Sometimes caring for a home can feel like running a marathon. The finish line seems so far away because you’re always climbing another home repair hill and racing to repair multiple things just before you host a big family get-together.
However, if you pace yourself and stick to just the quick home repairs (and book an experienced local handyman to tackle everything else), you should make it to the finish line, within your ideal timeframe, and still smiling.
Here are eight quick fixes to get you started:
1. Cupboards That Won’t Stay Closed
Fix: Normally, this is because the old spring of the cupboard is already broken. Buy a magnet catch and mount it up. This quick fix will probably take you less than 15 minutes.
2. Icky Bathtub Stains
Fix: Mix the same amount of baking soda and cream of tartar with ample freshly squeezed lemon juice to make a sticky paste. Scrub the homemade concoction into the stain using a soft cloth. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes and then gently wash it out with tap water.
3. Stuck Sliding Doors
Fix: It’s likely that dust and dirt have crammed the wheels. To loosen it up, take out the other functioning door by twisting the adjustment screws at the base, then thoroughly clean the tracks and wheels. To try to prevent it happening again, you may like to apply a silicone lubricant (or similar).
4. Old, Chipping Taps
Fix: Rather than let your old, chipping taps annoy you each day, why not duck down to your local handyman store and buy some new ones? Sparkling new taps also come with more functionality these days, so this little home improvement can be for more than just visual appeal.
5. Worn-Out Kitchen Cabinets
Fix: Your kitchen sets the tone for more than just a cursory visitor’s glance. If you live a busy life, it may just be the one area of your house (aside from your bedroom) that you spend time in the most. If it looks tired, dull and depressed, it can affect not only your mindset but also your food choices! Yes, painting your kitchen cabinets maybe be a bit more of a time intensive task, but if done properly, your kitchen area may have a new lease of life – and so might you!
6. Hard Water Stains on the Window
Fix: Wet a black and white newspaper. Using the wet paper, wipe the entire surface of the window. Use a lint-free towel to dry the glass afterwards. If this doesn’t work, use a lemon juice and vinegar mixture to clean the stains.
7. Marked-Up Linoleum Floors
Fix: Using a dry cloth, scrub the area with white toothpaste. You can also use a WD-40 on a dry towel and gently wipe the area. Just degrease the spot later on with a mixture of water and liquid dishwashing soap.
8. Transform A Small Space
Fix: A tiny area is an excellent spot to try out fun designs. Jazz your small space up with a striking paint colour or eye-catching wallpaper. Why not turn it into a quiet reading area, a wall photo display or just an eye-catching talking point for your visitors?
Got Energy Left Over?
If you whip through these suggestions and still have energy left over for more, jump online and grab bucket loads of inspiration from some of the many home improvement sites around the world.
Wish Someone Could DIY For You?
Although most of these DIY tasks are not too taxing, sometimes they really are best left to the pros. If you need the help of your local handyman, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.
Disclaimer: These are just friendly suggestions for you. Please understand that we can take no responsibility for quick fixes that do according to plan.