Ten DIY Home Repair Projects My Wife Will Love
Repair Project 1 – Install Chair Railing in Dining Room
As the dining room is the central collection point for all family get-togethers it is used quite often. While chair railing never seemed that important when most of family consisted of adults the addition of grandchildren has added a sense of urgency to this project, if for other reason than to save our walls from scuff marks and dents. estimated cost of parts – $75.00.
To complete this project I purchased pre-primed chair railing of my wife’s choice (but, unknown to her while she was visiting her Mom in another state) in ten- foot long sections. After measuring the proper distance from the floor casing I measured and cut the railings to length, using a miter box and backsaw to cut 45-degree angles at the corners. Railings were nailed into place after using a stud finder to locate studs. Once in place the new chair railing (already primed) was painted a high gloss white.
On her return home my wife was thrilled with the ‘new’ dining room, and immediately planned a family dinner!
Repair Project 2 – Install Ceiling Fan in Hallway
My wife has always expressed frustration with the lack of air circulation in our hallway.
Have purchased Harbor Breeze three-speed, reversal flow fan from Home Supply store. Plans are to remove current hall light fixture and add metal bracket for fan installation using lighting fixture wiring. Estimated cost of parts – $125.00
Repair Project 3 – Install Decorative Faucet in Bathroom
Following our joint attendance at a local Home Improvement Show my wife expressed embarrassment over our ‘antiquated’ faucets. Current faucets are original installations when house was built in 1970. Wife has selected Price-Pfeister Chrome faucet for replacement. Project will involve disconnecting old faucet and adding copper tubing to relocate the new model. Cost of parts $75.00
Repair Project 4 – Replace Exhaust Fan in Upstairs Bathroom
Current humidity exhaust fan is losing a bearing and is extremely noisy. We have for some unexplained reason put up with this progressively annoying condition. I plan to surprise my wife by purchasing a Newtone replacement fan motor for $17.00 at home supply store and installing while she attends her weekly book club meeting. Installation requires removing fan cover, removing old fan (4 screws) and mounting the replacement.
In spite of the easy installation I expect a rousing cheer of relief (from her!) once this is done.
Repair Project 5 – Replace Weathered Deck Boards
Current Deck is 15 years old. While it has been maintained with water sealant/protectant some boards have suffered water damage. Family get-togethers and deck cookouts with friends have been put on hiatus as my wife actually fears for her safety (an is embarrassed) by this ill state of repair. Replacement will require purchasing eight treated 2″ X 8″ X 10′ boards ($7.00 per board), removing the old installing the new.
Repair Project 6 – Install Light in Hall Closet
Current hall closet, used to hang guest’s coats, has no light, making it difficult to find and identify coats hung there. Wife has expressed frustration many times over the years and will surprised and pleased to find this project has been completed during my vacation week. Will add single light fixture and switch by tapping into outlet on the back side of the closet wall. Cost for light receptacle, switch and wiring is $16.00.
Repair Project 7 – Install Ground-Fault Outlet Outside of Garage
Currently there is no outside outlet in the area of the garage. My wife enjoys using electric powered hedge trimmers and an electric blower. At her request will install a ground outlet adjacent to the garage door. This will require cutting a hole in the siding for placement of the electrical box and running wire to the outlet on the other side of the wall. Cost for parts will be $19.75.
Repair Project 8 – Repair Dripping Faucet in Kitchen
Drip in the kitchen sink is getting progressively worse and like slow water torture is driving my wife crazy. Fortunately, this faucet is an older model that will make the repair as simple as shutting off the water supply to the faucet, removing the faucet handle and replacing the worn rubber washer. Cost for parts $0.75.
Repair Project 9 – Replace Two Deteriorated Bricks in Front Steps
Two bricks in front entrance steps are badly deteriorated and fast getting more so. Project will involve using steel chisel to remove mortar and broken bricks and replacing these with matching bricks using mortar mix purchased from home supply store. Project cost (excluding bricks which I have) $ 3.59.
Repair Project 10 – Replace Lighting Fixture in Kitchen
Current, original fixture consists of a simple, two-bulb, round, unadorned fixture. Not only is it unattractive (wife says, “ugly”) it does not produce sufficient light for our large kitchen. As a replacement my wife has selected an attractive 6 bulb florescent light fixture, which is not only more attractive in its’ faux-mahogany case, it also increases the effective light in the kitchen ten-fold. Replacement is relatively simple as the old fixture is dropped after removing 4 screws. New fixture requires installation of a simple mounting bracket and the basic wiring of a small transformer. Cost of project parts $85.95.
Half of the above ‘honey do’ projects will have been completed by the end of this month (August). The remainder will be completed before Labor Day.
For a little effort and an expenditure of under $400.00 I fully expect to have a happy wife who in all fairness has waited far too long for completion of these ten DYI projects she will love!
