5 DIY jobs to try this weekend
Doing it yourself and getting your hands dirty are time-honoured traditions for Aussies. Embrace your inner handyman (or woman!) with these five DIY jobs around the house.
There’s something extremely satisfying about rolling up your sleeves and putting in some good-old-fashioned elbow grease.
But first, check your insurance to see what's covered
If you have AAMI’s Accidental Damage at Home optional cover for an extra premium, you may be covered if you accidentally spill paint on a rug – or damage your belongings in any other way – while working on a small DIY project. Read the PDS for more info on limits, terms and conditions.
Now, here's our list of easy DIY jobs to try over the weekend.
Create your own herb garden
Tired of having to buy fresh herbs? It might be time to start growing your own! There are some fantastic ideas out there for DIY herb gardens, including this ingenious idea for creating a vertical three-tier planter out of a wooden pallet. All you need is a pallet, hammer and nails to get to work. Use blackboard paint on your pallet so you can label and relabel your herbs according to what’s growing. Hot tip: Mount your vertical garden to the wall to prevent tipping.
Cap off your couch
You’ll never lose the remote or spill tea on your couch again with this handy hack – a homemade wooden sofa-arm table. A great alternative to a coffee table, this nifty table offers a good amount of storage. All you need to get started is a measuring tape, some timber, glue, hammer and nails. When measuring your sofa arm, make sure you add a little extra space — no more than 5mm — so your sofa arm table isn’t too loose or too snug. This comprehensive step-by-step guide from Bunnings will set you on the right path. Hot tip: Putty and sand over the nails then paint for a picture-perfect finish.
Put up picture rails
Ever been envious of people who are able to add pictures to their walls in any way they please? DIY picture rails could be the solution you’re after. These beauties aren’t just practical additions — they also add a little architectural interest to your space. You can find pre-prepared picture rails at your local hardware store, meaning all you’ll need to do is cut them to length and then mount them wherever you please. Hot tip: This project involves a little more DIY know-how, so get help if you need it.
Makeover your furniture
Have some tired old timber chairs in desperate need of a makeover? Give your old wooden furniture – from bar stools to tables, drawers and desks – a stylish new look by repainting. Think about your décor style before picking a new hue. Love the French provincial look? Try a white chalk paint you can sand down to achieve a beautiful, weathered look. Think bolder is better? Eye-popping shades of green, yellow or blue might be right up your alley.
Another option is to simply restain your wooden furniture for a more natural look. Before you get started, read this guide from Country Living magazine on common mistakes to avoid. Hot tip: Want a kitchen makeover without the hefty price tag? Try repainting your cupboards!
Change the door knobs
It sounds simple, but replacing old door handles with shiny new ones can bring a whole new look to your home. Before you get started, think about the kind of handles you want to install. Are you looking to add some art deco charm with vintage-style knobs and handles, or would you like a more modern look? Hot tip: Locks and handles fit together in different ways, so read the instructions.
If you work hard on your home you’ll want to ensure it’s looked after properly. Luckily, at AAMI we offer top-notch home building and home contents insurance.
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