As we navigate through these uncertain times many may have more available hours in the day than few weeks ago. If you would like to use these hours to tackle home improvement below is a list of five easy-to-do projects.
You will need light tools and materials. Anything that you don’t have you can safely order online.
1. Fix squeaky hinges. Annoying, especially at night or early morning. For a lasting fix remove the shaft with a push pin or old screwdriver and a hammer. Use a brush to wipe-clean the interior of the hinge and a soft cloth to clean the shaft, this will remove all the metal particles. If the shaft shows signs of rust use sandpaper to smoothen its surface. Apply a hinge lubricant and reinstall the shaft in the hinge. Use a hinge lubricant or special hinge grease instead of regular oil.
To do a clean job affix a plastic cover behind and under the hinge to capture the dust (believe us, it will go far). Also, do one hinge at the time. If the shaft is tight try loosening but not removing the screws of one side of the hinge.
2. Wall-mount your TV. This is a little complex but nothing that you can’t do. You will need some special tools depending on the size of the TV: drill, stud-finder, level (most TV wall stands include one), and socket wrench. Naturally, you will also need a TV stand, one example here. Use an old cloth or cardboard to capture debris from drywall and wood studs.
Start by centering your TV in your wall, use blue tape or post-it notes to mark the perimeter of the TV. Once you are certain where your TV will be match the TV supports (from the TV stand) with the TV stand wall base. To do this you can pre-assemble the stand with the TV and measure where the stand bolts should be with respect to the edges of the TV. Transfer that position to the wall using the template provided with the TV stand or blue tape/post-it notes.
Once you have positioned the TV stand use a stud-finder and follow its instructions to mark the position of your studs. Use blue tape or Post-it notes to mark it on the wall, then move your TV stand base horizontally to ensure that the support holes fall in the center of your studs, mark the points where you will drill the holes.
Using your drill and recommended bit size (per TV stand) drill the holes in your wall. Wood coming from the bit should confirm that you have hit the stud. Once all holes are drilled position your stand, install the screws/bolts halfway and use the level to align the base to the best extent possible as you tighten the screws/bolts.
Once your base is firmly affixed on the wall clean your working area. Now affix the brackets to your TV and remove the TV stand (check your TV manual or search instructions online, most TVs will have arrows in the back showing which screws to remove).
Now you are ready to hang your TV. Connect all cables (power, cable, sound, HDMI, etc.) and attach the TV to the wall stand. Use the level to ensure that the TV is horizontal, most TV stands will have an adjustment screw. Now you are ready, congratulations!
3. Embed your TV cables. Going up in the scale of complexity -yet doable- is embedding your TV cables. This is one project that will give you plenty of satisfaction as you will achieve a clean, neat TV look. You will need a stud-finder, a dry-wall cutting knife or an old serrated knife and a pass-through cable plate.
To begin, use the stud finder to identify two locations, first, where one next to your existing outlets (cable, power, etc.) and one close to your wall TV stand, making sure that this last spot is hidden behind your (already mounted) TV. Once you have located the right locations use a ruler to mark an area equal to the pass-through cable plate support bracket. Use the dry-wall cutting knife or old serrated knife to carve out the dry-wall. Install the pass-through cable plate bracket. Repeat the same process with the other pass-through cable plate.
Notice that is not recommended to embed power cables along with HDMI or sound cords, in fact it is against code to embed power cables or extensions. For that purpose we recommend using a kit that includes a power outlet extension.
Once both cable plates are in place you can insert the cables that you would like to hide in the upper plate, and “fish” them in the lower plate.
4. Refinish your entrance wooden door. Sure, looks daunting, but with some patience this project may give you a fresh look with moderate effort. You will need sand paper (120 and 280 or 300), masking tape, and 2-3 cans of polyurethane clear coat of your choice (matte or glossy). Preferably, use a painters plastic sheeting.
Start by protecting the frame and surroundings of your door with painters plastic sheeting. If you don’t have it you can use some dry-clean cloth protective bags. Now, using the masking tape carefully protect the door lock, knob, embellishments (if any) and door sweeps. Clean the wood and assess the surface; if its rough use the 120 grit sandpaper to smoothen it. If the surface is smooth you can use the 280 or 300 grit. Once you have achieve a smooth surface use a clean rag to remove all dust. You can also use your vacuum to vacuum the door and remove even more wood dust.
If you are satisfied with the finish you are ready to apply the clear coat. Notice that you may need to apply a sealant and/or stain to achieve a more uniform look (consider however that this is a “practical” refinish project so balance expectations with effort).
To apply the clear coat, since you are not removing the door, you need fast sweeping motion starting with any edges or details. Start at the top and come down vertically. Again, move fast and at a distance of approximately 8 to 10 inches from the door. Try first on a cardboard until you achieve the expected results.
Once you are finished and before the polyurethane fully dries remove the masking tape. Remove the plastic protection from the surroundings and clean the area. You are done!
5. Replace your door sweeps. This project can improve your indoor air quality, save energy by reducing air infiltration, and even reduce noise. This project assumes that you can remove the door sweep without removing the door (there are no screws under your door). You will need a replacement door sweep, which you can buy online or at your local Super Wal-Mart, Home Depot or Lowe’s store.
To begin, remove the existing door sweep by removing the affixing screws, typically located in the back. Notice that your sweep may also be glued or affixed by pressure.
After removing your existing sweep, clean the surface with an old rag. Measure the width of your door and cut your new sweep to this length using a serrated knife or similar. For best results, cut the end of the replacement sweep that faces the hinges.
Now, install the sweep by sliding it from the outer edge of the door to the inner edge. Once the sweep is in place use the new screws to affix the sweep to the door, using if possible the original holes. Notice that in some cases the tight fit of the sweep may hold it in place without the need for screws (installing them is recommended though).
Good luck with these projects. We are here to help, email us, call or text (817-944-4990) if you have any questions or you would like us to perform any of these services for you.