DIY Home Improvement Mother’s Day Projects in Every Price Range
Upgrade Mom’s Kitchen for Mother’s Day
Do-it-yourselfer kitchen projects can prove to be expensive, though the cost depends on the materials you choose and the scope of the project. For a lower to medium price range Mother’s Day present, you could put in a custom tile backsplash, either in one small area like above the stove or behind the sink, or behind all of the kitchen countertops. You could give the cabinets a facelift by painting them, replacing the door handles and drawer pulls, or even replacing the doors as well. Or you could concentrate on one cabinet – replace that corner cabinet that’s always disorganized with a nice new cabinet with a lazy susan inside. Install a pull-out pantry or a cabinet with roll-out trays for pots and pans. Replace a narrow and little used cabinet with a pull-out trash can holder. Give just one or two of your Mother’s upper cabinets a special upgrade with glass doors. Replace the kitchen faucet with a fancy new one – your local home improvement warehouse has a large variety of styles in stock. The scope of the project is up to you.
Other kitchen projects that might go into a higher price range include replacing older countertops, installing a built-in microwave, building or buying a kitchen island, or installing a dishwasher. Countertops come in all colors and prices, from corian to quartz to granite or just an inexpensive laminate. While you’re installing the dishwasher, you could put in a new kitchen sink as well, with or without a garbage disposal.
In the Bathroom
Mom’s bathroom is a great choice for home improvement projects because there are truly projects of all price ranges here. A simple Mother’s Day present could be to replace or add a towel bar or some hooks. Mom might like a built-in adjustable magnifying mirror that would mount on the wall and be available for use in addition to the regular bathroom mirror, or swivel back out of the way when not needed. Or replace the regular shower head with one of the new big ones that makes it feel like you’re taking a shower under a small waterfall or in a rainstorm.
More expensive do-in-yourself projects include replacing the mirror or medicine cabinet, or updating the lighting. Install a couple of shelves or a small cabinet above the toilet for extra storage. Replace the shower curtain with glass doors. Your local home improvement store has a variety of options for all of these types of do-it-yourself jobs.
Still more extensive projects include installing an exhaust fan or replacing the vanity. A huge variety of styles of towel bars, mirrors, sinks, lighting fixtures and all other bathroom items can be purchased at your local home improvement warehouse. Have fun taking Mom to pick out something unique and different that expresses her personality and taste, no matter what your price range.
Home Improvements in Other Parts of the Home
The variety of lighting products that are on display at your local home improvement warehouse is simply staggering. A light fixture that is built into the ceiling would make an excellent Mother’s Day present, replacing an existing fixture in any room of the house. For kitchens, dining rooms and entrance halls, there are a selection of hanging chandeliers for every type of dÃ?©cor. There are also recessed ceiling lighting and light fixtures meant to mount on the wall. The simplest project would be to replace an existing fixture, but a new built-in can be added if you are handy with electrical wiring. Another option is to purchase a ceiling fan, or a light and fan combination. The possibilities are almost endless.
Energy Efficiency, a Mother’s Day Gift that Gives Back Year Round
There are several things you can do to help your mother’s house become more energy efficient. A lower-budget option would be to install a timer on the existing hot water heater, to get an insulating blanket for it and to insulate the hot water pipes in the basement. These less-glamorous Mother’s Day presents will save your mother money on energy costs throughout the year.
Purchase window treatments that insulate the windows or block sunlight, increasing the efficiency of the heating or air conditioning system. Install a new energy efficient tankless water heater that heats water on demand rather than wasting energy keeping it hot all the time.
Do-it-yourself Projects for the Patio
If your Mom enjoys her outdoor patio, there are several Mother’s Day present options here in all price ranges. On the lower end of the do-it-yourself project spectrum, purchase and set up outdoor patio torches to both light the patio at night and drive away some of the bugs. There are also plenty of garden decorations for low prices in the garden department of your local home improvement warehouse. Another good choice is sidewalk lighting. You can get easy-to-install solar lights meant to light the sidewalk without needing any wiring. Another great low-cost option is a flag pole, either one with our country’s flag or one with a decorative banner that speaks of your mother’s personal delights.
In a mid price range, an outdoor fire pit can be purchased to sit on the patio, or you could build one designed for the specific patio and your Mom’s personality. A nice garden wall or fence, or a birdbath or sun dial might add a nice accent to Mom’s yard. A fountain or pond can be purchased or designed for almost any price range, from a pre-made one that sits on a table to a small bucket or planter sized one for the corner of the patio to a large artificial pond with a waterfall, all depending on your price range and expertise. Great options exist for outdoor lighting, too, both lighting mounted on the outside of the house, on a light pole or hanging from the patio roof.
In the high-end outdoor price range, great ideas include actually building a porch or patio where one currently does not exist, or enlarging a small one to make it more usable. Screening in an existing porch is another great option, especially if you live in a part of the country where there are lots of bugs. A gas grill or even a full outdoor kitchen would be a great addition to Mom’s patio. The Mom who has a green thumb will appreciate a gift of a small greenhouse or a greenhouse window.
It’s the Thought that Counts
The key to picking the right do-it-yourself Mother’s Day project is to match your Mom’s needs and personality with your ability and price range. You Mom will appreciate the time you took to think of something she would really like as much as the time you took to actually build or install it. This can be a special DIY Mother’s Day for both you and your Mom.
