Give Old Cabinets New Life A Simple DIY Upgrade That Delivers
When thinking about home improvement tasks, we don’t always realize how much something as simple as cabinet hardware affects the feel of our space. Old knobs and pulls tend to blend into the background, but when you swap them out, the difference is often bigger than expected. This small change can make areas like kitchens and bathrooms feel cleaner and more current. Best of all, you can tackle this project in an afternoon. Start by looking at what’s already there. If you’re swapping out knobs for similar knobs or replacing pulls with ones that are the same size, you might not need to do much more than unscrew the old ones and pop in the new hardware. But you need to double-check the spacing. Pulls typically measure 3–4 inches between the mounting screw holes, but there are plenty of exceptions. It only takes a minute to measure before you start. If the new hardware you’re after is a different size or shape, you’ll need to drill new holes. That also means patching the old ones with wood
filler. It requires a few extra steps, but it’s not complicated. Simply remove the old knobs or pulls, fill in the existing holes with filler, and wait for it to dry. Then sand and paint it, and you’re ready to drill the new holes. You’ll need the basic tools: a screwdriver or a drill, a pencil, and something to measure with. A hardware template can help keep everything even, though careful measuring works fine, too. If you have to drill new holes and are worried about splintering, especially on soft wood, using painter’s tape over the drill spot is a good precaution. Try one drawer or cabinet first. Mark your placement, drill slowly and cleanly with the right- size bit, and test the fit. Once you’ve done a couple and know the process, the rest tends to go quickly. After the update, you might notice other changes that can make a big difference around your house. Simple upgrades have a way of making the whole space feel more finished, and that’s sometimes all the motivation you need to keep going.
WINTER IS COMING
HERE’S HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME
INSULATE WHERE NECESSARY. Insulation is one of the best ways to protect your home and wallet! Walk through your house, feeling around your doors and windows. If you feel a breeze or a temperature change, apply some type of sealant to close gaps. Weatherstripping, caulk, and plastic film can be lifesavers once the temperature drops. After you investigate your windows and doors, look at your pipes and ensure they have some sort of insulation around them. It’s unlikely that our weather gets cold enough to cause freezing pipes, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. HEAD OUTSIDE! Once you’ve winterized the inside of your home, it’s time to go outdoors. Disconnect your garden hose and clear out your gutters to free them from fall debris. If you really want to set yourself up for success, keep a snow shovel and a bag of salt near your walkway to clear snow and ice from your driveway once winter weather arrives.
As we get closer and closer to the end of the year, we must prepare for the inevitable arrival of cold winter weather. While we probably won’t get another snowmageddon like in 2014, there’s still a good chance for frigid temperatures and occasional snowfall. To ensure you and your family stay warm and protected all winter long, you should winterize your home. If you’re not sure what that looks like, we’ve got you covered. Here, you’ll find three actions you should take over the next few weeks to help keep your home warm and cozy. DOUBLE-CHECK THE HEATING ELEMENTS OF YOUR HOME. Heat and hot water are necessities to comfortably survive those long, cold winter nights. Before the freeze sets in, check your devices and appliances to ensure they are still in tip-top condition. Test your water heater and thermostat to ensure both are working properly. Look at your air filter and vents to make sure they are clean. Filters packed with debris harm air quality and weaken your furnace’s efforts. You should also check that your ceiling fans rotate clockwise, pushing warm air down into the room.
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