How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Today I have a special tutorial for you! Have you ever fallen in love with cable railings but worried you couldn’t install them yourself? I have great news. You can learn How to Install Low Visibility Cable Railings from this tutorial!

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

(This tutorial is sponsored by Feeney. I approached them about working with me on this screen porch makeover because they had great reviews about their products.)

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

This is one makeover that has been in my head for almost two years. My much loved stepmom has a screen porch that needed a facelift. We started with a dark, dated and drab porch. All the porch surfaces were painted brown. The furniture had a monotone brown look. The only different color on the porch was from a very faded and dirty blue carpet that was glued to the porch floor. It was so dirty you could probably call it brown too!

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

In addition to an appearance upgrade, this screen porch needed a safety solution. This is the issue that has bugged me since my stepmom moved into her home. Can you spot it?

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

This side of the screen porch has always made me cringe. Can you see the problem from this angle?

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

There is a 10′ drop down from the screen porch. The only thing between this drop and people is a thin screen. For the record, this is not how you build a screen porch, it is not to code. There is supposed to be a railing on the lower sections.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

I finally convinced my stepmom to let me solve the problem. One requirement she had was it couldn’t block the view. Luckily I had the perfect solution. Feeney CableRail System!

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

They are sleek, modern and nearly disappear. Feeney’s CableRail system with their special easy-to-use Quick-Connect® cable fittings can be installed by any homeowner. Ready to learn How to Install Low Visibility Cable Railings? This tutorial is for installing the cable railings on an existing structure. Installing cable railings on stairs, new construction decks and other applications can be learned about from the Feeney’s website.

Let’s get to it.

Materials:
(contains affiliate links)

Instructions:

Cut a piece of painter’s tape to fit against the porch’s end supports where the Quick-Connect® fittings will be installed.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Find the vertical center. Mark 3″ increments along the painter’s tape.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Label the top of the tape for reference.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Mark 2″ on your 7/64″ drill bit with a piece of painter’s tape.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Drill holes at the marked locations into the porch supports. Stop when the painter’s tape flag meets the frame.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

When you finish drilling all the holes on one side, remove the marked painter’s tape and place it on the other end support. If the height differs, center it vertically.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

To drill through the center supports, switch to the 1/4″ drill bit and drill completely through the support.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Install the Lag Hanger Bolts:

The lag bolt installation tool makes installing the lag bolt a breeze. One word of caution: go slow and steady with this tool or you will risk getting it stuck on the lag bolt.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Place the lag bolt installation tool into the drill. Tighten the chuck.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Select the lag bolt you need for your application. If you are securing into a wood post directly you can use the shorter screw. If you are securing into a post that has a wrap or sleeve you have to use the 2 1/2″ lag screws.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Thread the lag bolt into the installation tool in your drill.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Slowly drive the lag bolt into the porch support. Stop when you reach the fine threads (exactly 1″ exposed.)

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Repeat until you’ve installed all the lag bolts into both end supports.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Squeeze a small amount of thread locking compound ONLY onto the lag bolts that will receive the Quick-Connect® Lag Fittings.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Turn the Feeney CableRail Quick-Connect® Lag Fitting onto the bolt until it stops against the wood.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Repeat until all the lag fittings are installed on one side of the porch.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

If you have a middle support, thread the cable through the support before connecting to the Quick-Connect® Lag Fittings. Locate the cable needle. Slip it onto the cable end.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Thread the needle through the center support post toward the lag fittings.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Once the needle and cable have passed through the support, remove the needle. Press the cable straight into the Quick-Connect® Lag Fitting. It should slide in smoothly. Don’t force it in.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

When the cable bottoms out, pull back to make sure it has locked into place.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Head to the opposite side of your porch. Thread the lock nuts onto the lag bolts until it touches the wood.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Thread the Quick-Connect® Lag Swivel Turnbuckle four full rotations onto the lag bolt.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

While pulling the cable tight use a Sharpie to mark the cable against the mark on the turnbuckle fitting.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Use the cable cutters to cut the cable at the mark.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Loosen the turnbuckle two full rotations.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Insert the cable into the turnbuckle fitting.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

If you make a mistake and need to remove a cable, don’t stress. Use the cable release tool.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Press the release tool into the connector.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

You might need to tap the connector lightly with a hammer to get the tool to release the cable (especially if you already tightened the cable.)

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Hand tighten the Quick-Connect® Swivel Turnbuckles. Use two wrenches to grasp the connectors at the notched ends. Hold the end with the cable steady and tighten the side closest to your post.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Follow the sequence for tightening as shown below:

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Once the cables are all fully tightened, turn the nut until it is secure against the connector.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Secure the nut against the fitting with your wrenches.

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

For more detailed installation instructions, watch this video for Installing Feeney CableRail System to a Wood Post with Sleeve or browse these Feeney video tutorials for more installation tips and help.

Ready to see the difference? Behold the scary, unsafe…

Before:

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

And the sleek, beautiful and safe…

After:
How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Another before:

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

And after:How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Don’t you love the look of Low Visibility Cable Railings? Now you can install them in your own home!

How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl

Want to see the full screen porch reveal, take a look here.

If you use any Feeney systems, be sure to share your photos with Feeney to be entered to win cash prizes! The next deadline is in November!

Enter Feeney Photo Contest

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Feeney Cable Rail. I was provided with materials and compensation for my time. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. As always I’m very particular about the brands I partner with. 

 

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Learn How to Install Low Visibility Cable Railings from this tutorial from Pretty Handy Girl! | #prettyhandygirl #DIY #homeimprovement

How to Replace Door Knobs and Deadbolts | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace Door Knobs and Deadbolts | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you want to learn how to replace the door knobs and deadbolts in your home? Do you have mismatched door hardware? Or do you have several different locks in your home but want to have them all match the same key? The solution to all these dilemmas lies in this tutorial. Before you think you need to hire a locksmith, you should know that this is definitely a project for the do-it-yourselfer. Ready to get started?

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Replace Door Knobs and Deadbolts

Before we begin, I have to tell you that this is a sponsored post for Schlage. I’ve had several door hardware companies approach me, but I’ve previously declined their offers because I chose to promote quality brands. When I install something in my home, it has to be top notch and high quality because I don’t have time to replace faulty products. When Schlage contacted me about replacing my knobs with one of their new finishes, I was excited to work with a brand that produces quality door hardware. However, I was skeptical of these new finishes. When it comes to fixtures in your home, it’s best to choose finishes that are timeless and classic. Case in point, we had no less than five different finishes and styles of door knobs in our house. All from different trends.

mis-matched-door-handles

I always wanted to have them match, but never got around to that project. In my mind, I wanted beautiful matte gold knobs, but I expected Schlage’s new finishes to be too trendy. When I spotted the satin brass finish, I knew I’d found a classic finish that would work in our home.

How to Replace Door Knobs and Deadbolts | Pretty Handy Girl

Especially because I already have brass hinges on most of our doors. I recently found this out by stripped the paint off our door hinges. (You can read about 4 Ways to Strip Paint Off Metal if you need to strip your own hinges.)

Let’s get started with an easy knob to replace, the dummy knob.

How to Replace a Dummy Door Knob:

One of the easiest knobs to replace is a dummy knob. A dummy knob is usually screwed directly into a door. Typically they are used for opening a closet door or other one way doors.

Locate the screws on your dummy knob. Remove the screws from the knob.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the knob.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Line up your new knob’s screw holes with the existing holes in the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Drive the screws into the door until the knob is flush against the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

If your screwdriver won’t fit, you can remove the knob by pressing a flat head screwdriver into the slot on the side of the knob. Simultaneously pull the knob off.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Set your screws into the door and then replace the knob. Enjoy your new beautiful satin brass knobs.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace a Standard Pass Through or Privacy Door Knob:

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Pass through and privacy knobs are essentially the same except the privacy knob has a push button or turn knob to lock the door for privacy. They are typically used in bedrooms or bathrooms. Be sure to install your lock on the correct side of the door (inside the bedroom or bathroom.) And make sure the knob is unlocked during installation.

You can watch this quick video or read on to learn how to replace your door knobs in 5 minutes or less.

Locate the screws on one side of the door knob (usually on the locking side of a privacy knob.) Unscrew the screws.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

When the screws are completely loosened, pull the knobs apart and out of the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the latch. (If your latch has a latch plate, remove the screws to remove the latch.)

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

If the latch is hard to pull out, push from the inside with your screwdriver.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Look at the new latch. If your door doesn’t accommodate the rectangular latch plate, you can remove it by prying it off with a flat head screwdriver inserted into the corners.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Pry up the plate and rotate 90 degrees to remove.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Slide the round latch plate cover over the latch.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Insert the latch into your door, making sure the curved side of the latch faces the door jamb.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Slide the door knob into the door and through the latch.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Be sure that the locking mechanism is on the correct side of the door (inside the bathroom or bedroom.) The spindle of the knob will fit through the latch.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Line up the other knob with the screw posts on the knob already inserted. Thread the screws through the knob to temporarily hold the knobs in place.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

To make the task of driving the screws easier, remove the knob. Press a flat head screwdriver into the slot on the side of the knob.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

At the same time, pull the knob off.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Drive the screws into the knob rose until the knob is snug on both sides.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Press the knob back on.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Test your new door knob and admire its beauty.

How to Replace a Deadbolts and Handlesets:

Replacing your deadbolt and front door handleset is just as simple as replacing the other door knobs in your home. The only difference is you usually need to replace both the deadbolt and the handleset.

When we moved into our home there were four different keyed locks to our house but we only had one key to one lock. As I started to get quotes from locksmiths, I nearly choked. Some were over $200 to replace two locks. This was not in our budget. Luckily I received a suggestion from a friend to take the locks to a local locksmith and have all the locks re-keyed to match (assuming they were the same brand.) I decided to replace all the inferior knobs with Schlage locks and have them all keyed to match our front door Schlage handleset. All I had to do was either bring the key with the new locks to the locksmith or bring the existing lock and new locks to the locksmith and have them make keys and match all the locks. I paid less than $60 to have this done. Buying new knobs was a separate expense.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace Deadbolts:

Begin by locating the screws on your deadbolt inside the home. Remove the screws using a drill or screwdriver.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Pull the deadbolt out of the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

If your deadbolt has a decorative rose, score the paint around the edges and gently remove it.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the screws from the latch plate.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Set the new latch and latch plate into the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Put the new deadbolt and decorative rose in place. Level the rose and the logo on the deadbolt.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Adjust the deadbolt and latch until they both fit flush and level in the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the interior side of the deadbolt to the exterior with provided screws. Your deadbolt should be snug, but don’t overly tighten the screws.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the latch plate with the provided screws.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace a Handleset:

Remove the screws from the latch plate.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the handle from the interior of the door by pressing a flathead screwdriver into the side of the handle.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the door knob by removing the screws from the door knob.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

To remove the handleset, use the flat head screw driver to pry off the screw cover.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Unscrew the handle screw using a drill or screwdriver.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Now you can wiggle and pull the handleset free from the door. Remove the latch. Insert the new latch into the door and attach with the provided screws.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Insert the new handleset through the latch. Adjust the handle screw to fit through the small hole in the door.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the door knob (as shown earlier) and attach by threading the screws through the screw posts on the door handle.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl
Replace the door knob by pressing the button in with the flat head screwdriver.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

And press the knob back in place.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the screw to the lower portion of the handleset.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Press the new screw cover over the screw.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

On the door jamb (or if you have double doors, the adjacent door) replace the strike plates.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Can I tell you how happy I am to have beautiful matching knobs in my home? They are all beautiful Schlage satin brass knobs. And, they look great with the existing brass hinges we have on all our doors.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

The satin brass finish looks updated, but not odd with the age of our home.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

I did have to change the kick plate for our side door to match the satin brass, but that was an easy install.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you feel ready to replace door knobs, handlesets and deadbolts in your home? I guarantee you can definitely accomplish this DIY job.

How to Replace Door Knobs | Pretty Handy Girl

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Schlage. I was provided complimentary hardware and was compensated for my time and efforts to promote Schlage. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. I am particular about the brands I represent and will always let you know when you are reading a sponsored post.

4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges (& more) | Pretty Handy Girl

4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges (& more) | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you find yourself in the unfortunately situation of having door hinges that have been painted over? I get your frustration. Almost every door hinge in our house has been painted over. Taping off a hinge when you paint a door is not hard to do. You can purchase pre-cut painter’s tape to cover hinges, so there’s really no excuse except laziness. Today I’ll show you 4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges, and I’ll tell you which is the easiest (in my opinion.)

remove paint from metal hinges

To avoid removing the doors, systematically remove one hinge from each door. For example, start with all the top hinges. Remove them and scrape the paint from all those hinges. Then re-install all the top hinges and remove the middle hinges next. It took me the better part of a day, but eventually all our hinges were beautiful and shiny again.

2 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Door Hinges | Pretty Handy Girl

There are four ways to remove paint from hinges. Three of them involve heat, the fourth involves using a chemical stripper.

Alright, let’s get to this.

4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges (and other hardware)

1. Paint Stripper:

Use a paint stripper like CitriStrip (less toxic than other strippers.) Jessica shares a great tutorial for removing paint from a metal lamp here. This is a good way to remove paint from larger items. Especially ones that can’t be put in a pot or crock pot. But, it will also work on smaller items like door hinges. Be sure to wear gloves.

How to Remove Spray Paint from Metal

2. Heat Gun:

A heat gun is a great tool for removing paint (and stickers.) You’ll need to prep the area underneath to avoid burning anything. A piece of sheet metal on top of tile, concrete or scrap plywood should be sufficient.

Materials:

2 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Door Hinges | Pretty Handy Girl

  • Heat Gun
  • Putty knife, scraper or 5-in-1 painter’s tool
  • Gloves
  • Detail nylon or wire brush
  • Pliers or metal tongs
  • Sheet metal
  • Fine grit sandpaper and/or steel wool

Instructions:

Turn on the heat gun and allow it to heat up. Lay the hinges onto the sheet metal or protected work surface. Concentrate the heat onto the hinge.

2 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Door Hinges

In a minute or two, the paint should start to soften, liquify or bubble up. Use the pliers to hold the hinge as you scrape the paint off with the putty knife.

2 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Door HingesYou may need to repeat heating the hinge and scraping to get all the paint off.

scraping paint off hinges

Use the brush to scrape paint out of small groves and crevices.

wire brush paint off hinges

After most of the paint has been scraped off. Use fine grit sandpaper to shine the hinge.

sand scraper shine hinges

Finish off by buffing it with steel wool.

steel wool remove paint hinges

3. Boiling Water:

Grab an old pot that you don’t use for cooking (or buy a cheap one at a thrift store) because it’s going to get nasty. Fill the pot halfway with water and set it on the stove on high heat. Set the hinges in the pot and boil for 15-20 minutes. Lift the hinges out with tongs and wear gloves as you scrape and buff off all the paint. This video will give you a good idea for how to remove paint from hinges using the boiling water technique.

4. Crock Pot:

Similar to boiling the hinges in water, you can put the hinges in a crock pot, turn it on high and let them cook overnight. In the morning use the same steps as with the boiling water. You should have a cheap crockpot reserved for this purpose. Don’t cook your food in this crockpot.

There you have it! 4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges! Which is my favorite? I prefer the boiling water. Not only is it chemical free, but it’s also the quickest technique. Plus, you don’t need to go buy a heat gun if you don’t already own one. And I try to avoid using chemicals of any kind.

crock pot remove paint from door hinges and other hardware

Re-install the hinge and clap yourself on the back for saving money and saving something old.

brass hinge no paint cleaned

It is worth noting one weird thing that happened was the hinges have a pretty copper color instead of the brass color I think they originally were. Any chemists out there have the explanation?

remove paint from hinges and hardware

Disclosure: (I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget | Pretty Handy Girl

10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget | Pretty Handy Girl

When I first took on the task of getting my client’s home ready to sell, I knew the kitchen could make or break the sale. Kitchens are the first room buyers evaluate when trying to decide whether to put in an offer on a house. Some reasons a kitchen is an important part of that big decision are:

  1. The kitchen is the hub of the home. It’s where you and your family will eat and spend the most time together.
  2. Kitchens usually cost the most to renovate.
  3. Kitchens serve many purposes: They are the spot for paying bills, doing homework, hosting meetings and everyone always congregates in the kitchen during parties.

It makes sense that potential buyers will be turned off by a dated or non-functional kitchen. For that reason, I’d like to share with you 10 Ways to Renovate a Kitchen on a Budget!

First you need to be realistic about the money you want to spend. Check with a realtor or appraiser to find out what your home will appraise for and what other homes in your neighborhood have sold for. If you are already at the top of what the market can handle, you may want to stick with some of these less expensive ideas. If you want to get top dollar for your home and there’s room for higher comps, go ahead and put your money into several of these ideas. Typically spending a few thousand will reap tens of thousands at closing time.

Get your pen and paper ready and let’s break down 10 Ways to Update your Kitchen without breaking your budget.

#1 – Remove dated window treatments – cost $0

kitchen-breakast-area

Remove any dated valances, blinds and curtains. Don’t be tempted to put up new ones, just leave them bare and let the maximum amount of natural light come in.

Holiday Home Tour - Kitchen | Pretty Handy Girl

More light in your home helps rooms feel bigger. More sunshine equals happier buyers, so let that sun stream in!

#2 – Remove wallpaper – cost $$

wallpapered-kitchen-five-fifteen-and-changeSource: Five Fifteen and Change

Wallpaper is not popular in the kitchen (especially dated wallpaper and wallpaper borders.)

kitchen_with_breakfast_nookSource: Five Fifteen and Change

Follow this simple tutorial to strip your own wallpaper and enjoy a refreshed kitchen for not a lot of dough.

#3 – Replace plumbing fixtures – cost $$ – $$$

kitchen-sink-area-before

Does your kitchen faucet drip or spray everywhere but into the sink? Time to swap out that faucet for a pristine new one. Nothing puts up red flags like something that obviously needs fixing or replacing. Don’t let your buyer wonder what else needs to be fixed in the home. Make sure sink faucets work perfectly.

#4 – Replace the sink – cost $$$

kitchen-sink-view

Today’s buyers are not willing to put up with a shallow sink or worse yet one that is rusted, chipped or stained. A big stainless steel sink can be purchased for under $200 or you can splurge for an apron front sink that costs more.

#5 – Replace cabinet hardware – cost $$$

CabinetKnobs

Sometimes you can update your cabinetry by simply installing new hardware. This is a simple task any homeowner can accomplish themselves. New knobs usually cost between $2-$6 a piece.

#6 – Replace Light Fixtures – $$ – $$$

Update light fixtures or replace a recessed light with a pendant light.

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Light fixtures are the jewelry in your home. Add a little bling by installing a beautiful pendant light over the sink. There are several options for converting your recessed lighting. For example, you can transform a recessed light fixture into a pendant light with a simple twist in converter light kit in five minutes! Or convert a recessed light fixture to accept a hard-wired light with this adapter (affiliate link).

How to Frame and Install Window Casing and Trim by Pretty Handy Girl

#7 – Paint cabinets – cost $$$ – $$$$

Take a look at your kitchen tones and contrast. Do you have too much wood? Is your kitchen monotone (all one color)?

kitchen-before-vertical

Consider painting dated cabinets to give some contrast between the floor and the cabinetry. Even if your cabinets are in excellent shape, you’ll attract more buyers with a bright kitchen. Painting cabinets is not a difficult job, but it is time consuming. You may want to hire a professional painter to paint if you are busy packing. At the minimum, the cabinet doors should be painted front and back. And the exterior of the cabinet boxes that are visible should also receive paint. You will need to paint the interior of any cabinets that have glass doors.

kitchen-view4

#8 – New countertops – cost $$$-$$$$

Countertops are a big consideration for buyers today. Depending on the price point of your home, you will most likely need to say goodbye to laminate counter tops (especially if they have wood trim.) Nothing screams dated like a wood veneer formica counter top.

kitchen-view-5

The price for granite has come down over the years and is worth getting a quote from a granite installer. (Shown above, Giallo Napoli granite counters.) If you can’t afford new countertops, consider transforming your laminate counters with a countertop transformation kit (affiliate link). Any DIYer can transform their countertops, but be forewarned it will be messy, take a few days, and has strong fumes.

#9 – Add a Backsplash – cost $$$-$$$$

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen can take your kitchen from builder basic to luxurious in a weekend.

tiled_wall_backsplash

Installing a tile backsplash can be done by yourself or by hiring a tile setter. Save yourself money by buying inexpensive subway tile. You can add the look of luxury by installing more expensive tiles over the range or in a border pattern.

range_hood_custom_built

#10 -Replace dated flooring – cost $$$-$$$$

If your kitchen flooring has seen better days, look into some low cost ways to update it. Simple vinyl stick tiles can give you a lot of bang for your buck, but make sure the old floor is in good shape and well adhered to the floor first.

before-kitchen

If you choose to remove old tile and install new flooring, play it safe by doing your research to make sure the tiles don’t contain asbestos.

kitchen-after-1

Now that you have 10 Ideas to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget, here’s a quick tip about staging your kitchen.

Clear any clutter. Remove excess small appliances and anything else from counter tops. Add some fresh flowers, a few cookbooks and let the rest of your newly renovated kitchen shine!

kitchen-view1

Good luck with your home sale! You may find this article on creating a luxurious master bedroom helpful.

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Create a Luxurious Master Bedroom to Woo Buyers (without spending big bucks) | Pretty Handy Girl

Or these tips to stop you from gutting that bathroom!

STOP! You Don't Have to Gut Your Dated Bathroom | Pretty Handy Girl

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How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Fix Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

A screened porch or screens in your door and windows are a beautiful thing when you want to enjoy the fresh air outside but don’t want to invite mosquitos to feast on you. Today I’ll show you How to Fix Window or Door Screens so you can enjoy the warm weather without the bugs.

How to Fix Window & Door Screens:

You want to enjoy the outdoors but not when it involves becoming a meal for mosquitos or flies. Fixing a damaged porch screen, window or door screen isn’t very difficult. I’m happy to show you how to make screen repairs.

How to Repair a Small Hole:

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

If you only have a small hole you can repair the screen with a screen repair patch (affiliate link.) I like the Screenmend brand patch for repairs because it doesn’t stay sticky attracting dirt or pollen. This is definitely a quick and easy solution. You will notice the patch, so it may not be a good option for a small hole that is smack in the middle of your screens. However, the repair patch is a good option for repairing the hole until you have time to replace the entire screen.

Measure your hole and cut the patch material at least an inch larger than your hole.

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

Gently press the patch over the hole. Line up the grid pattern on the patch and the screen.

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

Use a hair dryer to melt the glue in the patch. Continue to heat the patch for 60 seconds.

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

Press gently on the patch to make sure it is well secured to the screen.

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

Now those pesky bugs will have to find a new meal source because you’re safe!

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Repair or Replace Screen Secured by a Spline:

Most modern screen doors and windows are secured with a spline into a groove around the frame. Depending on your screen’s condition you may be able to simply remove a section of spline and repair loose screen.

How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

If the screen is damaged, remove the entire spline and cut a new screen larger than the damaged screen.

Get a grip on the spline with small needle-nosed pliers. Gently lift it out of the track to make your repair.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

You may also be able to pry up the spline with a Painter’s 5-in-1 tool (affiliate link).

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Grab the edge of the screen that has come loose with pliers and pull taut (but don’t pull too hard that you’ll rip the screen.)

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Press the spline back into the groove.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Use a spline tool (affiliate link) to roll along the spline and reset it in the track.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

If you had to replace the entire screen, use a sharp utility knife (affiliate link) to trim the excess screen.

How to Replace the Screen Secured by Moulding:

If your screen edges are hidden by pieces of wooden moulding. You will need to remove the moulding to replace the screen. There can be a bead of caulk securing the moulding in place. Use a utility knife to score the caulk.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Use a thin prybar or 5-in-1 painter’s tool (affiliate link) to pry off the moulding.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Work from one end to the other slowly prying up a little at a time so as not to damage the moulding.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Use pliers to remove the staples securing the screen in place. Remove the damaged screen. Trace the old screen onto a new sheet of screen. Secure the new screen by stapling it to the frame.

Re-attach the moulding using a nailgun and nails just long enough to secure the moulding.

Fixing Common Screen Door Problems | Pretty Handy Girl

Congratulations on your repair. Now you can call yourself the screen master!

You might also find this tutorial on replacing a screen door closer helpful:

Easy Fix for a Screen Door Hydraulic Closer | Pretty Handy Girl

Enjoy the warm weather and inhale all that fresh air.

PHGFancySign