Easy DIY Home Improvement Fixes

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to fix some of its pesky imperfections, it’s not always necessary to call in professionals who will charge you an arm and a leg for home improvement fixes. In fact, there are several common problems that you can fix with everyday, household products and the right information. Check out this list of easy DIY home fixes that’ll make your space more functional, more comfortable, and even increase the value of your home!

• Squeaky hinges. Doors that creak when opened are not only annoying, but also scream “old” and “dated.” To fix this, spray WD-40 or rub petroleum jelly on the hinges. If that doesn’t work, lift the hinge pins about halfway and coat them with lubricant (motor oil works wonders for this).
• Stained bathtub. To brighten a yellowing or dirty bathtub, combine equal amounts of cream of tartar, baking soda, and lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture to stained areas or coat the entire tub using your hands or a soft cloth. Let sit for a half hour, then rinse well with water.
• Sliding windows that get stuck. For windows that effortlessly glide open and closed, use a silicone spray lubricant (you can find this at most hardware stores). Spray it on a cloth and then wipe it along the window tracks. This is safe to use on metal, wood, and plastic tracking.
• Scuffed linoleum. While generally able to stand up to heavy traffic, linoleum floors are especially prone to scuff marks. To remove these, you can rub the spots away with a pencil eraser, white toothpaste, or WD-40.
• Update cabinet hardware. Adding new hardware is an easy, inexpensive way to update the look of your cabinets (and make them easier to open and close). A screwdriver is typically the only thing you’ll need to replace knobs, hinges, and pulls. Be sure to pick hardware that goes with the rest of your home and complements your design elements.
• Fresh paint. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way- it can make your home appear cleaner and more inviting. Consider repainting walls, cabinets, your front door, etc. to mask chips and scratches.
• Keep it clean. We know this seems obvious, but keeping up with household chores is one of the best ways to prevent having to make home improvement fixes in the first place. Be sure to remove dust and grime regularly, paying attention to those areas you may ordinarily forget about (corners, nooks and crannies, window and door frames, etc.)

Use these tips to solve some of those small, irritating problems around your home, but remember that larger home exterior issues are best left to the professionals. For those roofing and other home exterior repairs, contact Blackstone Exteriors here!