In 2020, amid lockdowns and travel bans, many people, including mothers, who were stuck at home turned to DIY home projects to stay active and get busy. This year, things are looking up as vaccine rollouts increase across the US. But if you have found DIY projects fun and want to keep on improving your home this 2021, read on. This article will list home improvement projects that are good to DIY and those fixes that are best left in the hands of a professional. After all, it can now be safe to let technicians into your home. As long as you, your family, and the technicians observe health protocols, you can ensure a COVID 19-safe service. So, to help you decide about your next project, check out the list below.
Try to DIY: Patching a Hole in Drywall
Nail holes in the old drywall can be unsightly, so it’s no surprise you want to patch them as soon as possible. You can try to DIY it with the help of a spackle knife and lightweight wall putty. Fill in each hole with putty by using a spackle knife. Be sure to scrape the excess off the wall. Then, wait for the putty to dry. Once it’s dry, sand the filled area until it’s smooth and ready for primer painting. If you’re a mom who’s handy and good with tools, you can easily finish this DIY drywall repair project with flying colors.
Hire a Pro: Repairing Bathroom Tiles
Re-grouting or repairing a chipped tile on your own may sound simple and doable. But with the wrong tools, methods, and materials, you can end up damaging your bathroom tiles even more. For instance, the first step in re-grouting tiles is choosing the right material depending on the space between tiles—a task that professionals won’t have a hard time doing. They have access to quality materials and tools, and they can even help you look for an exact replacement even if the damaged tile is a rare style. So when it comes to bathroom tile repairs, re-grouting, and other maintenance services, stick to calling a pro.
Try to DIY: Fixing a Leaky Kitchen Pipe
Leaks on kitchen pipes can be easily fixed by tightening that slip-nut near the p-trap. If you notice that the leak comes from a hole in the drainpipe, you can still try to DIY repair it by using flexible coupling with hose clamps. But if you suspect that the source of the leak is a pipe placed inside a wall, it’s best to hire a pro. Looking for the exact leak source, cutting out a part of a wall, actually fixing the pipe, and repairing the wall may be a lot of work for a DIY enthusiast like you.
Hire a Pro: Installing a Light Fixture
Eyeing that new pendant lighting or hanging lights online? Do you want to install outdoor lights in your garden? Want to add new lights in your attic to make it functional and stylish? Hire a professional.
Anything that involves electricity should be done by professionals. Sure, you can research online and watch how-to videos on YouTube to understand your home’s electrical system and install new lights. But the risks of electrical fires and bodily injury are too serious to ignore. Electrical repairs and installations are often expensive, and there’s a reason for that. Electricians undergo training and apply for a license to ensure homeowners are safe. So it’s best to leave light installation projects in the hands of professionals.
Try to DIY: Building or Repurposing Furniture
Whether you go the full-on DIY route or buy easy-to-assemble items from IKEA, building furniture is a great way to get your creativity and DIY skills flowing. Just make sure to use gloves and other tools that can make your project safe. The same goes for repurposing furniture. As long as you keep your work area and yourself safe, let your imagination run wild as you turn boxes and tires into ottoman furniture.
DIY projects can be fun, especially amid a pandemic, where things can be overwhelming. But also keep in mind that some tasks could be dangerous or too difficult to do without the right tools and expertise. No matter how good you are with tools, some tasks require knowledge and years of experience for them to be carried out safely and efficiently. Whenever you’re torn whether to DIY or not, always think about whether the risks outweigh the savings. There’s no other thing that’s more important than your health and safety.
