With many people working from home, self-isolating or temporarily out of work because of the pandemic, fixing those long-neglected issues around the house has become a priority for some.
Those with the time, skill and tools are tackling home renovations and while big changes should be left to the professionals, there are certainly some small things that bring big impact that home owners can do themselves.
Jody Tindill of Belledune Homes, a member of the Canadian Home Builders Association of Northern B.C., said there are new protocols put in place when professionals come into a home during the coronavirus pandemic but they are still available to do the home-improvement jobs.
"I think paint is the number one thing people can do themselves but it is very time consuming," Tindill said. "It's the trim, it's the doors, it's all the prep work. But the beauty of it is that you can break it into chunks by doing one room at a time. Get it all done and then put the room back together and reconfigure the furniture or maybe look at new linens at the same time and completely give that room a new look."
For about $150, you've got a new room, Tindill added.
"Taking the time to do it thoroughly and really do a good job prepping, that's what takes the most time," Tindill said.
Filling nail holes, sanding, all that takes time.
Then paint.
"If you hate the colour do it again," Tindill said. "Once the prep work is done the rest is just easier and painting is something that can really transform a space. You can create feelings in different ways."
Tindill said she shocked a lot of people when she went really dark in some spots in her newly constructed home.
"My rec room is almost black," she added. "It's dark grey - the celings, the walls, the doors - everything - I don't go down there until after 9 o'clock at night when I'm done my work. That space is calming. There's nothing stimulating in that space so we can just relax. My office is completely opposite. It's white, bright and invigorating."
She urges people to use bedroom colours that are calming.
"Avoid a bright green so your senses are not stimulated," Tindill said. "So really being thoughtful about the feeling you're trying to create in the space, how you want to feel when you're in there and knowing that every room can have a different feeling is all important to remember when choosing a room colour."
Accessorizing is also something to consider for impact in a room. A few unique pillows or throws can really change a room's look and feel, Tindill said.
People can also tackle trimwork, she added.
"Just take your time with it," Tindill said. "Measure carefully. Trim will shrink so you want to be mindful of that. If you're handy with a skill saw or table saw you can cut trim and replace old trim which can really modernize a room very quickly."
Flooring is another thing people can do themselves.
Laminate or vinyl plank floor can be done even by inexperienced people.
"Watch a few videos on Youtube," Tindill said. "Make sure you get the right product for what you're trying to do. It's not that difficult to lay those materials. Just take your time."
People can also reorganize their closets to make them more functional and use simple pieces that require little time to install.
Closets that don't have doors on them is something trending right now, Tindill said.
People put a small bench into the space and use hooks to hang up their coats.
"Many people are annoyed by closet doors," she added. "And you can turn your closet into a tiny mudroom."
When it comes to home renovations, don't take on too much at once, Tindill advised.
"Don't commit to painting the whole house, start small, make a list, figure out what's manageable and understand that things take twice as long as you think they should," she said. "And that's frustrating and you will throw things."
There are definitely things that a best left to the professionals, she added.
"Electrical and plumbing should not be touched by anyone other than a professional," Tindill said.
Be aware of structural components of a home.
"Don't rip out walls without professional advice." she added. "It's not a good idea."
Roofing, siding and windows should also be done by a professional because those keep the elements out. Water damage is serious business.
Tile work and countertops might look easy but it can be tricky, too, she added.
Tindill started her career selling doors and windows at a local manufacturer for 13 years and found herself immersed in the world of construction during that time working with clients who were renovating. Then 10 years ago she and her husband, Dave Eddy, a red seal carpenter, started Belledune Homes.
Tindill does design while Dave is in charge of construction.
"Renovations are much more challenging than building a new home," Tindill said. "Take your time and don't be afraid to ask for help."
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