The recessionista’s guide to: Do-it-yourself

6 Install a click-in laminate floor. Professional installation is a smart idea if you’re investing in high-end hardwood floors, wall-to-wall broadloom or quarried stone. But today’s glue-less floating flooring, whether laminate or engineered hardwood, is literally a snap to install. Best part? Install it once and you know what to do next time. After all, if you move house you can pack it up and reinstall it later in your new home.

7 Lay down a stair runner. A basic straight runner on your stairs can be installed by a novice (with a buddy). Check out the step-by-step instructions here.

8 Nurture and repair your lawn. Warm-season curb appeal includes having a lush lawn. If yours is looking lackluster, give it some TLC. This article from Canadian Gardening provides the lowdown on eco-friendly natural lawn care.

9 Tackle a porch makeover. If selling your house is on your to-do list, a makeover’s essential. You want to distinguish your home right from the get-go and curb appeal is one sure way to do it. Even if you aren’t selling, it’s a great home improvement to do now rather than later. Repaint your door or, for an old-fashioned natural wood door, apply a new coat of protective paste wax. Install a new mailbox or slot, door hardware (knocker, kick plate, doorbell, etc) house numbers and porch light. Wash down or repaint the porch, et voilà: facelift!

10 Pressure wash your home’s exterior. Who says guys get to have all the fun? Rent a power washer and watch a winter’s worth of dirt and grime disappear from your front walk, driveway, porch and deck. (A pressure washer can damage wood, so read the operating instructions carefully and take extra care on wood decking, porches or steps.)

Once you’ve decided on a solution and put it into place, you’ll find you’re better able to “shop your own wardrobe,” making your DIY efforts pay off with fashion savings too. No more going to the mall in search of a white blouse you already have!

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