Skip the contractor: Tackle these common home improvement DIYs
There are so many projects that people can do around their homes with just a little know-how. Sometimes you need to call in a contractor, but there are times you can do the project yourself for a fraction of the cost and not a lot of time! To save you some money, contractor and real estate investment expert, Darren Voros stopped by to show us some simple home improvement DIYs.
Repair a window screen
One of the most common issues is repairing a hole in a window screen and it's a lot easier than you think. If you called someone in to repair a window screen for you, it would cost a minimum $250, because that's what most handymen charge for a half day. To do it yourself, it will cost you $15 for this kit. And for $15, you can do 4 screens!
What you'll need:
- Window screening (available at hardware stores)
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Spleen installation tool
- Scissors
Directions:
1. Place the screen on a flat surface and use a screwdriver to remove the spline.
2. Line up the new screening on top of the frame, keeping the grid straight.
3. Then, cut the replacement screen 2" larger than the frame.
4. Starting in one corner and working your way up one side, push the screen into the channel with the convex end of the rolling tool.
5. Insert the spline. Use the concave end of the rolling tool to push the cord into the channel over the top of the screen; hold the screen as you go so it doesn't bunch. Repeat for the remaining sides.
6. Next, push the spline into the corners with a screwdriver. Cut off any spline overhang, trim the excess screening and you're done!
Apply/replace caulking to a tub
To call someone in to do this will cost a half day rate of $250 – that's the minimum that contractors/handymen charge these days. If you do it yourself it will cost you $7 for a tube of caulking and not more than an hour of your time! And every house should have a caulking gun. If you don't have one borrow one from your neighbour – they have one for sure.
What you'll need:
- Caulk removal tool
- Mineral spirits/acetone, as needed
- Painter's tape
- Caulking gun
- White caulk [for bathrooms]
- Utility knife
- Bamboo skewer (if caulking gun doesn't come with piercing tool)
- Damp rag
Directions:
1. Remove old caulking using a removal tool and use mineral spirits and/or acetone to clean up any remaining caulk.
2. Apply painter's tape to both sides of where you want the new caulk bead, with the edges of the tape lining up to exactly where you want the bead of caulk to be – about 1/8" between the two pieces of tape.
3. Next, load the tube in your caulking gun. With a utility knife, cut the tip from the tube. Then, pierce the tube seal by inserting a bamboo skewer or other long sharp object.
4. Press the trigger to move caulk forward, filling the tip.
5. Point the tip in position at the seam. The tip should be slightly above the surface, nearly touching. With one steady motion, move the caulk gun straight along the seam, creating a uniform bead. Before the flow stops, quickly release the trigger and begin to press again as you continue to create a uniform bead the entire length of the seam.
6. Then, smooth the caulk out between the pieces of masking tape, pressing it into the corner with your index finger as you go along. Use a damp rag to clean hands, as needed.
7. Remove tape before the caulk dries.
8. Be sure to let it cure for a minimum of 24 hours before exposing to water and moisture.
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