Ten Summer DIY Projects for the Home

Summer is the perfect time to embark on some DIY projects that can transform your home and make it more inviting. Here are ten simple projects that will give your house a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

1. Repaint Your Front Door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Choose a bold color that complements your home’s exterior. Clean the door, sand it down, apply a primer, and then paint. It's a quick weekend project that makes a big impact.

2. Add Outdoor Lighting

Enhance your outdoor space with new lighting. Solar-powered lights are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. Place them along pathways, around the garden, or on the patio to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in the evenings.

3. Create a Garden Path

A well-defined garden path can add structure and beauty to your yard. Use stepping stones, gravel, or pavers to create a simple path. Lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds, then arrange your chosen materials. This project is both functional and decorative.

4. Build a Simple Outdoor Bench

An outdoor bench provides a perfect spot to relax. Using wooden boards, screws, and wood glue, you can build a sturdy bench. Sand it smooth and apply a weather-resistant stain or paint. Place it in your garden or on your porch for added charm.

5. Install Window Boxes

Window boxes filled with colorful flowers can brighten up the exterior of your home. Purchase or build wooden boxes, attach them securely under your windows, and fill them with your favorite summer blooms. It’s a simple way to add a touch of nature to your house.

6. Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture

Give your outdoor furniture a makeover with a fresh coat of paint or new cushions. Clean and sand the furniture, then apply a suitable outdoor paint. For a quick refresh, buy new cushions or recover existing ones with weather-resistant fabric.

7. Update Kitchen Hardware

Swapping out old cabinet handles and drawer pulls for new ones can modernize your kitchen. Choose a style that matches your decor, unscrew the old hardware, and install the new pieces. It’s an inexpensive update that makes a big difference.

8. Create a Vertical Garden

If you’re short on space, a vertical garden is a great solution. Use a wooden pallet, wall-mounted planters, or hanging pots to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents. Attach the structure to a sunny wall and enjoy your new green space.

9. Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall can add a pop of color to any room. Choose a wall that acts as a focal point, select a vibrant paint color, and get to work. This project can be completed in a day and will give your room a fresh, new look.

10. Install New Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can significantly enhance your home’s interior. Replace outdated fixtures with modern designs that match your decor. Make sure to turn off the electricity before starting, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

These ten DIY projects are perfect for giving your house a facelift this summer. They are simple enough to be completed over a weekend and will make your home more beautiful and enjoyable. So grab your tools, get creative, and transform your living space with these easy updates.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

What To Think About With Mulch

If you’ve been holding off on spreading mulch in your yard, you made the right decision. While it’s tempting to build a solid landscaping foundation early in the season, this week’s pollen dump made it tough to do the job. Luckily, most of the early blooms have now fallen which makes it the perfect time to start tidying up. 

Mulch might seem like an aesthetic gardening step, but it actually has a lot of benefits. Most homeowners use mulch to cover bare soil in flower beds, around trees, and in any grassless areas that are susceptible to weeds. Mulch acts as a protectant; it keeps the soil warm and moist while keeping unwanted growth at bay. Most mulch options are made from organic materials such as wood and bark, so natural nutrients are absorbed into the ground. Plus, mulch really makes a yard look neat and well-looked after. So if you’re sold on the benefits, let’s talk about the options because all are not created equal. 

Wood 

The most popular mulch is chipped wood or shredded bark which you can get from a landscaping store, lumberyard, or even for free if your town has public compost. Wood mulch is highly customizable both in color and size. Bigger chips give the ground more breathing room but they move around a bit more, while shredded materials stay put slightly better. In terms of color, you can always go natural or choose red, brown, or black mulch to match your home aesthetic. Mulch is colored using a vegetable dye which might temporarily stain any paths, walkways, or your hands. Don’t worry, it’s nothing a good 20-second scrub or a rainstorm won’t take care of.

Stone

If the area that you’re mulching is on a slope, I recommend going with pea gravel instead of wood mulch. Pea gravel is heavier and will stay put in high drainage areas much better than wood. There is such a thing as too much moisture and if an area tends to be wet, wood mulch can get moldy. Stone will allow the water to pass through easier without retaining excess moisture.

Straw

If you want to protect a newly seeded area of your lawn, straw is a great option. Not to be confused with hay which can germinate and produce weeds, straw will help grass seed from washing away and it deters birds and mice from a feast. It also naturally decomposes so there is no clean-up, but remember, this option is only for temporary use.

Regardless of what you use, I always recommend weeding your beds and staking landscaper’s fabric around existing trees and shrubs before you mulch. This is the best defense against weeds and it lasts for years so you don’t have to worry about doing it every spring. Whatever you do, don’t use plastic unless you don’t want anything at all to grow. Unlike fabric, plastic will cut off any oxygen to the area, effectively making it a dead zone for all plants, shrubs, and trees. Also, don’t be shy while you’re spreading. Weeds are strong and won’t be deterred by a thin layer. Go for a base of four or so inches to keep them from popping through. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five DIY Home Improvement Projects for Summer

If you’re looking for a few easy ways to give your house a facelift this summer, there are several projects that can make a big difference on a relatively small budget. Warmer weather generally makes these kinds of jobs easier so it’s a good idea to start planning now. Here are five of my favorite DIY improvements. 

1. Exterior Refresh: Refreshing the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint can make a significant difference in its appearance. Of course, painting the entire house isn’t exactly an easy job and will depend on the house's condition and the homeowner’s skill and experience. A front door spruce-up or shutter refresh can be a great place to start as well as a powerwash of the entire exterior.

2. Landscaping and Garden Improvements: Take advantage of the warm weather to spruce up your yard and garden. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, weed the flower beds, and plant new flowers or shrubs to add color and vibrancy. Installing a simple DIY pathway using gravel, stepping stones, or mulch can also enhance the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

3. Outdoor Lighting: Upgrade your outdoor lighting to create a welcoming ambiance and improve safety. Install solar-powered lights along pathways, around the porch, or in the garden. You can also consider string lights or lanterns to add a cozy and festive touch to your outdoor living areas.

4. Kitchen Backsplash: Adding or updating a backsplash in your kitchen can instantly transform the area. If you have a smaller space, visit a local tile outlet center to score a great deal on leftovers from a bigger job. This renovation can give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without breaking the bank.

5. Bathroom Updates: Refreshing your bathroom doesn't have to be expensive. Consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, or cabinet hardware to give the space a modern touch. Re-caulking the bathtub or shower, adding a new shower curtain, and installing a fresh mirror can also make a significant difference.

Remember, even though these renovations are relatively inexpensive, it's important to set a budget and plan accordingly. DIY projects can save money, but it's essential to have the necessary skills and tools for the task at hand. Also, if you’re making improvements to put a home on the market, be sure to stick with neutral colors and patterns. Bold, bright, and busy tend to turn people off if they don’t have your same tastes and preferences. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.