SWAP OUT THAT OLD HARDWARE
Pick some new pieces out to help give an updated look to your cabinets without having to reinstall new cabinets!
Once you select new doorknobs or cabinet pulls, installation often requires nothing more than a screwdriver. To mount pulls on doors that never had them before, create a template to ensure that you drill your holes in the same spot each time.
PAINT
Tired of looking at the same scene every day? Freshen up that paint!
Pick a bold paint color , then use it to paint just one or two walls in a room. Covering only one or two walls will cost less, and won’t take as much time as painting the whole room!
FAUCET UPDATE
Sick of your drab, leaky faucet? If you can wield a wrench, you can easily install a new faucet.
Before you start the job, turn off the water supply. Then just unscrew the connections from your old faucet and screw in your new faucet. Add an aerator, available on Amazon, and you'll lower your water bill at the same time.
You can also add a filter to the faucet directly, like Britta, from Amazon or Home Depot for $20 or less!
REPLACE YOUR FURNACE FILTERS
To improve air quality as well as furnace efficiency, check your furnace filters for dirt MONTHLY and change them at least every three months.
A new filter will substantially reduce the number of airborne dust particles. If you have allergies, you might want to invest in a better filter. Replacement is a cinch. Just swap the old one for a new one, and you’re done.
WHAT'S SUCKING UP ENERGY?
Conduct an audit of your electrical outlets. For childproofing purposes, insert outlet covers into unused wall and power strip outlets, and secure any loose wires.
For general safety, look for overloaded circuits and power cords, and adjust as necessary. Frayed cords should be replaced as should any light switch that is hot to the touch.
WEATHERSTRIPPING
Weatherstripping will make your home more comfortable while ensuring that your furnace won’t have to work so hard to warm your house.
Permanent weatherstripping, which has adhesive, is recommended around doors and windows that are opened throughout the season. For windows that will stay shut until spring, consider temporary weather seals or sealant that peels off when it’s no longer needed.
EMPTY YOUR WATER HEATER
Water contains sediment that can collect at the bottom of your water heater. These particles create insulation over time that forces your heater to work harder when it's generating hot water for your shower. The extra temperature stresses the metal, causing leaks. To counteract the sediment buildup, simply drain a quart of water from your hot water heater once every three months. Check your owner’s manual for instructions.
UPDATE YOUR THERMOSTAT
If your home is one of the millions in America that still has an old-fashioned dial thermostat, it’s time to switch. Programmable thermostats, like this one from Nest, allow you to automatically vary the temperature in your home throughout the day.
They're easy to install and relatively affordable. To experience the joy of waking up to a warm bedroom while still saving money on your heating bill, all you need is a screwdriver, drill, and (possibly) touch-up paint.
DRYER DUCTS
If your dryer doesn’t work as quickly as it used to, lint could be the culprit. Buildup not only affects efficiency, it also increases your risk of fire.
To clean your ducts, first you’ll need some muscle to move your dryer away from the wall. Then you just need a vacuum. Unplug the dryer, disconnect the ductwork, and vacuum out the ducts as well as you can.
This one is a bit trickier, and if you need help, it is a tertiary service that F&J Builders does offer when we are working on your home!
