Free Coupon Codes get 10% discount from Homecenter.com
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MCCAUL
EASY ORGANIZING | HOME REPAIRS
Whether it's you doing the fixer-uppering, your handy hubby, or a paid pro, household projects go more smoothly when they start with a plan. Spring is the perfect time to walk through each room as if seeing it for the first time, jotting down any maintenance or repairs needed. Then you can assess what to tackle first. Hint: Cross as many small jobs off your list as you can by multitasking (your sister doesn't have to know that you're oiling hinges during your weekly phone chats, right?).
[Photograph]: Styling by Scott Horne for Big Leo
Keep vs Toss
* KEEP clean used food jars and canisters to serve as no-cost storage for nails, screws, nuts, bolts, and other easily lost bits. And try this quick trick from our GHRI fix-it geniuses: To fish out items faster from jars (and prevent fingers from being poked!), glue a magnet to the end of a pencil (see example, above) and store it in your tool kit.
* TOSS old glue, slightly bent nails, and dull blades. They just junk up your toolbox or workspace. Worse, they don't help with your repairs and can be dangerous.
* KEEP extra parts, instructions, and specialized tools (like Allen wrenches) that come with appliances or furniture in labeled, sealed plastic bags. Get in the habit of putting them in one place -- whatever works for you: an accordion file folder, a drawer -- so you know where they are when needed.
1 TOP TOOLS Build the perfect kit to cover all your basic needs with these nine GHRI-recommended essentials (listed as numbered above): a 14.4-volt cordless lithium-ion power drill, a 25-foot measuring tape, a putty knife, needle-nose pliers, a utility knife, adjustable pliers (in lieu of a wrench), a 4-in-1 screwdriver, a standard eight-inch level, and a 16-ounce claw hammer.
2 THE HIT LIST If your DIY home inspection yielded an intimidating list of to-dos, make it more manageable with a spreadsheet you can rank and refer to throughout the year. Sort tasks by room, then estimate the time and tools they'll require. No idea how long each will take or what you'll need? Check how-to sites, like ehow.com, or ask at the hardware store. Call in the specialists for major jobs (roof leaks, foundation cracks).
3 SEAL THE DEAL To ensure caulk, glue, and other liquid fixers stay, well, liquid, insert a nail into the spout when not using. For paint and spackle, close the lid as tightly as possible (tap it with a mallet or hammer, if necessary); paint won't form a skin if stored upside down.
Don't skip this tip
Add favorite handymen's and contractors' info to your emergency-contacts list. That way, you won't have to hunt down the plumber's number when the sink is overflowing.
No comments:
Post a Comment