Home Improvement Hacks: DIY Tips to spruce Up Your Space for Guests
Are you hosting your family for the holidays and need to spruce things up a bit to make sure your home is in tip-top shape when your guests arrive?
Or maybe you’ve pushed maintenance to the wayside due to your busy work life schedule?
Well, fear not. We’ve all been exactly where you are. So, don’t worry; I’ve got some simple do-it-yourself tasks that you can tackle over the weekend to ensure a joyful holiday season for everyone on your list!
1. Fix Loose Cabinet Doors: All you need is a screwdriver or drill gun to tighten up all of the screws on your doors and drawers. If you are missing screws, take one of your doors off and put it in a clear plastic bag. Take the screw that you need to match to your local home improvement store, buy replacement screws, and then install. Easy Peasy.
2. Missing or Loose Cabinet Hardware: This is a great time to freshen up your cabinets and give them a mini facelift with some new hardware. To find the correct replacement size, use your tape measure and measure center to center of each hole to get the correct size that you need.
3. Patching Drywall Holes: Drywall is actually pretty easy to patch. I like to use Dap products sold at most home improvement stores nationwide. The size of your hole will determine what Dap wall repair product is best for you. For instance, holes that are larger but under 5″ I would use the Dap DryDex wall repair kit. For small holes from picture frame holders or nails, I recommend Dap Patch and Paint. Other supplies that you will need to complete your repair are fine sandpaper, wall texture to match your existing wall texture, and paint to match your existing wall paint color.
4. Refreshing Paint: A little paint goes a long way when it comes to freshening up any space in your home. All you need is a good paint roller with an extension rod, a paintbrush for cutting your ceiling, paint, a paint bucket, blue tape, a drop cloth, and a ladder. Pair that with a labor of love, and you will definitely impress your guests!
5. Fixing Leaking Faucets: Here are some common reasons why your faucet may be leaking and simple solutions to fix it yourself. Before you get started, make sure that you turn off your water supply valves located under your sink. To do this, simply turn the handles the opposite direction they are now to the off position.
A. Damaged Aerator: Use a cash key or pliers to remove your aerator. Replace it with a new one from your local hardware store or try soaking it in distilled white vinegar to clean it and then replace it.
B. Corrosion or Mineral Buildup: Mix a paste using two parts baking soda and one part vinegar and rub it on all of the affected surfaces to remove the buildup.
C. Damaged Cartridge: Turn the handles on to let water in the lines out. Plug your drain so you don’t lose any parts. Take off the handles, pull out the stems, soak up any water, replace with the new cartridge, reinstall the O-rings/washers and handles. Turn your water valves back to the on position. Voila!
D. Damaged O-rings or Washers: Remove the coupling nut, spout, and damaged O-rings. Apply silicone grease where the new O-rings will be installed, install new O-rings, reinstall the spout, coupling nut, and then turn the water valves back on.
Quick Pro Tip: Put a cloth over your coupling nut to avoid scratching it while removing it.
6. Eliminating Smelly Garbage Disposal: This is a very common issue, and when this happens, it usually means that you have excess food stuck in the pipes that has not completely washed down the drain. A little baking soda and white vinegar will do the trick! Start by pouring about half a cup of baking soda into your disposal and let it sit for 45 minutes to an hour to absorb the odor. Next, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Lastly, turn on the cold water and your disposal and let it run for about 20 seconds to wash it away.
7. Lack of Light: Sufficient light is so essential in any home for function and overall well-being. There are many simple ways to lighten up a dark and dingy feeling room. Consider changing out incandescent light bulbs to LED. I recommend a color temperature of 2700-3500 Kelvins. It will also save you money on your energy bill! Additionally, you can add plug-in pendant lights, or floor, table, or wall lamps without having to hardwire a thing!
Give these simple DIY tips a try and enjoy a home that’s ready for a joyful holiday season! Happy renovating!
-Julee Ireland, NKBA-Interior Design Architect, Tile Mart Brand Ambassador and Founder Home Renovation School
