The holiday season will be here before you know it. Now is the time to get started on those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off, so your home will be in mint condition for those upcoming holiday parties!
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get a head start on your fall to-do’s:
EXTERIOR:
1. Clean it up! Cleaning out gutters, raking leaves and retouching paint work are among the minor details that make a big impact on the curb appeal of your home.
2. Repair uneven concrete. You can repair concrete that isn’t cracked all the way through by coating the slab with a concrete resurfacer. You’ll want to buy enough to apply a thin layer over the entire slab to ensure consistency in color. If you want a different color, it’s easy to add a concrete tint. Check out the details here.
3. Make sure the doorbell works! Be sure your doorbell is working properly before holiday guests arrive. If you notice it doesn’t work, the cause could be a worn outside button, or that the interior chime or transformer needs repair. Read more about it here.
4. Double check outdoor lighting. One of the simplest, most effective ways to enhance the safety and security of your home is to add a motion-sensor light. If you already have these lights, double check that none of the bulbs need replacing. See additional information about installing motion-activated floodlights here.
INTERIOR:
1. Apply Fresh paint. Scratched, scuffed or dirty walls in high-traffic hallways can be refreshed with a simple coat of semi-gloss or satin finish paint. Choosing a bright color to paint a single wall in a kitchen, living room, or bedroom can create a unique and stylish flare. Painting the ceiling a darker color is also a creative option, and really warms up a space. Here are some tips about the painting process.
2. Add texture with temporary wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper panels are great, easy options when you want to update a room in a hurry. From backsplashes to entry ways to accent walls, temporary wallpaper can be easily applied almost anywhere and is simple to take down later. See this link for tips on application here.
3. Repair Shaky handrails on staircases. The newel post is the large post that anchors the balustrade at the bottom of the staircase, providing strength and support for the railing. If the post is loose, the railing becomes shaky, which could be dangerous. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to repair a wobbly handrail.
4. Update Flooring. Laminate-plank flooring is one of the simplest “do-it-yourself” projects with the greatest results. The modular, snap-in-place veneers are easily installed right on top of your existing floor. Check out these tips on laminate and other easily installed floors here.
5. Repair damaged tile and wood. While ceramic tile is extremely durable, sometimes years of use can result in broken or chipped tile. Don’t fret! Replacing a broken tile is easier than it sounds! Here are some tips.
Like tile, wood floors can also get damaged over the years. Learn how to patch strip wood floors in a flash here.
6. Fix the sink disposal. Knowing that the holidays mean big meals, having a working garbage disposal is essential! Make sure yours is up to par! Here is a quick video to help you out.
7. Caulk the tub. Seeing cracked, brown or even moldy caulk lines are not attractive to guests! It’s a good thing that caulk is cheap to purchase and easy to apply. Here’s how.
8. Replace bathroom & kitchen fixtures. Installing new faucets, cabinet knobs and towel racks can really update the look of your bathroom. There are tons of styles to choose from, in various price ranges. Click here to see instructions on how it’s done.
While this checklist doesn’t include everything that might need some work around the house, it’s a good place to begin! Get started on these projects now and your home will be in great shape by the time your holiday guests arrive!
Also, keep in mind that if you run into any problems, Medford Remodeling offers tons of home maintenance services! We can take care of anything from a leaky faucet to a light fixture that needs replacing.
Contact us today for all of your home maintenance needs!
Best regards,
Mike
