Tuesday, May 26, 2009

10 Simple Steps For Do it Yourself Home Repairs

There are many house repairs and home improvements that are well within the ability of the average homeowner.

Ten of the most cost effective do it yourself home repairs - those with the biggest bang for the buck - are listed below.

Paint that room
Painting just may be the easiest, and the most valuable improvement any homeowner can make. If you are planning to sell your house, a new coat of paint can add thousands of dollars to the eventual purchase price. And if you are planning to stay put, new paint can brighten your rooms and brighten your moods. Best of all, painting requires little investment, little money and few supplies. A good paint roller, some brushes, paint stripper, and paint are generally all that are needed. These items are all available at your local home improvement store.

General cleaning
A good spring (or fall, or winter, or summer) cleaning can do wonders for both the value of the home and its livability. If there are parts of your home that have been needing a good cleaning for awhile, why not buy some polish, carpet cleaner or glass cleaner and get going? These simple do it yourself repairs can be as simple as thoroughly cleaning the inside and outside of all your glass windows, as well as the shutters and molding. In addition, cleaning brass fixtures and chandeliers can make them look better than new. Consider renting a power washer to clean dirty aluminum siding, or a steam cleaner to brighten up your carpets. General cleaning is one of the easiest and most effective of all do it yourself repairs.

Remodeling the kitchen and bathroom
New kitchens and bathrooms have been shown in surveys to provide the most resale value relative to their cost, so if your bathroom and kitchen could use some sprucing up, chances are that these do it yourself repairs can actually pay for themselves. Examples of common do it yourself repairs in the kitchen and bathroom include a good cleaning, new cabinet hardware, or new cabinets.

Reclaim your closet space
We all know that closets can quickly get out of control. It is all too tempting to just open the door and hide those unwanted or unneeded items in the closet. Redesigning your closet space is one home repair that will definitely help your quality of life, and help you reclaim your wardrobe. There are many do it yourself closet kits available at home improvement stores, on the internet and in department stores. Installation is generally simple and easy, and this do it yourself repair can usually be done over a weekend.

Brighten your home with new lighting
New lighting fixtures, or cleaning and reclaiming old ones, is one of the most cost effective do it yourself home repairs that a homeowner can make. Penny wise homeowners can use simple rope lights and fluorescent light fixtures to achieve the same dramatic effects as more expensive custom designed under cabinet lighting. These rope lights and fluorescent lights are widely available at home improvement stores and on the internet.

Don't forget the outside of your home
While you are busy inside painting, installing lights, fixing the closets, and remodeling the bathroom, does not forget the importance of the exterior of your house. After all, your home's exterior is the first thing you, and everyone else sees. Examples of popular do it yourself home repairs for the exterior of the home include painting the front door and installing a great new doorknob and door knocker. Other exterior improvements can be as simple as trimming overgrown shrubs, planting flowers and keeping the grass neat and trimmed.

Toss that old carpet
Replacing old and worn out carpet is one of the easiest and most inexpensive of all do it yourself home repairs. Carpet that is in poor condition affects both the value and the livability of the home, and the many do it yourself carpet kits make ripping up the old carpet and installing the new carpet a relatively simple matter.

Perform simple plumbing repairs
While fixing a clogged toilet may require the help of a professional plumber, there are simple do it yourself home repairs that most homeowners can do for themselves. These diy repairs include fixing dripping faucets and installing new, modern bathroom fixtures.

Spruce up your entrance way
The sidewalk leading up to your home should make a good first impression and welcome guests to your home. If your entranceway is lacking, the installation of colorful stepping stones or other special touches is a great and beautiful do it yourself home improvement.

Don't overlook the simple repairs
Simple diy repairs such as a stuck cabinet drawer or burned out light bulbs are easy do it yourself home repairs. It is a good idea to walk through the home with a tablet in hand. Take note of any diy repairs that need done. Write down each item and take this list with you when you visit the hardware store.



Autor: Frank Sarntarpia

Find more info on DIY home repairs and home remodeling at home-remodeling4u.com - a comprehensive resource for improving your home.


Added: May 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

2 Comments:

Jeff9 said...

One of the least expensive yet immediately saves you money home improvements is a bathroom bidet sprayer. The ultimate bathroom retreat is not complete without a bidet or better yet....the hand bathroom bidet sprayer. The hand sprayer gives you superior control and water volume and if the bathroom was not designed to allow for a bidet(the majority of them) it offers the convenience of installation on the existing toilet AND you don't have to get up and move every time! You will pay for it many times over in toilet paper savings. Available at www.bathroomsprayers.com Blog; http://community.greenhangout.com/_Dont-Say-It-Spray-It/blog/259546/82268.html

Unknown said...

Yep, don't forget the outside. That's what most people, especially visitors, see before getting inside your house! Gardening is the best thing that people can do! It's enjoyable and it brings good vibes to your home. :)

-Nolan Anderson