Many homeowners see the advantage of performing do-it-yourself projects around the house as a way to save money. Simple and complex projects can be performed by the homeowner in their effort to avoid hiring a professional. With just a simple basic knowledge and the ability to work with your hands, there are many things you can do around the home to add equity, and improve its functionality.
Tackling a Clogged Drain
Most drains in the house can become clogged. This is often a result of debris and hair getting stuck in the drain line. Usually, the plunger in kitchen or bathroom sink, or the screen that covers the drain in the bathtub can be removed to gain access to the clog. Just a few simple steps can have the homeowner unclogging their own drain, and avoiding needing to hire a licensed plumber at great expense.
Access to the plunger in the bathroom sink is easy to reach. Simply open up the cabinet and look just below the bottom of the sink to the plunging component that moves the plunger up and down. It is likely screwed in by hand and can be quickly removed by unthreading the nut. Pull back the stem that moves the plunger up and down, and reach up in the sink to remove the plunger.
The plunger will usually be loaded with all types of loose hair and debris. Simply clean it and replace it back in the hole and thread the stem back in place. Make sure that the nut is back on tightly and that the plunger works freely as before.
To unplug the clogged bathtub drain, simply remove the screen that covers the drainpipe. Typically there will be clogged hair and debris that is collected at the site where the screw connects to the drainpipe. Use pliers or a screwdriver to remove the built-up debris and clogging hair and reattach the screen once it is cleared.
Unclogging the Kitchen Drain
Unclogging the drainpipe in the kitchen is a little more challenging than the bathroom. Typically, the buildup of grease and other components will get caught at the bottom of the P-trap underneath the sink. Before getting started, collect a pipe wrench and a bucket along with a towel.
Place the bucket underneath the P-trap, or the area of the drainpipe where it turns directly underneath the sink. Some of the nuts that hold the P-trap in place are only hand tightened and require nothing more than backing off using fingers and thumbs. Others are tightened using a pipe wrench, and will require a pipe wrench to loosen them properly.
Once the threads have been backed off, the P-trap drops into the bucket along with the built-up water left in the sink. Simply drain out all of the clogged materials and built-up grease and reinstalled the P-trap exactly like it was before.
Unclogging a drain in the bathroom and kitchen is a home improvement project that can save the homeowner substantial amounts of money by not needing to hire a licensed plumber. It is one of the few home improvement projects that do not cost much, and provides a sense of accomplishment when done.
Do-It-Yourself Projects That Are Good For You
The way your home looks can change the way you feel. Especially if you work from home it is important that your home makes you feel good. You will find yourself in abetter mood and your family will surely thank you. In this article we will show you some terrific ways to turn your home into an amazing place that you can really enjoy and proudly call home!
Start by walking through your house and noting anything that you don’t really like or anything that annoys you. You can do this with your spouse, however, in some cases it’s better to do it alone. If there is a portion of your home that could be more tailored to you, then look for the best way to tailor it. Remember that how you feel when you are at home is very important.
Enlarge your space. Once you have filled your space to the point where you have no room, there really is nowhere to turn. You have clutter. This situation may require some remodeling that can open up some more space.
You can make your home a fun place to be when you add recreational items like a pool or tennis court. These items can help you get some exercise and give you a way to spend quality time with your family. A fitness room is a good idea if you have space as it will provide some stress relief while maintaining your health. These additions can also increase the value of your home.
One simple way to make a quick but essential improvement in your house is to change your lighting fixtures. You will be surprised by how much of a difference more modern light fixtures can make. Another plus is that you can probably do it yourself and it won’t cost you much.
Think of ways to improve your home’s exterior. Add a lick of paint and a new roof to brighten up your home’s exterior. Another way to improve your exterior is through your yard.
You might enjoy an organic garden. If you have a green yard, you will feel happier. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, hire a professional so that you can still gain the benefits of a garden. Having a garden to tend to can make your mood better. You can grown flowers or vegetables depending on your preferences.
Another area that many people overlook is windows. Especially if you put in gardens and have a beautiful yard. Looking out of old windows can damper the scenery and your mood. So why not consider putting in new windows?
We hope that these tips can help you improve your home and how you feel while there. Remember that it is well worth the effort to improve how you feel while at home. If you work from home it can greatly effect your productivity, and it can also greatly increase the quality of how you interact with your family.