DIY can seem daunting if you have never picked up a hammer or paintbrush, but many home improvement tasks are surprisingly simple. With the right tools and a bit of patience, even complete beginners can transform their living spaces. Here are some easy DIY tasks to try that will help you build confidence while enhancing your home.
Painting a Wall
One of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh a room is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Go for a colour that works with your decor, and ensure you have the right supplies, including paint, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and a dust sheet. Preparation is key: clean the walls, apply tape to protect skirting boards and ceilings, and use a primer if necessary. Then, apply even strokes and allow adequate drying time between coats.
Installing Self Adhesive Wallpaper
If you want to add character to a room without the hassle of traditional wallpaper, self adhesive wallpaper is a great alternative. This peel-and-stick option requires no paste and is easy to apply. Simply measure the area, cut the wallpaper to size, peel away the backing, and smooth it onto the wall using a squeegee or cloth to remove air bubbles. It’s also removable, making it a great option for renters or those who frequently change their decor.
Hanging Shelves
Floating shelves are a sleek way to display books, plants, or decorative items while also saving space. To install them, you’ll need a drill, wall anchors, screws, and a spirit level. Mark the positions of the brackets, drill pilot holes, insert the wall anchors, and then screw the brackets securely into place before placing the shelf on top. Always check the weight limit of the shelf and the type of wall you’re drilling into for a secure fit.
Replacing Cabinet Handles
Upgrading kitchen or bathroom cabinets by replacing old handles is an instant and affordable way to give furniture a new lease of life. Simply unscrew the existing handles and replace them with new ones using a screwdriver. Be sure to measure the distance between screw holes before purchasing new handles to ensure a perfect fit.
Sealing Gaps with Caulk
Small gaps around windows, doors, or skirting boards can let in draughts and increase energy bills. Using caulk to seal these gaps is a quick fix that requires minimal tools. Load up a caulking gun with a tube of caulk, apply a steady bead along the gap, and smooth it with a damp finger or a caulking tool. Let it dry fully before painting over it if necessary.
Assembling Flat-Pack Furniture
Flat-pack furniture may seem frustrating, but with patience and organisation, it’s a straightforward DIY task. Before beginning, lay out all the parts and check you have the correct tools, usually an Allen key and screwdriver. Follow the instructions carefully, tightening screws firmly but not too tightly to avoid damaging the material.
Conclusion
These beginner-friendly DIY tasks can help you gain confidence while improving your home. By starting with simple projects, you’ll develop the skills needed to take on more challenging ones in the future. So, pick up your tools and get started on your first DIY adventure!