leave it to the professionals.” Until now. Here are three big interior design projects you can do yourself.

Stairs: A rather big structure in the house, this was once thought to be a job for contractors. The planning, prep and installation was completely put into the hands of a contractor and slowly but surely, your money dwindled away. Now you can buy trendy staircase kits that come with easy setup. And if you’re concerned about correct dimensions, certain sites that you order from will allow you to tailor your staircase to your space needs. All you need is a tape measurer and some simple tools you probably already have around the house. Installation is done completely by you and a friend on a Saturday afternoon.

Gazebos and Pergolas: If you’re ready to spruce up your outdoors, save your money for something like a nice grill. The gazebo or pergola you choose to shade your pool area or add an accent to your outdoor kitchen or chimenea can be a 100% DIY project. There are a wide array of wooden gazebo kits that allow for easy set up using merely a few tools you probably already have laying around the house and a ladder. If you like to get down and dirty with more of a hands-on project, you can opt for buying a gazebo PDF plan that instructs you on how to make it from scratch.

Beds: This may require a little creativity on your behalf, but it will be well worth it in saving you money. The bed itself obviously comes as is, but for things like canopies, platforms and headboards, a little crafty and creative touch never hurts. If you’re going the platform route and especially if you’re starved for space, use low enough storage drawers as the base for your bed instead of a box spring, resting the mattress right on top. For an urban and unfinished feel and a real money saving option, use a recycled pallet as a base, and have some fun with the painting. If you like that whimsical look, add a bed canopy, but before you rush to have someone install, learn how to mount the fixture on your own and then have fun picking the material.

Many people avoid DIY projects because they believe it’s easier to just have someone do it for them, but that’s not always the case. If you’re not the super creative type that spends hours trolling sites like pinterest for your next big idea, don’t worry. There are several products on the market today that promise the easiest of DIY setup, allowing you to keep a little extra money in your wallet.