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Four Time and Money Saving Home Improvement Projects
Special To The Truth
When you began shopping for your home, you may have
envisioned white picket fences, the perfect kitchen, and
decorations mirroring those from your favorite glossy
magazines. Soon, you realized your taste and budget weren’t
on the same page. However, every home can be a glorious
fixer-upper as you add appealing features -- especially if
you know some tricks to save time and money on home
improvements.
With limited time and
budget, you may not know where to begin. Here are four home
improvement tips to help get you started.
Wall Repair
You’ve decided the ugly
bathroom mirror needs a makeover, but when you remove it
from the wall, some of the drywall paper comes off too. For
larger wall repairs, remember to prime twice. Cut away any
loose paper, apply a thin coat of primer, followed by three
coats of spackle or compound -- sanding between each layer
for a smooth finish. Apply primer again to prevent
“flashing,” or a dulling in the finish, and paint the area
with your desired wall color. For a quick bathroom update,
consider framing the mirror instead of removing it.
Boxed Storage
Large retailers offer
stylish storage solutions for minimal cost. The downside,
besides having to assemble things yourself, is the lack of
stability these units provide. Have a little peace of mind
with a simple fix – before screwing the pieces together,
simply add a small amount of Elmer’s Wood Glue. The bond
will hold strong, even as your screws loosen over time. For
projects with mixed materials, such as metal and wood, use
ProBond Advanced.
Fill in the Gaps
Your trim and baseboards
can take quite the beating over the years. Moving furniture,
kicking off your shoes, or playing with toys can lead to
dents and gouges. Apply wood filler to damaged trim to
quickly bring them back to life. Not sure when it’s ready to
sand? Color Change Wood Filler changes color when it’s dry,
taking the guesswork out of the drying time. Finally, apply
a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Tile Transformation
Tile adds a touch of
luxury to your kitchen or bath, but can be an eyesore if it
starts looking dingy. For an easy refresh, pick up grout
cleaner from your local hardware store or simply sprinkle
baking soda onto the grout. Pour a little vinegar over it
before scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush and some elbow
grease, and your old grout will look new in no time. If you
need to replace the caulking around your tub or base of your
backsplash, apply painter’s tape on the base and wall to
ensure you’ll get a straight, clean line.
Home improvement doesn’t
have to be daunting. Tackling small, effective projects can
provide a large impact while requiring little time, money
and DIY expertise. From home repairs to furniture fixes,
these quick tips will help you make your house feel more
like a home – leaving you more time to kick back and enjoy
it.
Courtesy StatePoint
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