Handy Man Fix Home Repair

If you need to install new locks on your doors, there’s no need to call in a locksmith if you’ve got some basic DIY experience and you’re pretty handy. Today’s locks make it very easy to change them out and you won’t need many tools to get the job done. You will need:

• a screwdriver
• hammer
• chisel
• sandpaper
• drill
• in some cases, some adhesive.

Let’s get started! First, you’ll need to remove the old lock system. If it’s corroded, this can be pretty tough. If you can’t get it to come out of the door, try some WD40 to loosen it up. You may have to crank on those screws, but make sure that you don’t strip the heads or you’ll have a terrible time trying to get the lock out. Completely remove the lock mechanism and the plate that goes over the jamb.

Now, you’re going to need to measure the receptacle for the lock in your door jamb. If you’re using a similar lock, there shouldn’t be a problem in getting the tongue of the lock to fit into your door jamb. However, in some cases, you may need to widen the area. If the size difference is minimal, sandpaper will usually work to help create a better fit. If there is a big difference, slowly and carefully use your hammer and chisel to widen the area gradually. Don’t get too carried away or you’ll damage your door.

Once you’re sure that the tongue of your new lock will fit into the door jamb, you’re ready to get started. Separate the new lock into two pieces and insert the locking side first. Your door should already be sized to accept it. If not, you’ll need to change the shape of the hole with either sandpaper or a special saw. If you’re not comfortable with wood work, you’ll need to get someone else to widen this hole for you.

Attach the locking side to the door, making sure that it will line up perfectly with the second half before finishing. Now, get the second half of the lock and put it on the outside of the door. Place the two sides together and finish attaching them. Most new locks will come with instructions on how to accomplish this, so make sure you save them.

After this is done, you can install the new jamb plate and test the lock. It’s best to do this from the inside so you don’t get locked out if something goes wrong. We recommend fully testing the lock and the keys before you install it to cut down on any problems. It’s well worth the extra effort and you’ll keep from getting locked out. Although most prepackaged lock sets should be perfectly calibrated, there is always a chance that something might be a little off. Test it beforehand and you’ll have smooth sailing all the way. Make a copy of the key to put in a safe place and go relax - you just installed a new lock successfully!

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There is nothing quite like sitting on your porch during a relaxing evening after dinner. Especially if you’re trying to dodge mosquitoes and other nasty little insects. While you may not be able to completely get rid of these insects, there is a way to easily create your own screened in porch and you don’t even need a lot of experience. Most anyone can do this, and it’s well worth the time and effort.

Before you get started, you’re going to need some tools and materials. First, you’ll need enough screening material to completely screen in the porch. Get your square foot measurements and go to your local hardware store for the material. While you’re there it’s also helpful to pick up a utility knife for trimming the screening material.

You’ll Need:

• screening
• framing wood
• chalk
• utility knife
• nails
• hammer
• level

Mark off the area that you want to screen in with your chalk. Try to draw as straight of a line as possible since you will be using this as your guide for your new screens. If your porch already has a roof, you’re already half way done. If not, you’re going to have to add one. Unless you have experience roofing, it is a good idea to call a professional to have this done. This is the only step that requires any professional assistance however.

Once your roof is up, you can begin adding your framing wood. Attach the wood at the top and bottom using screws for a secure fit. Make sure you use that level to plumb and level each piece while you’re at it. Your boards should be placed about four feet apart, or at the most, six feet. When you have the whole perimeter of your porch framed in, you’ll be able to start adding your screening material. Don’t forget you should have a door leading outside for your porch, to make it safe. Frame this in and either make your own screen door, or purchase one from the hardware store.

Cut the material to fit your frames and make sure the edges are nice and neat. You can use the utility knife to get a good, clean edge. Keep in mind you may need to go over it again once it’s installed to clear up any rough edges. Nail in the screening material to the frames, taking special care to avoid any gaps. If you do have an area that has gaps, take some thread that matches the screening material and sew the two pieces together. This is an easy fix that gets quick results.

Once your screening material is in, you’ll want to clean up the rough edges and make sure that everything is secure. You can now sit back and enjoy your time outside without having to swat at bugs. This is an easy project that shouldn’t take more than a weekend to complete if you have basic DIY experience.

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Replacing your windows can bring numerous benefits to your home. Not only will they look nicer and add value to your property, but you can also gain significant energy savings. Most new windows are now heat and cold efficient and will greatly reduce the amount of drafts coming in as well as UV rays. If you’re ready to get started, you’ll need to get some tools together first. You’ll need the following: crowbar (to remove old window), power sander or rough grade sandpaper, screwdrivers of varying sizes, pliers (just in case), gloves, insulation (either blow in or standard), clamps, wood shims, paint, plastic sheeting and either screws or wood glue depending on how your new windows will be installed.

IMPORTANT: Always measure your windows and casings before you attempt to replace one. It is a lot easier to take care of size issues before you’re left with a big hole in the wall. Take the time to make sure that everything lines up BEFORE you do any replacements. Also - it is a good idea to make sure that the area where you will be working has the electricity turned off. This is very important - you could accidentally cut a wire while you are removing the old window. No one enjoys being electrocuted! Take the time to be safe and take the right precautions.

Before you can install the new windows, you’re going to have to remove the old ones. First, you’ll need to remove the window itself, taking special care not to break the glass. Remove it and place it aside in a safe place. Now, you’re most likely going to need to remove the window casing so that your new window will fit properly. Either unscrew or use that crowbar to pry it apart. You should be left with an empty hole. Sand the edges down to make sure the new casing will fit.

Now that you’ve prepped the wall, you can insert the new casing. You will most likely need to refer to the installation instructions that came with your new window, since most are different. Generally however, you’ll need to attach the new casing with either screws or wood glue. If using glue, make sure that you also clamp the casing and give it time to dry before installing the window. If necessary, use the plastic sheeting to block the hole until the glue is dry.

It is a good idea to fill any gaps with insulation. If the gaps are large, you can use regular insulation, but most people prefer the spray type that comes in a can. It will expand after you blow it into the holes, so don’t use too much. Cut off any excess after it is dry and sand the area down. You may need to further cover this with wood if the gap is large. If not, you can paint over the area to match your walls or your home’s exterior.

Once your casing is ready, you can begin installing the new window. Most will slip into the grooves that are on the casing, but it may take a little time to line everything up. Remember, be gentle and never force the window into the casing. You risk breaking the glass and having to start all over again. After the new window is installed, make sure it works properly and you’re all set.

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Warped flooring is a major problem for many homeowners. First, it is typically caused by water damage, and can be indicative of a major leak, but it can also be caused by excessive wear, poor original materials or even chance. Warped floors are a bit of a hazard around the house and should be fixed as soon as possible. Let’s go over a few easy ways that you can get this job done.

Small Warps

These are tiny little warps that are usually barely noticeable. Commonly, if you found a leak in time, or are paying attention, you can spot this type of warp while it is still small and easy to fix. If the average area is less than six inches in diameter, and the boards affected are not numerous, you can try a very easy fix.

Get a cinderblock, or something similar that is very heavy. Wet the area where the warping occurred slightly and then place your heavy object over the warp. Give it a few days and check to see if the warp is gone. If you are using something heavy enough and the floor is still pliable, chances are your warp will be gone. This is a great fix if you are on a budget.

Medium to Large Warps

This is a little more serious and may require spot fixing. In a perfect world, only one flooring board will be warped, but often, it will usually effect more than one. Locate the area where the warping occurred and if necessary, fix the problem that caused it in the first place. Locate replacement boards that are the exact size and length of your existing flooring.

Take up the existing boards and if necessary, fix any underlying problems that may have been caused by a water leak. Get your replacement boards and lay them down, lining them up carefully. Using the appropriate sized screws, attach them to the floor joists one by one until the area has been completely fixed. You may need to either paint or stain them to match your other flooring.

Massive Warps

This is a serious issue, and may require the help of a professional. Massive warping is usually caused either by extreme neglect, bad water damage or age. This will typically require replacing the entire floor, especially if numerous boards are affected. Locate any boards that may be saved, but check them for structural integrity. It is best to err on the side of caution when dealing with massive floor warps since it may be an indication that the wood is rotten.

Rip out the flooring. If you are replacing the entire floor, you have some options as to what materials you will use for the replacement, either new wooden floors, or a subfloor with carpeting. Fix any underlying damage and then install your new flooring option. Again, you may need to either paint or stain it to match, depending on how much of the original floor you were able to keep.

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Interior doors are usually not made of the best materials, and even the nicest homes may have simple hollow core doors. Since these doors are in high use areas, they can frequently have issues, such as hinge wear, and even in many cases, holes where something fell against it. If your interior doors have seen better days, it’s time to get cracking and get them fixed.

First, let’s tackle the issue of hinges. It is a good idea to inspect all interior door hinges every year. Try picking a holiday like Memorial or Labor Day to make it easy to remember. They should be properly oiled during this time and you should check to make sure that all of the screws are present, tightened and that the hinges are not coming apart.

If you notice a few hinges that are loose, you’ll need to get an appropriate screwdriver and tighten them in. It may be necessary to get some help to make sure that this is done properly. Have a friend or family member push the door up and in until the hinge is flush with the wall. Tighten the screw and then ask them to release the door. This is the easiest way to make sure that a hinge is properly tightened.

For high traffic areas, wood stress is very common, especially in older homes. This occurs when a door is opened to swiftly or too hard, and over time, the wood starts to give way. After awhile, the hinge no longer has a strong anchor and it may come loose. You may need to rehang a door, especially if the wood is severely damaged. For a quick fix, insert a shim that is thicker than the screws for the hinge. You’ll need to attach this to the area where the wood is rotting, and then attach the hinge to the shim. It may be necessary to cut into the door jam to get the shim and the hinge to sit flush.

For interior doors that are starting to show signs of wear and tear, a good cleaning is essential. Start with Murphy’s Oil or a similar wood cleaning product and carefully scrub away any dirt and grime that is present. If the wood is not too old, the soap and oil should restore the former shine. You can also take some olive oil on a rag to restore wooden doors.

However, if this does not help, you will need to take the door down, sand it down completely and either paint it or re-stain it. This doesn’t take too long, and can really bring a lot of life back to an old door.

For interior doors with holes or cracking, the best solution is a replacement. The integrity of the door has been compromised, and there is no point in patching it up. When you purchase a new interior door, consider getting one that has a solid core. Although they are more expensive, they will usually last much longer, especially in high traffic areas.

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Broken or loose stairs are not only unsightly, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. Repairing stairs doesn’t have to be difficult and unless they need a total replacement, you should be able to take care of it with just some basic tools.

To get started, you’ll need to have some nails, screws, a ladder, a hammer, screwdrivers, and a level. It is vital to make sure that your repairs are sound and a level is a very essential tool for this.

For a creaky stair or one that is a little lose, you’ll need to head into the well of the stairway. From there, you will be able to pinpoint the exact problem. Grab your ladder and locate the stair that is causing the problem. There should be a bracket with some screws under each step. Try tightening these screws to see if that doesn’t fix the problem. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to go through all of the brackets to make sure that they are secure.

Nine times out of ten, this will fix your stair problem and it takes only a few minutes to complete. But what if there is a more serious problem at work? In this situation, the wood of the stair may actually be degraded. If you have carpeting, you’ll need to pull it up to take care of this issue. It’s best to start at the bottom and take up the carpet over each step. It’s a little labor intensive, but your only other option is to cut out the area of carpet over the problem step and this only leads to further repair issues.

Once you have the carpet removed and the backing, you’ll be able to see what you are working with. Remember that your safety needs to come first. Avoid walking on any steps that are structurally damaged. Locate the area of wood that needs to be replaced. Most modern steps will be made with a flat board that is secured on top of the sides. You may need to go back into the well to remove the bracket, of if the wood is just nailed on top of the side boards, you can simply remove it.

Now, you’ll need to replace that board. It’s best to do a complete replacement of a bad step, instead of just placing a shim in there. Once you have the wood completely out, measure it and cut a brand new step. You’ll need to make sure that your measurements are exact and that the wood you are using will hold up to daily traffic. Never skimp on quality when you are dealing with steps.

Go back and replace the new board, making sure that it is completely secure and attached. Now, you’ll need to replace the carpet again, but your reward will be a staircase that is no longer dangerous, noisy or falling down. If you have a serious issue with your stairs, it may be best to call a professional, especially if the entire structure is starting to show signs of wood rot or complete disintegration.

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Installing new kitchen cabinets is a great way to give an old kitchen a facelift. In addition to being more useful, new kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and make it look a lot nicer. Before we get started, let’s make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for this project. You’ll need the following tools:

• a level
• a hacksaw (just in case)
• screwdrivers of various sizes
• plenty of screws
• wood glue (in some cases)
• a sander or rough grade sandpaper
• vise grips
• a crowbar
• measuring tape
• a sledgehammer
• a power drill

Before you can install your new cabinets, you’re going to have to rip out the old ones. This can actually be quite fun and it’s a great way to get out some frustrations. Remove everything in the cabinets, and then take off the doors. If they are screwed into the wall, carefully remove the screws. If you are working with big cabinets, it’s really helpful to have someone else on hand to help take it down from the wall. If not, make sure you have some way to catch those cabinets if they should come down when you are unscrewing them.

If you cannot remove the old cabinets easily, you may need to use that crowbar. Place the end of the bar behind the cabinets and lever outwards. It may take a few tries. If worse comes to worse, grab a sledgehammer and start pounding. Completely remove all the wood and any fittings for the old cabinetry before proceeding. If the wall looks a bit rough, you may want to sand it down to make sure that your new cabinets will sit flush.

Now that you have completely removed the old cabinetry, you’re ready to get started with the new. Place them where you think they should go and then get out your level to make sure that they are even. Using your measuring tape so that you have the exact measurements before you start drilling. It is a lot easier to fix something during this stage than it is to try to fix crooked cabinets.

Take your time and make sure that everything is level. Once you’re satisfied, you can start drilling. If your cabinetry came with any special installation instructions, please refer to these now. For your screws, you’re going to want to make sure that they are rated to hold the weight of the cabinets. Most people prefer to countersink their screws for safety. Line up where you will need to drill and create holes in both the cabinetry and the wall to make it easier.

Then, attach your screws, countersinking if necessary and assemble your cabinetry. The whole process should take only a few hours, and less if you have help. There are several schools of thought if you’re working with unfinished cabinetry. Many people prefer to sand, stain and varnish before installing. Others prefer to do this later, or sand and stain, then varnish after they’re installed. It’s up to you, but keep in mind that installation can cause nicks in your varnish.

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Window boxes add charm to any home and they are so easy to install that anyone can do it. You’re going to need to get a few things together before you get started. Your tools will include:

• window box
• brackets
• a level that is longer than the window box you are installing
• a power drill
• a screwdriver
• a measuring
• some extra screws just in case

You’ll also need to have your window box and its brackets. Remember, never install a window box that has soil in it. It’s far too heavy and unwieldy. Add that soil AFTER you’re done.

Ok, let’s get going. First, you’re going to need to measure the window where you want to put the box. If you have double hung or normal windows, make a mark about an inch below the sill. If you have windows that open outwards, make a mark around six to eight inches below the sill. Please note that the height of your window box may vary. Allow enough space for your window to open. Measure out the width of your window box and make a second mark below your sill that is the appropriate amount of space under your window.

Now, take your first bracket and line it up evenly. Use that level to make sure that the bracket is plump. (turn the level so that it is facing up and down instead of sideways.) Put the bracket back down and drill the hole into your house first. Now, put the bracket back up and put in the screw. It will bite down into the material under the siding or facing, don’t worry. Check to make sure it’s plumb and add in the remaining screws for the bracket.

Now, grab your second bracket and place it over your second mark. Make sure it’s plumb first, and then turn the level on its side to make sure that both brackets are level. Repeat the above process to attach it to your house. Check one more time to make sure that everything is level before proceeding. It is important to make sure that you are using screws that are rated to carry the weight of your window box.

Once both brackets are in place, take your window box and place it on the brackets. Now, run in the house and open the window. You should not have any trouble opening it. If you do, lower the brackets before proceeding. This makes it a lot easier than testing after you’ve attached the box. Go back outside and make sure that the window box is level.

Attach the box to the brackets and you’re almost done. If you need to paint or stain the window box to fix any holes, do so now. It’s probably best to make sure that most of the staining or painting is done before you hang the box to avoid painting your house by mistake. Fill the box with soil, plant your flowers and you are done!

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