Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement can be much easier and less expensive than most people think. While a great home warranty can cover the more expensive appliance replacements and upgrades, you may be asking yourself, “What can I do to help my home stay beautiful without breaking the bank or my back?” Here are four projects to help get you started.

1. Replacing sealant around a bathtub

You may not be ready to remodel your bathroom by yourself, but keeping your tub and shower clean and good repair are two things you can do to keep it in top condition. Since bathrooms are infamous for generating mold and mildew, it’s essential that your bathtub sealant is clean and mildew-free. Replacing your caulking is very easy and will make your tub and surrounding tile appear brand new.

What you’ll need:

• Painter’s tape

• Flathead screwdriver

• Tub and tile cleaner

• Sealant gun

• Rag

• Scissors

• Rubber gloves

First, clean your tub and tile and let both areas dry. Proceed with removing the old sealant. Attach the painter’s tape above and below the joint to prevent scratching. Use the screwdriver to pry loose the sealant from around the tub and clean the area completely with a rag. Once the old sealant has been removed, start at one end of the tub and apply the silicone along the joint where the tub meets the wall in an even line. Remove the tape and wipe away any stray caulking.  

2. Replacing a toilet seat

Since the seat is often the part of the toilet that receives the most wear and tear, regularly replacing the seat can make your toilet appear almost brand new.  

What you’ll need:

• New toilet seat package with nuts, bolts, and screws

• Wrench

• Bathroom cleaning supplies

• Screwdriver

Before purchasing your new toilet seat, measure your current seat and determine whether it’s a standard (round) or elongated seat. Remove the old toilet seat by disassembling the old nuts and bolts. Clean the area thoroughly and remove your newly purchased seat from its package and use the directions and materials included to install the new seat.  

3. Rewiring a lamp

Great lighting is key to making your home more attractive. If you have an old lamp that has suddenly stopped working, it may be time to rewire it. While many home improvement projects involving electricity can be intimidating, rewiring a lamp is a good project for those without a lot of experience.

What you’ll need:

• Wire cutters

• Lamp rewiring kit (containing socket, cord, and plug)

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

Start by making sure the lamp is not plugged in. Remove the shade, unscrew the bulb, and separate the shell and cardboard insulator from the socket cap using the screwdriver. Unscrew the socket to free the wires and cut them. Feed new cord from the kit through the hole in the bottom of the lamp and attach the new socket. Note: you will have to split and peel back the insulation about ¾ of an inch on the wire to reveal the two new wire conductors.

Split about three inches of separated conductors and then twist the strands together. You will need to connect your wires to the terminal on the socket by loosening the screws and wrapping the wires around them. Snip off any excess wiring and tighten the screws.  Attach the insulator and socket sleeve and snap into place.

4. Installing new door knobs

Upgrading your doorknobs is a simple home improvement project that helps create a more cohesive look.

What you’ll need:

• Power drill

• Flat-head screwdriver

• Door-handle set with hardware

Start by removing the old doorknob from the door. Take the doorknob with you when you go to the hardware store to determine what type of door knob you’ll need. Once you’ve removed the doorknob, latch, and strike plate, measure the distance from the center of the hole in the door to the edge of the door (this is also known as the backset and is typically set at 2 ⅜ inches or 2 ¾ inches). You will also need to note which side of the door the locking mechanism is on because doorknobs are not reversible. Align the doorknobs on either side of the latch and attach the knob with the screws and hardware provided in the packaging.

While bigger renovation and remodeling projects are often impressive, attention to the small details of a home shows the difference between homeowners who are just trying to sell and the homeowners who have truly put their heart and soul into a home. Small home improvement projects can add just as much value to your home as any major renovation and reveal character and sophistication, all while keeping costs down and persistent maintenance up.