With the summer holidays, it’s time to tackle those pesky DIY jobs and get your home looking shipshape. The long nights and bank holiday weekends provide the perfect opportunity to tackle those niggling DIY jobs that you’ve been actively avoiding during the winter months. So fix up your home while the weather stays dry, and enjoy the rest of the summer admiring your efforts.
Whether it’s replacing cracked tiles or resealing a bathtub, why not try your hand at DIY instead of forking out for a handyman? Home improvement shouldn’t be a chore – and there are a surprising number of quick and easy fixes which are perfectly doable without the need to pay for a professional. Here are 4 DIY jobs you’ve been putting off as well as simple step-by-step guides to quick and easy fixes to these common problems around the house. Let’s get to it.
4 DIY Jobs You’ve Been Putting Off And Easy Fixes For Common Household Problems
1. Replace cracked tiles
A broken tile can be an unsightly blemish in your pristine bathroom or kitchen. From dropping pans to bumping the walls, cracks can occur over time. Luckily, it’s an easy fix, and with a little bit of DIY know-how, you’ll have your tiles looking brand new. If you don’t have any spares, you’ll need to source a matching wall or floor tile, and check that the style and size corresponds to the current tiling. Alternatively, you could add a feature tile in a contrasting color.
Chisel out the old grout with a grout raker and break up the problem-tile with a drill. Once the cracked tile is cut into smaller sections, use a hammer and chisel to remove the shards of tile. Scrape off any remaining adhesive, taking care not to disturb the surrounding tiles. Apply fresh adhesive to the new tile and carefully place it in position, leaving it to set overnight. Once dried, apply grout around the edge of the new tile – wiping away excess with a damp cloth. Voila!
2. Reseal a bathtub
Whether the sealant is gathering mould or starting to flake off, regularly resealing your tub can instantly restore your bathroom – reviving its crisp and clean appearance. To remove the old silicone, use a utility knife to create cuts along the top and bottom edge. Taking care, so as not to damage the bathtub, remove the loose silicone with a screwdriver and your hands. A plastic scraper will help to remove any sealant that’s stuck in harder to reach areas. Use white spirit or mould remover to clean the area, and leave this to dry.
Then, it’s time to reseal the tub. Fill the bath with water and apply masking tape to the wall in order to provide a clean edge. Cut the sealant gun nozzle to size, and practice spreading the sealant on a disposable surface. When you’re ready, slowly apply the sealant to the gap between the bath and the wall. Smooth over with a wet finger and leave it to harden slightly before removing the masking tape.
3. Add a fresh coat of paint
If your walls are starting to look a little shabby, add a quick coat of paint to instantly spruce up the room. Whether you’re repainting in the same color or trying out a brand new color palette, an afternoon of painting can be very therapeutic – and can make a dramatic difference to your home.
If you’re concerned about the wear and tear of one wall in particular, consider creating a contrasting feature wall to cover up any problem-areas or opting for a wipe-clean paint – a durable alternative to standard emulsion. You may event want to try some pops of color with your paint projects. Just take a trip to your hardware store for a tin of paint, painter’s tape, and a couple of brushes – then you’re all set!
4. Refurbish by reupholstering
With the growing-popularity of shabby-chic and vintage interiors, it’s clear that upcycling is a trend that’s here to stay. Rejuvenating old furniture to fit your décor couldn’t be easier with a tin of chalk paint, some spare fabric and a touch of TLC.
Cover up those scuff marks on your old chairs by adding a matt sheen, and recover any fraying seat cushions with vintage-style fabrics that compliment your curtains. Just remove the chair staples with a flat screwdriver and take off that dated fabric. Cut your new material to size and secure with staples on the underside of the cushion. Conceal the fabric edge and staples by applying a dry liner to this side and re-fix it to your chair. As well as saving yourself some pennies, revitalizing old furnishings will create an authentic rustic look in your home – but with a contemporary twist.
You don’t need invest a whole load of time and money into those pesky home improvement jobs. A touch of DIY every now and then is all you’ll need to keep your property looking shipshape.
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Tu Bep says
LOL. Last year, I tried to fix my Laminate Floor after it has been broken by the rain
But I have failed.
I had to call the professionals. However, thanks for your DIY idea.