If you’re inexperienced when it comes to home improvement, you have to resort to paying professionals to fix, install, or renovate the areas of your home. Paying the pros to come in and work on your home is expensive, but you don’t always have to bring in the experts.
Image credit: Idea go | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
In fact, there are a few home transformations that most moms can handle on their own. If you’re trying to improve your home on a tight budget, consider these changes to take your property to the next level.
Tile the backsplash
You’ve seen tiled backsplashes in magazines, and you love the look. You can get it on your own with just a little work. Start by picking out your tile at the home improvement store. Mosaics are a great choice because their mesh backing makes them quick to install, but the small tiles are easier to clip for a perfect fit.
While you’re at the store, pick up your matching grout, grout float, adhesive mastic and the notched trowel. Clean and scrub the wall, smear on the mortar following manufacturer’s directions, and set the tiles in place. Use special spacers to hold consistent space between tiles, and allow the mastic to dry completely before working in the grout.
Add new hardware
Beautiful new hardware can transform your kitchen without spending a small fortune. Use a measuring tape and pencil to carefully mark out the center lines on your drawers and mark where the screws will go. Use masking tape and mark on the tape. When you start to drill, you’ll wind up with a cleaner finish and fewer scratches.
This is also an easy way to keep your kitchen looking great if your drawer fronts are separating from the drawer boxes. All you need for this project is your drill, appropriate-size drill bit, a screwdriver and the desired hardware. You’ll be surprised at how much these little changes will transform a boring kitchen in no time at all.
Get a new faucet
Update the look of your entire kitchen or bathroom with a beautiful new faucet. You can find something gorgeous for less than $200, and you can save even more money if you install it yourself. Start by shutting off water to the faucet and bleeding the line.
Next, use a basin wrench to reach up under the sink and disconnect the lock nuts. Use a putty knife to remove old putty from around the hole. Be careful to avoid scratching the sink. Install the new faucet along with the modern rubber gasket for the water-tight seal.
Connect the mounting nuts under the faucet tailpiece and tighten it with the basin wrench. With the hoses connected, you’re ready to turn the water back on.
Install new lights
Most people are too intimidated to work with anything electrical for fear that they will mess something up or hurt themselves. However, lights are easy to install with some basic supplies. Most light fixtures come with detailed instructions telling you how to connect the lines.
This is why it is always helpful to keep the manual or instructions that come with your light fixtures—you can pull those out and follow a step-by-step process for that particular fixture. In most cases, you’ll only need some basic screwdrivers and a wire stripper to get the job done.
Make sure that you protect yourself by shutting off power to the light at the fuse box before you start taking the old fixture apart.
You might already be a DIY queen when it comes to crafts, cooking, or clothing, so why not expand your expertise and become a home improvement pro in training? With all of the resources available to us, there is plenty of information out there that can help you do a job on your own that actually looks good and will stand the test of time.
Don’t let your lack of experience keep you from trying these simple projects. If you’re a natural DIY-er, you’re used to figuring things out as you go, and following instructions from Pinterest or the Internet. Put your crafty skills to work, and before you know it, you’ll be the new handy-woman around your house.
About the Author:
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and the home niches. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Dixie got her advice on plumbing for this article from the professionals of Pitton Plumbing who offer plumbing services in Oakville.
CMO Contributor
Latest posts by CMO Contributor (see all)
- Can Blogger Mommies Stay on Top? 7 Ways to Get Your Blog on the Right Track - November 25, 2015
- Fitness Is a Family Affair: Tips for Raising Active Kids - June 3, 2015
- How to Become an Accountant - May 30, 2015