Empower yourself. Go to work on your own home.
Family handyman projects are do-it-yourself improvements that can occur within the span of a weekend or two. These projects give homeowners a sense of accomplishment and pride while also potentially raising the value of their homes and saving money that would otherwise go to hiring professionals. Some family handyman projects are "green" and designed to make existing home appliances more efficient and cost-effective over time. Does this Spark an idea?
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels catch excess run-off from the roof of your house and store water for use in your family garden or fish pond. You can also use the water for cleaning pets and washing outdoor cookware. Barrels are available for sale. However, you can complete the project on your own by using round outdoor garbage bins with lids, scrap lumber, PVC piping and electrical fittings. Use the wood to create a stand for the garbage bins and cut holes in the bottom for the piping. Use the fittings to attach the piping to a garden hose adapter, and you're ready to use the excess water constructively. Consider covering the primary garbage bin rain barrel with a screen to prevent leaves and other detritus from entering with the rain.
Flush Away Faulty Toilets
The first toilets that were made to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush in 1994 often have weak designs and require several flushes to clear the bowl. This is frustrating for the people using them and wasteful in the long run. According to The Family Handyman magazine, the best way to fix problems with these toilets is to replace them completely. Fortunately, this can be done within an afternoon. Before purchasing, review the different types of toilets: gravity flush, pressure assist and vacuum assist. Next, set your budget and decide which kind you want. Before committing to a new toilet, also be sure that you measure the distance from the wall to the waste pipe and that you confirm that a large toilet won't interfere with access to the bathroom door. Use brass bolts when installing to avoid corrosion.
Reduce Dust
Reducing dust is a project that you don't need technical skill to complete. All it takes is time and investment in a few common-sense solutions. To overhaul dust issues in your home, place unused clothing and bedding in plastic containers and move these off the floor. Invest in a vacuum appropriate to your floor type, and use the "fan on" function of your air conditioner when cleaning so that dust will be filtered before sinking back to the floor. Beating rugs and cushions as well as investing in a pleated electrostatic air filter also help.
Weatherstripping Doors
Weatherstripping all doors leading outside in a home makes a house more comfortable and saves on energy bills. To weatherstrip doors, The Family Handyman magazine recommends using a foam flange or vinyl bulb and finishing with a door sweep.
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