You dread any time something breaks down at home. All you can picture is that huge bill when the maintenance team arrives at your doorstep. Fortunately, there are many projects you can take on by yourself. With a little research, patience, and teamwork, you can get the job done. You’ll also keep more money in your wallet. Take that handyman off speed dial and consider five repair jobs you can handle on your own.
Freshen Up Your Walls
You may notice that your home’s interior is looking lackluster. Your paint may have faded or you could be tired of the colors you chose in the past. You may have small holes from pictures or shelving that were mounted on the wall. This is a job you can handle. You can begin by choosing your colors. You may like a different color for every room to change things up. Get your paint supplies, including brushes, a paint tray, a paint roller, and a drop cloth. You’ll also need a small container of spackle, a putty knife, and sandpaper. Apply the spackle to the holes in your walls, smooth it out with your putty knife, and sand it when it’s completely dry. You’ll have a smooth surface to work with when you are ready to paint. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Paint a room or two a day until your project is complete. Once the new paint is finished you might need new curtains to complement the colors you chose.
Give Your Garage Door Some TLC
There are simple things you can do to maintain your garage door or resolve minor problems. You can tighten up any bolts or hinges that have become loose. Lubricating your rollers and tracks can be helpful, making your door quieter as it moves more smoothly. You can also take care of new batteries for your remote. If you are looking at anything more involved, call in the professionals for garage door repair.
Tackle Your Leaky Faucet
When it comes to minor plumbing issues, you may be able to do it yourself. The simplest fix is taking care of a loose slip-nut with a little elbow grease and a wrench. A new pipe or coupling can resolve small holes in your drain pipe. Think about how satisfying it will be when you don’t hear that annoying drip anymore.
Put Up a New Ceiling Fan
If your old ceiling fan quits or you are ready for a change, you can replace it yourself. Begin by picking out your new fan. Make sure the power is turned off in the room you have a fan to avoid getting a shock. You’ll need a ladder and the proper tools. Ask someone to spot you while you are hard at work.
Give Your Hardwood Floor a Face Lift
If you are blessed with hardwood floors, don’t cover them up. They look amazing, they are easy to clean, and they’ll hold up for a lifetime. However, they may need to be refinished over time. If you have a busy household with children and dogs, the surface of your flooring is sure to show signs of wear. Don’t grab the phone right away to set up an appointment with the experts. The first step is to clean your floor. Next, sand it down. A buffer will work best. You can rent one from a home improvement store. Wipe away the dust with a damp mop. Once it’s dry, you can apply polyurethane. Work your way in from the walls. When you are all done, let it dry thoroughly. Touch up any trouble spots. Your floor will look like new.
Once you start doing some of your own home improvement projects, you will gain more confidence. You can open the door to more opportunities to make repairs around the house. Do your research first. There are plenty of online videos and articles that can lead the way to how-to steps and what materials you need. Begin with small jobs first. You may be ready to take on more complicated projects as time goes by. You can also try refinishing furniture at home or pick up great finds at garage sales. You’ll soon be on a roll.
