If the past year and a half have taught us anything, it’s that it’s never too late to learn new skills that will help us elevate our quality of living. One of those skills is being a handyman or knowing our way around power tools, construction, and carpentry. Not only will it help us be more productive with our time, but it can also help us improve and maintain our homes without having to call professionals every time. If you want to expand your construction and carpentry skills, here are some DIY home project ideas you can explore this summer.
Paint your front door
Perhaps the simplest and easiest home project you can do this summer is anything that involves painting. Giving your front door a paint job might just be the thing you need to move your home’s curb appeal from drab to fab. Go for more trendy colors such as Aegean teal and Benjamin Moore’s Alligator Alley—and it will give your home an instant modern update. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to painting your home’s front door:
- Remove the hardware you don’t want to paint.
- Clean the door to ensure there’s no debris left.
- Remove any paint left by scraping it, use sanding sheets to smooth it out, and wipe the whole thing down. Make sure it’s dry before you pick up a paintbrush.
- Use a primer to conceal the old paint and make the new layer of paint last longer.
- Leave it to dry for 24 hours.
- Carefully reattach the old hardware.
Build a swing in the yard
Having your own swing in the yard can provide a whimsical atmosphere to your property, and it will also provide a place for your and your kids to have fun without having to leave the comfort of your home. Here are some tips for finding the best type of swing to build in your yard:
- Every time you have to do anything that involves power tools and or other ones that may cause injury or harm, make sure that you have some safety construction materials on hand. This involves a first aid kit, sturdy ladders, safety glasses or a face shield, gloves, and everything else that can help you stay safe while working, especially if you’re getting your kids involved in the project.
- Consider building a more classic tree swing, especially if you have a big tree in your yard that can support it. If not, plenty of swing sets are available in the market that you can assemble in your yard.
- A cedar swing set can be one of the simpler types of DIY swings you can build. All you need is three sturdy pieces of lumber, and make sure it’s firmly planted on the ground. If the design of your home has more wooden accents and earthy tones, a swing made of wood instead of plastic might be your best bet.
Make a cozy window seat
If you have a massive window and are looking for a place where you and your family members can read some books or find some peace and serenity during the day, consider building your own cozy nook by the window. Here are some tips to get you started on the nook:
- Do the necessary measurements and draw up a plan. Think about how you want the nook to look: Do you want the seat to have a pad? Is the bench attached to the window, or do you want it to be movable? How deep do you want the bench to be? Having the answers to all these questions will provide you with a mental image of how you want the nook to appear.
- Properly measure, cut, and then attach the plywood sides as well as the plywood top. Make the bench more functional by turning it into a cabinet with additional storage instead of just one hollow bench. It can be a place where you and your kids can store books, vinyl records, and other items you may need for a relaxing time by the window.
- To add texture and coziness to the nook, incorporate throws, pillows, fuzzy blankets, and even houseplants. A farmhouse-style reading nook is perfect for smaller spaces since you can capitalize on the shiplap, barn-style materials.
Doing some projects around the house will provide you with a sense of fulfillment—so much more than just hiring handymen or carpenters to do it for you. Just make sure to choose projects you can do that won’t compromise your safety or that of your children. Stay safe and have fun!
