DIY Projects to Get Done Around the House
With all this social distancing lately, you probably have much more time on your hands than usual. That means you no longer have an excuse to put off tackling those projects around the house that you’ve been meaning to get to. Where do you begin? Here are 15 DIY projects you can easily get done around the house right away.
Check Your Siding
Now is a good time to check your house siding for any holes, gaps, or cracks that are in need of repair. You can fill any holes where pests have a chance to come in with spray foam, caulk, or steel wool. Also, check for warped or bubbling panels that can be the result of extreme heat or weather damage. If you notice any mold or mildew, you’ll need to figure out how water is making it inside and repair it.
Replacing old siding is one of the most popular DIY projects that can add significant value to your home. However, you may just want to stick to small minor siding repair jobs if you don’t have the tools or tons of experience with DIY home remodeling projects. The easiest siding to install and repair is vinyl. You can make this project easier by doing online research and watching video tutorials to show you each step of the process.
Clean Your Gutters
Another one of the DIY projects you should have on your list is thoroughly inspecting and cleaning your gutters on a regular basis. Clear out any leaves or gunk and look for signs that you need gutter repair, such as cracks and leaks. Make sure your downspouts are at least five feet away from your foundation to prevent water from seeping into your basement.
You may also want to ensure that your soil slopes away from your home to allow for proper drainage. Excessive water damage can cause cracks and structural damage in your foundation. If you notice cracks beginning to appear in your basement or garage concrete flooring, you may want to consider hiring a foundation engineer to assess the damage and provide recommendations on how to fix it.
Fix Damaged Roof Shingles
One of the simplest DIY projects you can do is replacing damaged or missing shingles on your roof. To remove a damaged shingle, lift the edges of surrounding shingles and pry out the nails attaching the damaged shingle to the battens. After sliding it out, thoroughly scrape any cement that may be left underneath. Use a sharp knife to slightly round the corners of the new shingle to make it easier for you to slide it into its proper spot. Use hot galvanized roofing nails to secure the shingle in place.
Once the shingle is fastened, cover the nail heads with caulk or cement to protect them from weather damage and possible oxidation. Replacing your entire roof should be left in the hands of professional roofers. Trying to do it yourself could end up costing yourself more money if you have to hire a professional to fix your mistakes. You could also void the warranty that comes with your roofing materials.
Freshen Up Your Landscape
Another one of the easiest DIY projects you can get done around the house is freshening up your landscape. As you’re thinking about outdoor projects surrounding your home, consider planning projects that require low landscape maintenance and upkeep. You can layer a few flower beds and plant a garden to bring some much-needed color. Planting bushes and trees in strategic areas can help provide shade and reduce your overall energy costs. If you like to build things with your hands, you can build a deck or a fire pit for relaxing and entertaining guests.
Other DIY projects you may want to consider for freshening up your landscaping are painting your fence and repairing cracks in your driveway or sidewalks. Power wash your home’s exterior and clean up debris around your home. Wash your patio furniture and add some outdoor lighting to give your house a special glow at night.
Address Septic Tank Issues
Issues with septic tanks are critical to address before they become major problems. It’s best to hire a professional for repairs and drain cleaning to take care of clogs and leaks. There are a few things you can do yourself to keep your septic tank running smoothly. Schedule an inspection at least once a year to spot any problems early that could potentially be serious. Clear roots and weeds from your drain field and avoid parking your car over it.
Limit what you put down your garbage disposal, especially things like grease, chemicals, or coffee grounds. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and repair any leaky faucets or toilets. Never flush anything down the toilet other than toilet paper.
Refinish Garage Flooring
Your garage flooring takes a beating from chemical spills, oil drips, and road salt. Refinishing your flooring will not only restore it but also protect it from stains and make it easier to clean. There’s a wide variety of flooring options you can choose from. If your flooring is in decent condition, you may want to consider a coating to freshen it up. If you have significant damage, you may want to opt for a garage floor covering instead.
When it comes to coatings, you can choose between sealers, stains, epoxy paints, and floor paints. These are more affordable than coverings but should not be applied to damp flooring and can take an intensive amount of hours to prep and apply. As far as floor coverings are concerned, you have two types to choose from. Interlocking tiles are easy to install and handle well during extreme weather conditions. Rollout flooring is incredibly durable and easy to move and clean.
Clean Your Air Conditioner
There are a few things you can do to keep your AC units running efficiently this summer while you’re stuck inside. The first thing you should do is clean or replace your air filters. You should also inspect and clean your air conditioner coils as well and make sure the coil fins are straightened. Check for things like dirt, leaves, and grass clippings that can clog your ac unit and reduce airflow. Make sure that any outdoor trees or shrubs are trimmed to keep them from blocking the air circulation to and from your unit.
Add Smart Features
Now is a good time to upgrade the technology of your home by adding some smart features. One smart feature to consider is a smart thermostat that can connect directly to your smartphone. This can help you save a significant amount of money on your utility bills.
Additional DIY projects for home automation smart features to consider include smart lights and smart locks. Investing in this technology can give you a significant return on investment and provide you with extra comfort and convenience in your home. You can order home automation components online that are easy to install and have them delivered directly to your house.
Give Your Bathroom A Makeover
Updating the bathroom is one of the most popular DIY projects for many homeowners. You can start by upgrading your vanity top to an affordable granite one, which gives your bathroom the elegance of natural stone. If you don’t want to replace your vanity top, you can freshen it up with a new coat of paint. A few cans of spray paint can do the trick.
Replace faucets, drawer pulls, and mirrors. Finish the look by painting or wallpapering the walls. Before you start painting, you’ll want to patch up any holes or dings in the wall with some fast-drying spackle or self-adhesive patches. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before you begin sanding and painting. You can give your bathroom a whole new look within a weekend with supplies from your local hardware store or from ordering online.
Organize Your Closets
You can have a well-organized closet without having to spend a large amount of cash. You can find wire shelving systems to increase your storage space that are easy to install and affordably priced. The shelving will keep everything up off the floor and is easy to clean. Even a beginner at DIY projects can install a wire shelving system using simple tools. You can find simple kits from local home improvement stores or custom build your own.
Install Crown Molding
Crown molding can give your home extra appeal by giving it a more customized look. It can be installed above doors or on the top of walls and is great for covering up unsightly dings and nicks. All you need is a ladder, nail gun, miter saw, paint, and some drop cloth. Be sure to take measurements before you order supplies.
It’s important that you choose the right size for your ceiling height. Crown molding typically ranges from three to 20 inches in width. If you have a standard eight-foot ceiling, you’ll want to choose molding between 2.6 to six inches wide. If your ceiling is nine-foot, choose molding between three to 7.5 inches. For ceilings that are 10 feet or higher, the ideal molding size is at least eight inches wide.
Maximize Kitchen Storage
Another one of the most popular DIY projects is organizing and improving kitchen space. You can make more room for pots and pans by installing a pegboard on a kitchen wall. Give yourself even more storage capability by adding a shelf on top. Buy hanging organizers that fit over the inside of your cabinet doors to store things like potholders and dishtowels. Rolling shelves and tension rods inside your cabinets can also give you even more storage space.
Give Your Front Door A Facelift
Freshening up your front door with a new coat of paint can help your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. Before you start painting, give your door a thorough cleaning and remove all the hardware. Removing grime can be made easier by giving your front door a light sanding.
Choose a paint that has a primer to help it withstand the elements. The most popular colors homeowners choose for their front door include, bright red, powder blue, lime, yellow, orange, violet, and black. Additional DIY projects for your front door can include installing a kick plate and new house numbers. A kick plate can help keep your home cleaner by removing mud and snow from paws and boots. Adding elegant house numbers can boost your curb appeal.
Change Window Coverings
Changing window coverings is another one of the simplest DIY projects you can do in a weekend. It takes little time or energy and gives you more privacy plus saves you money on your heating and cooling bills. Before buying new curtains and rods, take measurements. You’ll want to measure from the top of the window frame to the floor to get the length necessary for the curtains to touch the floor. The width of one curtain panel should be to fill the width of the window frame.
Install New Flooring
Flooring is another one of the more popular DIY projects that homeowners are attracted to. Changing your flooring can get tricky, so you may want to watch a few online videos to help you through the process. If you’re installing hardwood floors, make sure you give the wood enough time to adjust to your home’s temperature to prevent it from constricting and expanding and creating large gaps. If you’re installing tile, make sure to lay out your pattern first to avoid any unpleasant surprise halfway through.
Investing in completing a few DIY projects while you’re social distancing can keep you from going stir crazy plus boost the overall value of your home. You don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to see significant improvements. The DIY projects are only just a small sampling of the home renovation work you can tackle. You’re only restricted in your home remodeling efforts by your imagination. Get busy giving your home a fresh new look!
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