Home improvement projects can be a great way to save money, add value to your home and improve your comfort. However, some renovations like laying plank flooring and complex kitchen or bathroom remodels are better left to professional contractors.
There are also many DIY home repairs and works that you can do yourself. So put on your tool belt and get started!
1. Fix leaky taps
Leaking taps are not only annoying but they send money, literally, down the drain. Rather than paying for an expensive plumber’s call out, why not try to fix it yourself?
Start by turning off your water supply to prevent flooding. Then, remove the tap handles and replace the washers (or o-rings). Make sure your new washers are a good fit and that they’re coated with grease before fitting.
Next, replace the neoprene seals (these are located between the stem and cartridge) using replacement parts bought separately or in a kit. Don’t forget to wipe down the cylinder with a scouring pad to get rid of any mineral build-up.
2. Replace a dripping tap
Dripping taps are one of the biggest sources of water wastage in our homes. Not only is the sound of dripping a nuisance, but it can also cause water damage, leading to mold and rotting floorboards.
Dripping taps are usually caused by a loose washer or seal. You can often fix this yourself without calling a plumber. To do this, you’ll need to turn off your water supply and remove the handle of your tap.
Next, examine the washer and seal for wear and tear. Then, replace them with new ones.
3. Re-grout your tiles
When tile grout becomes discolored or dirty, it can make the whole tiled area look dated and unclean. Regrouting it is an easy DIY job that can give your tiled areas a fresh new look without the expense of replacing any tiles.
Start by chipping away the old grout with a utility knife or hand-held grout saw, and vacuum or sweep up the dust as you go. If the old grout is particularly stubborn, use a hammer and chisel to chip away the last bits of it.
Mix the new grout, then apply it to the tile gaps with a rubber grout float. Wipe away the excess as soon as it starts drying, and then wipe again to remove any haze that remains.
4. Freshen up your dishwasher or washing machine
Dishwashers and washing machines get stinky from trapped food particles, bacterial growth or mildew. But you can easily freshen them up.
Start with an empty dishwasher and remove the racks, if necessary, to get full access to the spray arms. Dip a toothbrush in hot soapy water and scrub the inside of the appliance, including the rubber seal and grooves around the door.
After you’ve scrubbed, spray the interior with a disinfectant cleaner that kills bacteria and smells. Rinse well and wipe down the exterior of the machine, paying special attention to any corners or crevices where mold might lurk.
5. Fix a dangling cupboard door
If a cupboard door rubs against the frame, it can damage paint and the wall or cabinet underneath it. Often, the problem is caused by a loosening top hinge or pivot pin. Planing the rubbing edge of the door is a traditional prescription, but it’s a hassle. Instead, try one of these three shortcuts.
Use a screwdriver rather than a drill to tighten the hinge screws, which helps avoid stripping the hole. Also, drive a screw through the latch side of the jamb to draw it in slightly.
6. Fix a squeaky door or floor
A squeaky door or floor is a common home issue that can be annoying and often very easy to fix. You can usually quieten a squeak by lubricating the hinge or floorboards.
WD-40, which comes with a smart straw to reach smaller parts and corners, is a great multi-purpose lubricant that can help fix both squeaky door hinges and creaky floors. Apply the lubricant liberally and clean up any excess.
Bar soap also works as a lubricant for squeaky doors and can be more affordable than commercial lubricants. Simply rub the soapy hinges until they are fully lubricated.
7. Fix a leaky roof
One of the most serious and costly home repair jobs is fixing a leaky roof. If left unchecked, even a small leak can cause damp walls and ceilings, mold growth, rotted framing and sheathing, and destroyed insulation.
To fix a leaky roof yourself, start by locating the source of the water stain in your attic or crawlspace. Look for evidence such as flow stains and discolored felt paper.
If possible, enlist the help of someone with a ladder and a hose. Have them spray different areas of the roof, starting low and moving upwards, while you remain inside the house watching for a drip to appear.Check your buyers home warranty to see if plumbing problems can be repaired or covered under your warranty plan.
Some home repairs seem like easy tasks but can turn into a nightmare or a money pit. Some repairs need to be done by the professionals so know what you are up against.