As a homeowner, you need to be handy! Regardless if you’ve been living in a new apartment for years or just bought an old fixer-upper, homes require a lot of maintenance that can cost you hundreds of pounds each year if you don’t tend to them regularly.
While electrical and plumbing maintenance is best left to the professionals, there are a few simple DIY repairs you can easily do as a homeowner that will save you a lot of time and effort in the long term. Let’s get stuck in!
How to paint a wall
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but if you’ve never painted a large wall in a home before, there are plenty of costly mistakes you can make.
The first thing you should know about painting a wall is that colours change depending on the light in a space. Before buying a dozen tins, paint a patch of the wall in the shades you like and look at them throughout the day to see which suits the space best.
Next, you’ll want to put masking tape around the skirtings and cornices, as well as plastic sheeting on the floor to minimise mess. If you are doing a few coats, remember to wash your brushes properly after.
How to install shelving
Knowing how to install a shelf is an essential skill every homeowner should have in their toolkit. Whether you need more space in your garage or your books are piling up in the office, shelves are excellent additions that can make your space look less cluttered and more open.
Nowadays, you can buy DIY kits for floating shelves or even large shelving units that can be installed in less than an hour. While simple, you will need some basic drilling skills and having an extra pair of hands to make sure your installation is level won’t hurt.
How to unclog a toilet
A clogged toilet is an issue every homeowner will have to deal with at some point. Although it can be a dirty job, calling a plumber in just to unclog a toilet is a waste of time and money. If it’s a simple blockage, all you will need is a good plunger and some arm power to clear out the problem. It might take a few plunges, but once you nail down the method, you’ll be a pro plunger!
How to fill cracks and gaps
What most people don’t realise about houses is that they move. Wooden frames and skirting constantly expand and contract from the weather, resulting in cracks and gaps occurring. If not filled, these cracks can let in cold draughts and cause water damage in the winter.
Using a caulk gun and some sealant, you can fill all these areas up in no time. Just be sure to choose a warm, dry day and clean the area properly beforehand.
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