When it comes to beautifying and improvising things around the house, there are some projects that we just can’t wait to get our hands on. We start checking websites and YouTube videos on how to get it done, we get the tools and we start hammering away. While it is rewarding and cost-saving as a homeowner to DIY things yourself, it also important to know that careful planning, purchasing of the right tools and getting the method right are crucial in doing home DIY projects, as mistakes may prove to be more costly than hiring professionals. So, what are the types of home projects that can be done on your own?

Here, we have listed a few projects that we think you may safely and positively do yourself, unless of course you were born with butterfingers, in which case, you should leave the task to the professionals.

1. Fixing A Leaky Pipe or Clogged Sink

   This is a common problem in many households that you can easily fix yourself. For a leaky pipe, it usually requires unscrewing of the pipe cap, replacing the washer and screwing the cap back on. But there could be other reasons that it happens, such as another faulty or broken part of the pipe. You can inspect the pipe thoroughly and decide if you can still fix it on your own or call for help.

   As for a clogged sink, it would also be wise to try DIY first. A plunger, some sink unclogging solution that you can purchase from a hardware store and a bit of cleaning on the inside of the sink trap would usually do the job. If the clog extends to the pipe within the floor that connects to the sewage system, then it is best to get a plumber to do it for you.

2. Covering Holes on the Wall

   This is a DIY project that even the most inexperienced of us can do. Patching up holes followed by touch up paints can easily give a new look to your walls. Using a putty knife, apply the required amount of lightweight putty into the holes, scrape off the excess, then sand the surface with a sandpaper and wait for it to dry. Once it is dried, you can apply a base coat paint followed by a top coat to finish it off.

3. Replacing Tile Grout

   Don’t say we didn’t warn you, but this task is only for those with the highest level of patience. Tile grout replacement is quite tedious but once it is complete, both you and your new grout will be gleaming with pride. Start by choosing the right type of grout for your tiles. Among those available are sanded, unsanded, epoxy and acrylic latex. Be sure to get the right colour too. Next, clean the work area thoroughly and remove any damaged grout with a small knife. Use a damp cloth to moisten the tile joints and then proceed to mix the grout in a small pail according to instructions. Carefully apply the grout, ensuring that all the joints are coated evenly. Once done, remove the excess grout with a damp cloth but don’t wait too long to do this, otherwise the mix will harden up on the surrounding tile. You can also try tile grouting products that come in easy-to-squeeze bottles which can be applied directly to the joints.

4. Installing Wallpaper

   This project may require more than one person to get it done. And if you are a perfectionist who can’t stand seeing the slightest blemish on the wall, maybe you can skip this one. Installing wallpaper on your own doesn’t require a huge investment apart from the cost of the wallpaper itself. There are many tutorial videos and guides online that you can check out before starting out the project, and while you’re at it, have a look at wallpaper DIY projects that homeowners completed on their own for inspiration!

5. Painting

   With the right painting tools and a bit of a know-how, a DIY painting task can be accomplished on your own. While a new coat of paint can do wonders to spruce up a space, a job badly done can easily add to your disadvantage, as you can most likely see splatter and roller marks, bubbled up surfaces or even peeling paint in the long run. To avoid these problems, be sure to prepare well prior to starting the project. If you are painting an entire wall, start by removing any fixtures such as curtain rods and wall light to avoid having paint on them. Then clean the walls and patch up any holes or surface imperfections. Be sure to cover your floor with tarpaulin canvas or newspapers to avoid splattering. Start painting with a primer, wait for it to dry and then proceed with the top coating. There are also 2 in 1 paint that come with the primer mixed in, so you can save time from having to prime your walls separately.

6. Installing Shiplap Boards on the Wall

   Shiplap boards are a type of interlocking panels that are installed on the wall and have recently become a popular choice among homeowners. We would rate the difficulty of this DIY as medium, as it requires detailed prep work prior to installation. First, decide on the size of the area that you would like to install it. You can purchase Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) that are custom-made according to the size that you require from hardware stores. You can also purchase them from online shopping platforms. Be sure to follow the instructions to prep your wall before installing the panels. You can use silicone adhesive to stick the panels and use a measuring tool (a popsicle stick is a great option) to measure the gap in between the panels. You can choose to paint over the panels once done or you can even leave it with the original texture for a rustic look.

We hope the above ideas give you a glimmer of hope that you too can get things fixed around the house without having to call the handyman all the time. Good luck and may your DIY projects see a fruitful completion!

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