5 Quick Fixes to Refresh Your Home in a Weekend
Does your home need a little TLC, but your schedule feels too packed to tackle it? Many homeowners feel this way, so we like to emphasize the small fixes that can make a big impact. While a squeaky door hinge might be one of the lower items on your to-do list, you’d be surprised how much a silent door can positively impact your mood. In this month's blog post, we’ll get into a few smaller tasks you can cross off your to-do list in a single weekend.
1. Silence That Squeaky Door
This is my go-to example for one of those tasks that are so small they’re almost always forgotten. It’s the small itch behind your ear of home improvement, but when it lingers long enough, it can grow into a real nuisance. For those of us who work from home some or all of the time, your kids, animals, or significant other wandering around the house during your Zoom calls can cause a big disruption when your doors squeak.
What’s the fix? WD-40 is a great item to have around your house for problems like this one. After you’ve splayed the door hinges, move the door back and forth to get the liquid into the grooves to have the greatest effect. Going around from room to room to spray all of those hinges takes ten minutes, and it makes a big difference.
Pro tip: If you do get any liquid on your doors, make sure to wipe it away quickly to avoid damaging the paint or wood below.
2. Update Cabinet Hardware for a Fresh Look
Cabinet hardware belongs on this list because your hardware can completely transform the style of your space. It’s a great way to refresh an area of your home and can be done with a quick trip to your local hardware store and a standard screwdriver. Swapping outdated hardware for a more contemporary knob or pull can help you modernize your space without breaking the bank.
Pro tip: If you experience a few striped screws while switching out hardware, you can lay a thin microfiber cloth over the screw and try again with the screwdriver. Sometimes, the added material can give you the traction needed to loosen the screw.
3. Patch and Paint Small Drywall Dings
Dents and scratches can make even an updated room feel worn out. As we all know, scratches happen when your house is well-loved and lived in, but so many of us don’t take the time to patch them up. You can use spackle, sandpaper, and paint to get back to a smooth surface on your walls.
Pro tip: If you’re comfortable with smaller dings, you can try your hand at them yourself. If you have a larger spot or one that appears to be cracking around the edges, consider calling your local handyman to quickly patch and blend them.
4. Refresh Caulk Around Sinks and Tubs
Old, cracked caulk appears yellowed and dirty and invites moisture issues. While this can be fixed quickly, if you aren’t comfortable with a caulking gun, you may want to leave this step to one of the professionals. If you are, you can simply remove the old caulking, clean the area, and apply a new seal with your caulking gun.
Pro tip: Professionals ensure even application and a clean finish in hard-to-reach spots. For spots you’re doing yourself, keep a damp washcloth nearby to wipe away mistakes before they can harden.
5. Install New Light Switch Covers or Outlets
Outdated or damaged covers detract from the room's overall appearance. They are another item that can be quickly replaced with modern styles with only a screwdriver. This is something that can be done in under an hour for just a simple replacement.
Pro tip: If there are any concerns about the wiring below, we recommend never addressing those without a professional.
These are simple fixes that can have a transformative effect on your overall home. The goal of these improvements is to get the greatest outcome in the least time. If you don’t have enough hours on the weekend or you would just feel better having a professional take care of these items, that’s perfectly fine. Some handypeople have packages that reduce costs for taking care of multiple projects. At H2H Southern New Hampshire, we have the Perfect Neighbor Package, which is formatted to an individual's needs. Contact us today for a quote!
