Every home is going to need a few minor repairs from time to time. Some, like unclogging a toilet or fixing that creaky door will likely require a professional but others can be remedied by the handy DIYer in a few short steps.
From carpentry jobs like replacing a door knob to painting and even some basic electrical work there are lots of projects that can be tackled at home by the average person.
Replace a Door Knob
No matter how meticulously you care for your home, the odd repair will inevitably pop up. From a squeaky door to a dripping toilet, it’s tempting to call in a professional when things go wrong.
But with the help of a few tools and a little know-how, most of these projects are easy enough to tackle yourself. Keep your tool kit stocked with the right tools and get your hands dirty with these DIY home repairs and works that will keep your house in tip-top shape.
Install a Shelf
Upgrading your home is a great way to make it more comfortable and attractive for you and any future buyers. It’s also a good way to boost your property’s value, and many upgrades don’t require a professional contractor.
Floating shelves are a popular and effective DIY home storage solution. They’re a relatively simple woodworking project that even beginners can do.
To put up a shelf, you’ll need a drill, screw drivers, a stud finder and a spirit level. If you’re hanging the shelf on a masonry wall, use plastic wall anchors instead of screws (drill to the correct depth). Mark the locations with pencil.
Install a Ceiling Fan
Adding a ceiling fan to your living room or bedroom can make them feel more comfortable. Before you start this project, make sure that the ceiling section is large enough and properly wired. If you’re not sure, call a professional.
Turn off electricity to the circuit breaker where the new wiring will connect, and remove the old fixture. Next, disconnect the wires by unscrewing the plastic connector covers.
Be prepared for this to take a few hours and to be up on a ladder at times. It’s also best if you have someone to help you while you’re up there.
Paint a Room
Nothing freshens up a room faster or more affordably than paint. A well-painted room can increase home value and add style and flair.
Whether you want to make over your bedroom or change the color of a living room, paint is one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects. Invest in quality brushes and rollers and make sure to prepare the room before painting by cleaning it, filling nail holes or gouges and smoothing rough spots with spackle or sandpaper.
To make the most of your DIY experience, build a basic tool kit to keep at home and in the garage. This includes a multi-pouch leather tool belt, a basic set of wrenches and a pair of work gloves.
Fix a Leak
When a leak occurs you need to act quickly because water gushing or puddles are never a good sign. You also need to identify the source of the problem as it may be coming from one of your pipes or from a pressure point like a leaking roof or broken radiator.
If you can, shut off the water supply in your house by locating the stop cock and turning it clockwise. This will stop the issue getting worse and give you the chance to dry up the area.
Fix a Faulty Light Fixture
Electricity is dangerous, and projects involving it should generally be left to the pros. But for light fixtures, the solution is fairly simple if you can figure out what is wrong.
Long-term exposure to heat can crack the insulation on wires, which exposes the conducting metal underneath. This can cause a short that starts in the fixture and ends at the base of the socket or the metal electrical box.
First, make sure the power is completely off by turning off the circuit breaker at your house’s electrical panel and double-checking with a non-contact voltage tester. Then, remove any decorative pieces or the plate that holds it to the ceiling and gain access to the capped wiring.
Fix a Leak
Home ownership isn’t all relaxing weekends on the deck and intimate evenings around the fire. It’s also a commitment to keeping your private oasis safe and in working order. While some repairs and remodels are well-known DIY favorites (think painting your interior, laying plank flooring or replacing electrical outlets), others may seem outside of your comfort zone at first glance.
If you spot a leaky pipe, turn off the water supply to that fixture using a valve on its wall (or at its source in the basement). Cut off the damaged section of pipe with a utility knife, smooth the ends and slip couplings over them for a permanent fix. Home warranty what is it? A home warranty can cover plumbing repair and reduce cost spending. Look online for more information and reputable companies.