Laminate Flooring and Other Easy DIY Projects
Spring will be upon us before you know it and that's the time for DIY projects around the home. Such projects can spruce up your house, make you feel better about where you live, and even increase the value of your property. Even if you're not handy, there are several easy DIY projects you can tackle this spring with just a little bit of knowledge and some effort. Three of those projects are installing laminate flooring, caulking the bathroom, and painting.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is an economical alternative to real wood flooring or ceramic tiles. It's true that you can tell the difference just by looking at it, regardless of what the laminate manufacturers tell you, but if you're working on a limited budget laminate is the way to go. Thankfully, it's not difficult to install. Some laminates "float" freely on top of your existing floor so there's no need for adhesive. Those that do require adhesive can be laid down just as quickly.
When you go to your DIY store be sure to consult with a salesperson about all the available options. He will be able to guide you to the best choice for your situation, as well as provide installation instructions. Some stores will go so far as to provide you with personal consultation throughout the entire installation process. Regardless, if you can accurately measure and make some cuts, you can install laminate flooring in a single room in about half a day.
Caulking the Bathroom
Bathroom caulk tends to discolour and encourage the growth of mould, making for a very poor appearance. The good news is that caulk peels off very easily and can be replaced in just a few minutes. To remove the old caulk, soften it with water using a spray bottle and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, using a screwdriver or knife, lift up the caulk at one corner and pull it away. In most cases you should be able to pull up the entire bead, all the way down wall. Just remember to clean the area with rubbing alcohol or an appropriate bathroom cleaner before laying down a new bead.
Painting
Painting is something all of us can do; in fact just about every home owner has done it at least once. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to add new life to your home during the spring, and if you're selling, paint is almost a necessity. Just be sure that you don't skip the priming process if you want the best quality job. Primer is especially important on bare walls or when applying lighter paint over a darker colour.