Stop and take a look around your house. Do you love everything in it? This is where you spend a good portion of your life, and where you and your family build happy memories. If you own your home, it’s likely one of the biggest investments you have.

It can be expensive to hire a professional to remodel your home, and choosing a contractor can be a stressful process. Instead of spending thousands for a contractor, consider these great home improvement ideas that you can do yourself—especially with the help of a how-to video on YouTube!

1. Paint a room…or the whole house
You can make your home look and feel new again with a fresh coat of paint. Choose colors that complement your furniture and flooring, but choose slightly different shades for different parts of the house. Maybe you want to paint your kitchen and dining room in mellow earth shades to give it a sense of coziness, but you want to paint your bedroom a calming blue-gray to help you sleep.

This can be a great project to involve the kids, too, even if it’s just choosing colors. Try painting an accent wall to change the light effects in your living room. In addition to the paint, brushes and rollers, you’ll also need painter’s tape and covers for the furniture and floor.

2. Add a touch of class with a tasteful backsplash
The wall section above the sink can get a lot of water damage. Left uncovered, this can lead to mildew and even mold behind the sink. A backsplash is an attractive way to prevent damage and add a touch of class.

While backsplashes are typically done in tile, other options include wood bead board, ceiling tile or wallpaper. You could even turn the backsplash into a functional addition by adding a sponge holder, chalkboard or whiteboard for meal plans or grocery lists. Head down to your local home improvement store to see your options, and don’t forget adhesive to stick it all together!

3. Create a new outlook with new windows
Installing new windows can seem like a daunting task, but they’ll pay for themselves. Energy efficient windows with new molding and stripping can significantly reduce your energy bill. Plus, having new windows and screens add beauty and value to your home.

Do some research on energy-efficient windows, and figure out which options will fit your budget. Remember, though, that the general rule is you get what you pay for. Inexpensive windows may not conserve much energy.

4. Refresh a tired kitchen or bathroom with new fixtures
Your faucets, knobs, drawer pulls and cabinet hardware get a lot of abuse. They’re touched by grimy hands, splashed by soapy water, and can build up calcium and rust even if you’re careful about cleaning them. Replacing them is pretty easy.

In the kitchen, consider a detachable faucet head with a sprayer to make cleanups easier. And adding new fixtures and hardware can transform a room from looking dated to being ready for the new decade!

5. Build the deck of your dreams
It’s not too difficult to turn your backyard into an outdoor entertainment center. Whether you want a raised wood deck or a classy brick patio, you’ll be turning your home into a peaceful retreat and adding value.

While this is a bigger project, it’s also big on rewards. Start by viewing how-to videos on YouTube, then draft a plan. Measure the space and create a shopping list of things you’ll need, like lumber, bolts and maybe some power tools.

Stanford FCU can help finance any home improvement project with a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (or even one of our rewards credit cards). We’ve got the financing to help make your home improvement dream come true!