5 DIY Home Improvement Projects You Can Tackle Now

Home improvement projects often sound daunting and overwhelming. Some changes can require lots of prep work, money and experience. However, there are other projects that are simple but dramatic as well! Here are 5 home improvement projects that you can tackle now when looking for projects to do around the house.

1. Caulk windows and doors to improve home insulation. Over time and through the cold and hot seasons, windows and doors with expand and contract. This means, holes, cracks and leaks develop, letting air from the outside in. Drafts can seriously impair your home’s energy efficiency, meaning your HVAC system will have to you way more energy to heat and cool your home. This is not only wasteful and harmful to the environment, but it can also get seriously expensive when you go to pay your monthly energy bills! Caulking is simple and quick. Buy caulk at a local hardware store. Clean the area, and then apply the caulk around the edges of the window or door frame, working it into any holes or gaps. Let it set, and the wipe away the excess with a cloth. For more information on tips for air sealing a home, be sure to contact an insulation professional.
2. Paint and secure all railings. Railings are helpful and are also a safety measure. Unfortunately with time and use, railings can become insecure, actually making them more dangerous than helpful! If you have railings on your indoor staircase, or leading into your house outside, be sure to secure them properly. Replace anything that is rotted and then re-drill screws into place. Finally, spruce everything up with a fresh coat of paint for a looks-like-new finish.
3. Change out furnace filters. Filters help to keep your home’s air clean and pure. If you don’t change them, they get dirty as dirt and debris accumulate. This reduces air quality, potentially harming your health. It also reduces you home’s overall energy efficiency, since your HVAC systems will need to work harder to heat and cool your home, costing your energy and money.
4. Clear and repair your gutters. This is an especially good project to complete in the spring. Over the year gutter can become full of debris like leaves, sticks and more. Clogged gutters over flow, which can potentially damage the foundation of your home. In addition, this additional pressure can break your gutters, and if left unattended you may have to invest in replacing the gutters altogether! Prevent damage and ensure your gutters are in top shape by climbing on a ladder and cleaning the gutters out. While up there, look for any cracks or damage of the gutter so you can attend to them or hire a professional as needed.
5. Drill holes in your trash cans. This is a super simple project, but it can have great results, especially if you keep your garbage can outside a majority of the time. Garbage cans usually don’t have any drainage, so if water gets in when it rains, they are left full of water, heavy, and dirty! Still water is not only gross, but it can also be an ideal breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes! This is a simple fix. Just get a power drill, and drill a few holes at the bottom of the can to allow water to drain out properly and save you the headache and frustration.

All of these home improvement projects are simple, easy, quick and inexpensive Summer remodeling or improvement projects that you can do if you have a spare weekend. Not only are they easy, but also they are affordable and effective. Make the most of your time and energy with projects that will enhance your home and truly make a difference in your day-to-day life.