When you began shopping for your home, you may have envisioned white picket fences, the perfect kitchen, and decorations mirroring those from your favorite glossy magazines. Soon, you realized your taste and budget weren’t on the same page. However, every home can be a glorious fixer-upper as you add appealing features — especially if you know some tricks to save time and money on home improvements.
With limited time and budget, you may not know where to begin. Here are four home improvement tips to help get you started.
Wall Repair
You’ve decided the ugly bathroom mirror needs a makeover, but when you remove it from the wall, some of the drywall paper comes off too. For larger wall repairs, remember to prime twice. Cut away any loose paper, apply a thin coat of primer, followed by three coats of spackle or compound — sanding between each layer for a smooth finish. Apply primer again to prevent “flashing,” or a dulling in the finish, and paint the area with your desired wall color. For a quick bathroom update, consider framing the mirror instead of removing it.
Boxed Storage
Large retailers offer stylish storage solutions for minimal cost. The downside, besides having to assemble things yourself, is the lack of stability these units provide. Have a little peace of mind with a simple fix – before screwing the pieces together, simply add a small amount of wood glue. The bond will hold strong, even as your screws loosen over time. There are even glues for wood and metal combinations, which can add stability to form and function.
Fill in the Gaps
Your trim and baseboards can take quite the beating over the years. Moving furniture, kicking off your shoes, or playing with toys can lead to dents and gouges. Apply wood filler to damaged trim to quickly bring them back to life. Not sure when it’s ready to sand? Color Change Wood Filler changes color when it’s dry, taking the guesswork out of the drying time. Finally, apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Tile Transformation
Tile adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen or bath, but can be an eyesore if it starts looking dingy. For an easy refresh, pick up grout cleaner from your local hardware store or simply sprinkle baking soda onto the grout. Pour a little vinegar over it before scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush and some elbow grease, and your old grout will look new in no time. If you need to replace the caulking around your tub or base of your backsplash, apply painter’s tape on the base and wall to ensure you’ll get a straight, clean line.
Home improvement doesn’t have to be daunting. Tackling small, effective projects can provide a large impact while requiring little time, money and DIY expertise. From home repairs to furniture fixes, these quick tips will help you make your house feel more like a home – leaving you more time to kick back and enjoy it.
-StatePoint
