Ways to Save on home improvement

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Many people are sprucing up their nests, instead of traveling.  By doing it yourself, you can save in many ways.

These days rather than paying someone to put in kitchen cabinets, many are refacing their cabinets themselves: a project that a year ago they might not have taken on.

They're seeing a lot of that at Lowe's in Springfield. Employee John St. Marie: "What I'm seeing in the store is a lot of homeowners coming in doing their own projects versus they'll get information, they'll read literature that we have and basically go ahead and do it themselves."

Refacing your cabinets will run you several thousand dollars. That compared to say $15,000 when you replace cabinets in a kitchen makeover says St. Marie. The refacing gives your kitchen a fresh look but not the expense. People are also doing smaller projects like refreshing with new window treatments, like buying celluar shades that can you save on energy costs.

Lowe's employee Dori Posner: "I'm finding that people are coming in they are refreshing their house their windows, window treatment, adding more color. They're not necessarily spending as much as they would like to because they're not sure they're going to stay in their house."

Another way to save on energy costs is installing a ceiling fan can help you reduce the need to use your air conditioner. Many these days are also adding coats of paint to brighten up their homes without spending a lot of money.

With people opting to stay at home, they're making improvements to their yards when they can do the work themselves.

Also specialty books on home improvement are an inexpensive way to learn how if you're planning to do the project on your own.