4 micro makeovers that will save you from a full-scale reno

Most houses and condos these days come with basic builder finishes. We've all seen them – those far-from-unique light fixtures, faux-granite laminate countertops, tiny baseboards, and more. These and other outdated fixtures are often chosen by builders because because they're the most affordable options out there. But tearing these finishes out and remodeling from scratch can be very costly. So instead of a full-scale remodel, contractor Daren Vorros stopped by The Goods to share some simple tips to elevate those outdated basics instead of replacing them completely.

If you're pondering a DIY and wondering if you should tackle it, Darren says that doing it yourself is only worthwhile if you feel confident in your ability to see it through and complete the job. Otherwise, it's generally cheaper to hire someone. The good news is that these four projects contain tools commonly found in many homes and are entirely doable!

Use faux baseboard for a modern look

Many builder homes have 3" baseboards, but an updated, wider 7" or 8" baseboard is much more modern. If you want to get this more impressive look for less, here's a good way to beef up your baseboard without tearing it all out of the house. 

Here's what you'll need:

• Nail gun & nails
• Paint
• Doorstop/casing
• Baseboard paint
• Paint brush

Here's how to do it: 

1. Use a 2x4 or measuring tape to mark where you would like to extend your baseboard.

2. Make your mark with a pencil.

3. Nail down your doorstop casing at the height you marked. Fill holes if necessary.

4. Paint the wall between the two pieces and the new piece of molding white.

Voila, a 7" baseboard where there was only 3" of baseboard before! It's also much cheaper than the alternative, which is ripping out the baseboard and starting from scratch.

Update an old light fixture

Most homes come furnished with simple light fixtures that leave a lot to be desired. In a large home you can have up to 10 or 12 of these builder's basics throughout the halls and individual rooms. Here's how to give some (or all) of them a facelift that's super cost-efficient.  

Here's what you'll need:

• Glue gun and glue
• 8 earth magnets
• Drum shade
• Thin plastic (we used a piece of replacement plastic for an inexpensive picture frame)
• Frost coating (we used frosted mactac)

Here's how to do it:

1. Trace the shape of your drum shade onto thin plastic.

2. Apply a frosted mactac to your plastic.

3. Place it inside the lip of your drum shade (at the top).

5. Glue 4 earth magnets to the bottom of the drum shade.

6. Make a pencil mark on the ceiling where the 4 earth magnets are.

7. Glue 4 additional earth magnets to the ceiling.

8. Hold your drum shade upside down and let the magnets catch one another.

And voila, a simple way to cover up a basic fixture without replacing it!

Re-finish a laminate countertop

If your basic countertop could use a facelift, or if the finish doesn't quite match the rest of your home, this DIY is the answer. 

Here's what you'll need:

• Countertop paint kit
• Painters tape
• Foam roller
• Ventilation mask
• Sandpaper

Tip: There are many countertop paint kits on the market and they all follow the same basic premise. The trick is finding a finish that you love!

Here's how to do it:

1. Sand your countertop.

2. Clean the countertop of any dust and debris. Use your painter's tape to protect the rest of your cupboards. 

3. Paint the countertop with the first/base coat of your countertop paint kit.

4. Allow to dry 24-48 hours (the longer the better).

5. Mix the top coat (this is varies from brand to brand but is always a two-part epoxy resin).

6. Paint on the top coat.

7. Allow to dry 48 hours before placing anything on the surface.

There you have it!  An update to that 'granite-like' laminate countertop at a fraction of the price of a new one – and the finish will last 10 to 15 years.

Elevate cabinetry with molding

This project works with bedside tables, but this technique could be applied to basic cabinets in your kitchen, dressers or anything with a flat panel front that you want to update.  

Here's what you'll need:

• Molding (finish should match the cabinetry)
• Nail gun or wood glue
• Clamps (if using wood glue)
• Paint
• Saw
• Drawer handles/knobs (optional)

Here's how to do it:

1. Cut your molding on a 45 degree angle to fit the width of your drawer or cupboard.

2. Do the same for the height of the drawer or cupboard.

3. Tack the molding down with your nail gun or glue it down with wood glue. Leave it clamped for a few hours if using glue.

4. Paint as needed.

5. If you'd like, take this makeover a bit further and swap out the hardware, too!