When it comes to home renovations, many homeowners shy away from taking on large projects, often due to the perceived cost and complexity. But for this husband-and-wife team, a weekend DIY project turned into a stunning transformation. Over the course of just two days, we tackled the demolition of an outdated brick and rock fireplace base, laid new flooring, and gave the walls a fresh coat of paint. Here’s a breakdown of our journey and the substantial savings they gained by taking the DIY route.
Step 1: Demolishing the Fireplace Base
The first task was removing the old, heavy brick and rock fireplace base that had been taking up space and giving the room a dated look. Armed with basic tools like a hammer drill, chisel, and pry bar, we carefully worked together to dismantle the structure. Chris and I took care to remove the materials in chunks to avoid damaging the surrounding walls and floor.
Tips for Demolition:
• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask when working with masonry.
• Pry Up the Base: Start by using a pry bar to lift bricks and rocks. Begin drilling into the rock and concrete using the hammer drill, which is essentially a small jack hammer. If they’re stubborn, use a hammer and chisel to loosen them.
• Dispose of Debris Properly: We took all the heavy rock and brick and dumped them into a portion of our yard for now. We may be able to find a use for the extra in the spring. If not we can always take a quick trip to the dump.
Step 2: Installing New Flooring
Once the fireplace base was removed, the room was ready for its next transformation—new flooring. We decided on a wood-look laminate floor that was easy to install and cost-effective especially since we had extra in our crawl space from when the floor was first done. After measuring the area and cutting the boards to fit, we clicked the planks into place. Laminate flooring can be installed over most existing floors, and with the right underlayment, it was a straightforward task that added warmth and elegance to the space.
Tips for Flooring Installation:
• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accuracy is key when cutting your planks to fit the room dimensions.
• Acclimate the Flooring: Let the laminate planks sit in the room for 48 hours before installation to prevent expansion.
• Use Spacers: Place spacers along the walls to allow the floor to expand and contract without warping.
Step 3: Painting the Walls
With the floor in place, it was time to give the room a fresh look with a new coat of paint. We chose a neutral, light sandstone tone to brighten up the space and complement the new flooring. After prepping the walls by patching any imperfections, we used a high-quality roller and brushes for a smooth finish.
Tips for Painting:
• Prep the Walls: Sand down rough spots and fill in any holes with spackle before painting.
• Use Quality Paint: Invest in a high-quality paint for better coverage and durability.
• Cut In First: Use a brush to cut in around edges and corners, then roll the larger sections for a uniform finish.
The Finished Product
In just two days, we had completely transformed the room. The removal of the outdated fireplace base opened up the space, and the new flooring and fresh coat of paint gave the room a modern, inviting feel. We were thrilled with the results and proud of what they accomplished in such a short time.
How Much You Save by Doing DIY Renovations
Taking on a DIY renovation project, especially with a partner, can save a significant amount of money. Here’s a breakdown of how much you can save by doing it yourself:
• Labor Costs: Professional contractors typically charge between $50-$100 per hour. For a two-day project, this could easily add up to $1,000 or more. By doing the work ourselves, we saved hundreds of dollars.
• Material Costs: Buying materials at a big-box store and using online coupons or sales can save up to 20%-30% off retail prices.
• No Need for Multiple Contractors: By handling demolition, flooring, and painting ourselves, we eliminated the need to hire separate specialists for each task.
• Instant Satisfaction: Besides the monetary savings, we also gained the satisfaction of completing the project on our own and customizing the room exactly how we wanted it.
Final Thoughts
Taking on a DIY renovation project may seem daunting, but with some planning, teamwork, and the right tools, the rewards are well worth the effort. For this husband-and-wife team, transforming our space in just two days was a huge success—not only because of the beautiful results but also because we saved a significant amount of money and gained valuable hands-on experience.
If you’re considering a similar renovation, don’t hesitate to take the plunge—after all, with a little hard work and a lot of determination, you can turn your weekend project into a home improvement win.
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