11 Easy Home Fix-it Tips You Can Use Today

Whether or not you're handy, there comes a time when you will need to make minor repairs in your home. Here are 11 easy fix-it and preventive tips for common problems.

1. If you have a loose screw in drywall or wood, create a tight fit by removing the screw and inserting one or more toothpicks into the hole. Break off the toothpicks at the surface and replace the screw. Voila! You'll have a tight fit.
2. Prevent putting extra holes in the wall when hanging a group of photos or artwork by first cutting templates out of craft or butcher paper to the dimensions of each piece. Then tape the templates to the wall and rearrange them until you are pleased with the composition. Finally, hang the pieces.
3. When you're hanging a picture on a plaster wall put a small "X" of cellophane tape over the spot where you will drive the nail in order to prevent cracking.
4. When renovating your home, purchase more than enough fabric, tile, carpet, or paint in case you will need to repair stains or cracks in the future.
5. Before using a screwdriver, rub the tip with chalk to prevent it from slipping out of the grooves. It really works!
6. When you're replacing a shower stall, consider using one of the new mineral resistant glass varieties, which will help keep calcium spots and lime scale at bay.
7. Avoid white when choosing a grout color. Shades of beige and grey will help disguise any future staining.
8. To fix a sticky drawer, blow it with your hairdryer for a few minutes to eliminate excess moisture. After the drawer slides easily, coat the runners with paste wax to keep it sliding.
9. If you live near the coast, and have unfinished brass on the outside of your home, prevent tarnishing by lightly buffing the brass monthly with petroleum jelly.
10. To keep a matched set of linens together, fold the top and bottom sheet and one pillowcase, then slip the three into a second pillowcase. If you have an extra set of pillowcases, lay them on top of each other and fold them together.
11. Fix a cracked dish by filling a small tub with about six inches of sand and putting the broken dish in it. The sand will hold the broken piece firmly in place while you make the repair. Wipe the area that will need glue with a soft paint brush to get rid of dust or dirt. Evenly apply a thin coat of epoxy blue to all exposed surfaces, and secure the two pieces firmly together. Use masking tape or rubber bands to gently secure the repair. Let the glue dry and the dish will be as good as new!

These easy-to-use fix-it solutions will make you feel like you're the handiest person on your block!

James Charles is an award-winning interior designer who can professionally design your homeand save you thousands of dollars at http://www.designerathome.com

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