10 easy home repairs to finally knock off your to-do list

1. Replace a faucet: Gussy up your sink with a

fresh new faucet. Be sure to choose one that

has the same configuration as your old one

(i.e., matches the holes in your sink), and

disconnect the water line before you start.

Here’s a step-by-step. Tool needed: Wrench.

 

2. Update your shower head: If your shower

spouts a disappointing drizzle, replace the

shower head. Whether you go with a rainfall

model or a plain-Jane one, you can swap it out

in minutes, no plumber needed. Tools

needed: Pliers, adjustable wrench.

 

3. Repair your toilet: That running toilet can

waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. You

may just need to trim or untangle the flush

handle chain, or replace the flapper. Tools

needed: Pliers, cutting pliers.

 

4. Update cabinet hardware: Spice up your

kitchen or bath with new pulls and handles.

Be sure to pick new hardware that fits into

the holes the old hardware did. Tool needed:

Screwdriver.

5. Hang a picture: The rule of thumb is to

hang the art so the center of the piece is

about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. You can

eyeball a small picture, but you’ll need to

measure a bigger one. Tools needed:

Hammer, tape measure, level.

6. Replace a blind: That broken blind is

making your room look shabby. If you pick a

new one that fits into the brackets of the old

one, replacing it will be an easy-peasy job.

Tools needed: Screwdriver, tape measure.

7. Change your car battery: Car batteries age

and die, so at some point you’ll need a new

one. Putting it in yourself is basic adulting. Be

sure to wear gloves, and take your old

battery to a recycling center because it’s too

toxic to put in the trash. Tools needed:

Adjustable wrench or socket wrench.

 

8. Replace a light switch: Upgrade to a smart

switch you can turn on with your voice or

your smartphone. Cut the power to the

switch at the breaker box, take the old switch

off the wall and disconnect the wires. Wire

the new switch in. Tools needed: Screwdriver,

pliers.

9. Swap out a light fixture: Dress up your

room with a fresh light fixture. Replacing an

existing one is easy: turn off the power at the

breaker box, remove and disconnect the old

fixture, then wire in the new one. Tools

needed: Screwdriver, needle-nose pliers.

 

10. Install a new front door lock: Upgrade to a

 keyless lock, and you can unlock the door by

punching in a four-digit number. Because

house keys are so 20th Century. Tool needed:

Screwdriver.

courtesty of walmart:  walmart.com/ideas/improving