Some people take on DIY projects to improve their home and save themselves some money. By doing the job themselves, they don’t have to pay for labor, which can often be more than the cost of the materials. But then there are those who like to do DIY jobs as a way to pass the time and give them something meaningful to do. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, completing various DIY projects was a way to relieve the boredom. With that in mind, we will look at some of the most popular DIY projects to do in the home.
Painting
Painting is a hugely popular DIY project because it is something that most people can take on themselves. Whether it’s the walls in a room or giving the front door a new lease of life, painting is something most people don’t find too intimidating. However, before starting, it is important to make sure that you prepare the surface. If you are painting walls, fill in any cracks first and cover things like furniture and floors to prevent paint splashes. Painting a front door will usually mean stripping the original paint and priming it.
Tiling a Backsplash
The area behind a cooker or sink is vulnerable to splashes and is often covered by glass or tiles. Because this is a relatively small area, it is something many DIYers will take on themselves rather than paying a professional tiler to do it. It is important that you have the right tools for this job before you get started. The folk at Devour Tools recommend a power saw with tile blades as this will make it easier to cut tools to size. As with painting, the surface of the wall should be fully cleaned and smoothed before starting.
Hanging Shelves
Shelving is a great way to display precious items or photos, and hanging them is a simple task. Again, you will need to make sure you are using the right tools and supports, and you must ensure that you measure carefully and use a laser to ensure that shelf is level. Some shelves come with hidden fixtures and are known as floating shelves, while others require brackets that are secured to the wall and onto which the shelf sits. Either style can be handled easily by a DIYer, but it is important to make sure you use the right drywall anchor and screw.
Sealing Drafts
If your home is drafty and cold in the winter, it could be that the seals around the windows and doors are not working effectively anymore. Sealing the drafts is easy with latex or silicone caulk. But before you get the caulk gun out, you need to remove any old caulk first and clean the area thoroughly to ensure the new caulk sets properly.
Laying a Laminate Floor
If you fancy a new laminate floor in one of the bedrooms, this is a job you can do yourself – provided you do your research first and get the right tools. Most laminate boards are tongue-and-groove styled so that they click together easily. But you will need to cut the ends of some boards to fit them in place. This means you will need to have a saw, preferably a power saw, to make the job quicker and easier. You should also get a special block that will help you to push the boards closer together without warping them.
To conclude, there are many jobs that you can take care of around the house yourself if you have the right equipment. This will help you to save some money and give you something to do if you are bored.
