If you're planning on tackling some DIY jobs this Easter weekend instead of paying a professional to fix your home, you're not alone.
One in five people are considering doing home improvements themselves to save cash, according to a new survey.
And the long bank holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to get carried away.
Painting (37 percent) and tiling (15 percent) are among the most popular tasks people tackle alone.
However, if you're a complete DIY novice, it's wise to seek a little advice before you take on the hammer and tongs.
Here, Tom Revill, DIY expert and founder of Plank Hardware (plankhardware.com), shares top renovation tips and how to avoid home disasters.
upcycle cabinet
Giving your existing cabinets a fresh new look is a great way to breathe new life into your kitchen and transform it in an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way.
You will need paint or varnish, any necessary hardware, and a new handle.
Apply a primer before painting for a professional-looking finish.
We recommend painting your chosen color twice for added durability.
You can also add peel-and-stick tiles to quickly and inexpensively transform your backsplash.
re-grout tiles
This can be a very satisfying task, as re-grouting allows you to independently renovate your bathroom on a budget.
To save time and effort, apply new grout directly over old grout for instant makeover results.
Remember to remove at least 2 mm of the old grout using a grout removal tool so that the new layer fits comfortably between the tiles.
Always monitor your tiles to ensure they are properly maintained before problems occur.
It's worth doing up front to reduce the risk of tile damage and water leaks. These repairs are much more expensive and may require the help of a plumber.
garden glow up
DIY raised beds and planters are an easy way to make the most of your outdoor space on a budget and use it to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers and shrubs.
However, don't spend a fortune on a ready-made bed. Create your own budget-friendly landscape using wooden boxes and pallets.
Simply cut to size, line and fill an old compost bag or pond liner.
You can also try growing plants using unused furniture.
Could you use that old, wobbly drawer as your new herb garden?
Why not!
curve appeal
Sprucing up your home's exterior creates instant curb appeal and can even increase the value of your property.
You don't even need a new front door.
Painting what you already have is an easy way to give your home a whole new cozy personality.
If the weather this holiday doesn't affect your ability to work outdoors, consider replacing your mailbox with a new one.
You can also polish what you have with brass cleaner.
It costs just a few pounds and you might be surprised at the difference it makes.
shelf help
Installing shelves is a very common DIY task because it's easy.
Add storage, depth, and interest by yourself with a drill and brackets without the help of a professional.
Use a spirit level to make sure it's straight.
To avoid messing when drilling the hole in the wall, fold the A4 paper in half and seal the short sides with masking tape.
Attach the open half to the wall with masking tape and crease the other side to create a pocket to collect dust.
A money-saving tip is to recycle old wooden planks and use them for walls. This could be the rest of the floorboards.
Or try giving it an industrial, contemporary look with reclaimed scaffolding boards that look impressive in your kitchen space.
Ideal as a load-bearing structure for anything you want to hold.
Even better, it's available relatively cheaply on online markets and from builders' yards.
door makeover
Refreshing your doors can have a huge impact on both the beauty and functionality of your home.
Trying it yourself is a simple and easy task.
Just sand it down, make it smart with a coat of paint, or add wax or varnish to give it a raw wood look.
Also consider replacing metal fittings such as the handle. You can easily change the look.
tackle tap
Even if you don't yet have the funds to completely renovate your kitchen or bathroom, don't underestimate the transformative power of changing your faucet.
If you're a DIY enthusiast, updating your kitchen mixer or sink hardware can make a huge difference to your decor.
Before you start, be sure to choose the appropriate style faucet for your sink and have a spanner within easy reach.
Before you begin, remember to turn off the water supply at the stop valve or shutoff valve.
smart art
Hanging paintings and photographs instantly enhances the decor of your living room or bedroom.
However, professional frames can be expensive, especially if you need custom sizes.
We recommend purchasing inexpensive frames at a discount hardware store and applying each print or photo yourself to a backing paper that fits the frame.
Add some fun with colored paper and cards. You can also jazz up your frame with trendy wooden bobbin details.
You can view the gallery at an affordable price.