DIY For Beginners: 4 Home Improvement Projects For Newbies
Home improvements are beneficial for many reasons. For starters, it allows you to modernize and update your home to suit your current preferences and needs. Moreover, you can increase your living space while making it more energy-efficient. Likewise, certain home improvement projects can increase your home’s value and fetch you a good price should you decide to sell it soon. Statistics indicate that the US home improvement industry will grow by $620 billion in 2022, crediting its popularity. Indeed, some home improvement projects are best left to professionals. However, you can undertake some DIY projects without ruining your home, even if you’re a beginner. Here are some worth considering.
- Change your lighting fixtures
A good DIY project you can consider is changing your lighting fixtures, as it has many perks worth considering. New lighting can transform your living space while giving it the ambiance of a luxury real estate property. If your home is older, replacing your lighting fixtures can help you reduce safety risks and encourage energy efficiency. Since you’ll be dealing with electricity, you want to follow the right steps to avoid injury. You can begin by getting the right tools for the project. Needle nose pliers, voltage tester, cordless drill with attachments, wire strippers and connectors, and ladders are some tools you need.
It’s essential to turn off the electricity before commencing the projects. Consequently, disconnect the old light fixture from the circuit wires by unscrewing the wire connectors. You also want to familiarize yourself with your new light fixtures, reading the manual to determine how they should be installed. Ensure that the circuit wires are in good condition to avoid electrical hazards. Fortunately, you can use the internet to find helpful tips for safely installing your light fixtures.
- Repaint your home
Repainting can give your home a complete makeover. Likewise, it can boost your home’s value without draining your finances. Moreover, it’s a pretty easy DIY task, as you don’t risk damaging anything if you make a mistake. For instance, you only need to leverage a new color if you’re not pleased with what you chose. Additionally, new paint can protect your home’s structural integrity by sealing moisture out. It can also prevent dust, grime, and allergens from polluting your air quality or leaving unpleasant markings. Therefore, you want to consider repainting your home if you haven’t already.
You’ll need tools like high-quality paint brushes, rollers, a paint pan, edger, dropcloth, and painter’s tape. You also want to invest in paints with low volatile organic compounds to prevent your household from inhaling harmful gasses. Experts also advise that you carry out your repainting project during dry seasons, as humidity can cause slow drying. Ensure that you cover areas and items you don’t want paint stains on, and paint from top to bottom for best results. It’s also helpful to prime your walls before painting, so keep this in mind.
- Replace your window screen
Window screens prevent dust, debris, and insects from invading your home while allowing you to enjoy the fresh air. Likewise, you can save lots of money during the summer, as you don’t have to leave your air conditioner running all the time. It’s also effective for deterring burglars, protecting your pets, and increasing your home’s curb appeal. Seeing their importance, it makes sense to replace your old window screens. Moreover, you don’t need advanced skills to do this, making it a great DIY project for beginners. Begin by getting a spline roller, flat-head screwdriver, scissors, utility knife, nail punch, and the screen.
It’s important to size the window screen material to ensure you get the right fit. As a tip, wash your old screen material and take it to the hardware store to get the right type. Consequently, lay your new screen on the screen frame, and fix the spline into the spline channel. Using a spline tool, smoothen out wrinkles on your screen. You also want to cut off the excess screen with a utility knife.
- Refresh your bathroom caulking
While caulk usually lasts up to five years, you may have to replace them sooner if they aren’t installed properly. Moreover, old caulking creates a conducive environment for mold, mildew, and bacterial growth, causing respiratory problems, irritation, and other health conditions. It can also absorb water, causing structural damage and extensive repairs. Fortunately, you can prevent these by DIY recaulking. You can begin by eliminating the old caulk with a plastic putty knife. By all means, avoid using a metal scraper to avoid damage to your tiles. Next, clean the area before using the new caulk.
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