Whether or not you’re handy, there comes a
time when you will need to make minor repairs in your home. Here are 11
easy fix-it and preventive tips for common problems.
- If you have a loose
screw in drywall or wood, create a tight fit by removing the screw and
inserting one or more toothpicks into the hole. Break off the
toothpicks at the surface and replace the screw. Voila! You’ll have
a tight fit.
- Prevent putting extra
holes in the wall when hanging a group of photos or artwork by first
cutting templates out of craft or butcher paper to the dimensions of
each piece. Then tape the templates to the wall and rearrange them
until you are pleased with the composition. Finally, hang the
pieces.
- When you're hanging a
picture on a plaster wall put a small "X" of cellophane tape
over the spot where you will drive the nail in order to prevent
cracking.
- When renovating your
home, purchase more than enough fabric, tile, carpet, or paint in case
you will need to repair stains or cracks in the future.
- Before using a
screwdriver, rub the tip with chalk to prevent it from slipping out of
the grooves. It really works!
- When you’re
replacing a shower stall, consider using one of the new mineral
resistant glass varieties, which will help keep calcium spots and lime
scale at bay.
- Avoid white when
choosing a grout color. Shades of beige and grey will help
disguise any future staining.
- To fix a sticky
drawer, blow it with your hairdryer for a few minutes to eliminate
excess moisture. After the drawer slides easily, coat the runners with
paste wax to keep it sliding.
- If you live near the
coast, and have unfinished brass on the outside of your home, prevent
tarnishing by lightly buffing the brass monthly with petroleum jelly.
- To keep a matched set
of linens together, fold the top and bottom sheet and one pillowcase,
then slip the three into a second pillowcase. If you have an extra set
of pillowcases, lay them on top of each other and fold them together.
- Fix a cracked dish by filling a small
tub with about six inches of sand and putting the broken dish in it.
The sand will hold the broken piece firmly in place while you make the
repair. Wipe the area that will need glue with a soft paint brush to
get rid of dust or dirt. Evenly apply a thin coat of epoxy blue to all
exposed surfaces, and secure the two pieces firmly together. Use
masking tape or rubber bands to gently secure the repair. Let the glue
dry and the dish will be as good as new!
Author's Resource:
Article by James Charles, an award-winning interior designer who offers
premium room design services without premium prices at DesignerAtHome.com.
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