Electrical wiring is tricky. It requires a lot of skill to install correctly and follow safety protocols.

For some types of electrical jobs in the home, a qualified electrician should be called in. This includes notifiable electricity work such as replacing outlets or plug sockets, which must be carried out to regulated standards.

Upgrading Electrical Panels

An electrical panel upgrade is one of the most important jobs a handyman can do for your home. If you have an older fuse box, it might not be able to handle the amount of electricity modern homes use. This can lead to overloading, arcing, and even fire. When you get a new electrical panel, it will replace your old fuse box and give you more circuits to handle everything you need to run in your home. A good electrician will assess your current system and determine what size panel you need as well as how many additional circuits you might need. They will also work with the power company to make sure that the electricity is cut off for the day of the upgrade and ensure they have a permit for the job.

Flickering lights, unusual sounds coming from the fuse box, and breaker boxes constantly tripping are all signs that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel. Taking care of this now will mean fewer issues in the future, such as electric fires that can be deadly and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and property damage.

Upgrading your electrical panel can also add value to your house if you ever plan to sell it. Buyers will be reassured by the fact that your electrical system is up to date and won’t be at risk of fires or other problems.

Installing Smart Devices

The specialized work of an electrician Is often the purview of another professional, but there are plenty of other projects that can be accomplished by handymen. They’re able to handle the smaller tasks that most people don’t have the time or equipment to do themselves, including things like de-cluttering basements and building movable shelving. They’re also able to patch leaky guttering and do basic plumbing tasks, such as installing new taps or repairing leaky faucets.

In addition, they can also install smart devices in homes and businesses, such as mounting a video doorbell or smart thermostat. This can make a home more convenient for its inhabitants and even help them save energy. Handymen can also assist with connecting these appliances to the home’s internet connection, making them even more useful.

Fixing Light Fixtures

Many homes have multiple light fixtures that are either outdated or broken. Instead of replacing them, consider hiring a handyman to fix them. This is a much cheaper option and will save you the hassle of trying to do it yourself. There are plenty of light fixture replacement services that offer this service, and they can usually complete the job in a short amount of time.

First, make sure the power is off by turning off your circuit breaker for the room that needs a new light fixture. Always use a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wires to confirm there is no current flowing through them. Next, remove the light fixture and any decorative pieces to expose the wiring. Generally, there will be three sets of wires present: black, white, and a bare or copper (grounding) wire. The bare or copper wire connects to a screw in the ceiling electrical box and can be removed by unscrewing it.

Once the wires are disconnected, you can install your new fixture. Screw the mounting bracket into place and attach it to the electrical box with the provided hardware. Then, reconnect the wires. If you are unsure of how to do this, refer to the instructions that came with your new fixture or consult a professional. Then, screw in the bulb(s) and secure any other final hardware or screen that is provided.

A well-lit bathroom is an easy and quick cosmetic upgrade. Swapping out dated lighting fixtures for new ones brightens the space and adds style.

Adding framed artwork elevates the look of any room and the bathroom is no exception. Hanging eucalyptus leaves in the shower is not only an easy upgrade but also infuses the room with natural fragrance and beauty.

Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone is a visually stunning material that can add a touch of luxury to any home. It’s a one-of-a-kind material that can be used to create unique countertops in your bathroom that no one else will have. Each fleck of color, vein, or spot of stone can bring its own character and beauty to the space, making it an artistic point of interest that will be the envy of guests.

Whether you choose granite, which is often a dark color and has light veining similar to marble, or quartzite, which combines the durability of sandstone with the beauty of natural stone, this material will stand up well to heat and resists staining much better than traditional materials such as laminate. However, you will want to keep in mind that natural stone countertops need to be sealed regularly and can be damaged by acidic cleaners.

While natural stone countertops require more upkeep than some other countertop materials, they will last longer and can add a touch of elegance to your home that will impress future buyers when you decide to sell. This will help increase your home’s value and can go a long way toward increasing your returns on any investment that you make in your property.

Low-Maintenance Plants

Dotting your bathroom with plants may seem like an odd idea but this room is ideal for some greenery. The bathroom provides the perfect environment for plants that thrive in high humidity, and a few strategically placed houseplants can help transform your bathroom into a lush green oasis.

The ZZ plant, also known as the Eternity Plant, is a great low maintenance option for any bathroom. It can tolerate light and dark environments as well as low to moderate humidity levels.

Orchids are another beautiful addition that is very easy to care for. The orchid flower is a delicate and elegant element that will add a vibrant pop of color to your space.

Peace lilies are another air-purifying option. This plant is easy to care for and can grow quickly when provided with warm indirect sunlight and regular waterings. The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is another great low maintenance choice for your bathroom as it can survive in dark conditions and can purify the air of toxins including formaldehyde found in cleaning supplies or even toilet paper. Ferns are also a great option for the bathroom as they can handle humidity and require little to no sunlight.

Marble

There are few materials that can create the feeling of luxury in a bathroom like marble. It’s been popular for more than two millennia and has inspired some of history’s most iconic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s “Pieta.” Marble is a porous stone that can stain or scratch, but it’s a stunning material that’s well worth the investment if you’re willing to commit to regular maintenance and re-sealing.

Marble’s gentle white hue and intricate veining patterns can establish a calming, tranquil ambiance in a bathroom space, while also helping to brighten the room by reflecting light. Whether you opt for full-scale cladding, or smaller tiles on the walls and floors, marble can instantly elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic.

Ladder Towel Rack

Ladder towel racks offer both form and function, blending aptly with modern or traditional bathroom decor. They are also a great choice for small spaces because they take up less visual room than standard towel bars.

Choose a metal ladder to add an industrial feel, or opt for a wooden ladder to incorporate rustic charm. There are also models that boast innovative shelving options that give you extra space to store towels, blankets, or other items.

When choosing a ladder towel rack, consider its color. Matte black is a new trend that looks great with both modern and traditional bathroom decor. It’s also easy to pair with other colors such as polished nickel and brushed bronze.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing bathroom or installing one in an en-suite, you can use a heated ladder towel rack to make the space feel warmer and cozy. Typically mounted near the shower or bath, these models have a low surface temperature and are crafted of corrosion-resistant materials. Look for a model with an anti-rust coating and a lifetime warranty.

Decorative Mirrors

The right mirror is more than just a reflection of your personal style; it can also elevate a bathroom’s overall design. Choose a mirror with an ornate frame to add a vintage look, or opt for a sleek frameless option that allows the wallpaper and other design elements to shine.

Another unique way to dress up a bathroom mirror is by adding a ledge for towels, skincare products and other small items. This is a great space-saving solution that eliminates the need for a medicine cabinet while enhancing the look of your bathroom.

If you’re looking for a more subtle way to dress up your mirror, try one with a white frame that matches the color of your walls. This creates a seamless look that’s perfect for modern bathrooms.

For a more dramatic effect, try a clover-shaped mirror to create a focal point above the vanity. This unique shape also works well for powder rooms and guest bathrooms. If you want a more minimalist and clean look, blend your mirror into the wall using a matte paint. This is a simple, inexpensive way to bring your bathroom to life.

Brick and stone fireplaces can become an eyesore when soot and stains accumulate over the years. But upgrading the hearth can add style to a living room and also make it easier to clean.

Some refacing materials, like tile and stone slabs, can be installed directly on the existing material; others require cement boards to ensure a flat surface. The following ideas will help you give your fireplace a facelift.

Tile

A fireplace is a natural focal point in any space. So, while it can be easy to skip over the hearth when re-designing a room, it’s important that you don’t. The right tile can transform the old eyesore into a beautiful design feature that complements your overall aesthetic. Plus, tiling is a fire-safe material that can add protection from stray embers.

Tile isn’t just for bathrooms and kitchens—it can also bring a dramatic touch to your fireplace surround. If you have a brick fireplace, consider covering it with ceramic tile to modernize the look of your living room or bedroom. Brick-style tiles come in a variety of colors and designs, including geometric and herringbone patterns. Other options include mosaic tiles and mother-of-pearl-finish tiles.

If you want a more contemporary look, opt for limestone tile. It has a gorgeous sheen that can make your fireplace stand out. Or, you can go for a more traditional look with marble-style tile. Both options are flame-resistant and work well with a range of color schemes.

You can even play with tile laying patterns to create a unique look for your fireplace surround. Try herringbone or chevron pattern tile to add texture and visual interest to your space. Or, experiment with specialty tile that has a fan or fish scales, arabesque cuts, or ogees for a more artistic style.

Stone

A stone fireplace adds a touch of elegance to any room, but one that’s overly large or dark can overwhelm a space. The solution to such a problem is painting the stones — either white to neutralize the orange and brighten the room, or a pale color to fit in with the decor.

A mortar wash is another easy-to-do refacing option for stone fireplaces. Combine equal parts water and white mortar that’s formulated for wall tile. Then, use a trowel to apply the mixture in a smear pattern over your fireplace. To achieve more texture, mix the mortar to the consistency of peanut butter; for less, make it like pudding.

You can also give your stone fireplace a textured finish with a simple plaster coat. This DIY feathered concrete makeover from a handy couple looks stunning. The new look isn’t just gorgeous—it also allows them to hang a flat-screen TV over the fireplace.

If you have a modern or farmhouse-style home, consider resurfacing your fireplace with natural stone slabs instead of tiles. Installing a new hearth and surround with seamless tone slabs may take more work than simply resurfacing the firebox with tile, but it will result in a much more dramatic, finished effect. Slate, granite, quartz and soapstone are popular choices for fireplace refacing. You can find these materials at home improvement stores, and they’re fairly affordable when compared to other refacing options.

Concrete

If the brick is in good shape, you may only need to resurface the hearth to give it a fresh new look. This is a project that’s perfect for the DIYer because it takes less than a weekend and costs very little.

You can use a concrete mix or stucco to create the surface, either troweled smooth or finished with texture to match the room. Both come in dry powdered mixes that you mix with water once you’re ready to apply them, and both are fairly affordable supplies for a fireplace remodel.

Before you can start applying your new concrete, be sure to tape the floor and sand down any rust or stains on the existing brick. Once the surface is clean, brush on a coat of grey tinted primer to ensure your final paint color will be as dark as you want it.

When you’re ready to start applying your new concrete, work in sections that are small enough to manage. Start by priming any areas that are already sanded and cleaned, then sand the rest of the surface again to prep it for the final coat.

If you’re resurfacing your fireplace surround, consider adding a mantel to your new space, as well. These can range from simple wood mantels to elaborate, carved and tiered options. Before you install a mantel, check the fire code requirements for how far it needs to be from the flames.

Stucco

Stucco can give your fireplace a modern update and add interest to the room, but it can also help keep your energy bills low. Stucco is fire resistant and helps to keep hot air in during the winter and cool air out during the summer. It’s an easy DIY project you can complete in a weekend, and it doesn’t require any major reconstruction to the fireplace.

The first step is to clear the area around your fireplace and cover anything that you want to protect from splatters. Once you’ve cleared the area, use a wire brush to clean the existing surface and lightly sand it to roughen it up, which will help ensure a strong bond. Then, you can choose to use a stucco product that is ready-made, or you can mix concrete and sand together yourself with a bucket of water and the proper amount of stucco powder according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stir the stucco mixture until it is smooth and a little thinner than toothpaste, then apply it to your fireplace. You can use a trowel or sprayer, but it’s important to work quickly and to be consistent to get straight lines. After applying the scratch coat, wait at least 30 minutes and then apply the final coating. Consult the product’s instructions to determine how long to wait between each coat.

Stylish storage solutions and design elements turn walk-in closets into a chic dressing area. Open cubbies, baskets, and cabinet storage help to organize clothing, shoes, and extra items like purses.

To increase storage capacity, hangers should be located around 40 and 80″ on a vertical wall. Placing rods at these heights allows you to double your hanging space without interfering with walking areas.

Determine Your Storage Needs

While most people take a haphazard approach to storage, taking the time to carefully assess their needs can save them a lot of space and money. Determining what you’ll need is key to finding the right solution.

Start by creating a list of your belongings and their approximate dimensions. If you have a lot of shoes or purses, you will want to look into different storage possibilities to get the best use of your space.

Plan the Layout

Once you have a clear understanding of your storage needs and what space constraints you might be working with, it’s time to start drawing up some design options. This can be done by hand or with a computer program that makes it easy to visualize a space and try out different layouts. A great option is Sketch Up. It’s free and has a learning curve, but it makes designing a walk-in closet much easier.

You’ll need to think about how many hanging rods you need, as well as shelving and shoe storage ideas. It’s also important to consider the arc of your movements when walking into a closet, so you can make sure that everything is easily accessible. For example, if you want to keep your dresser drawers close to the clothing, it’s best to have the drawers near the entrance. This way, you can reach things without having to go back and forth between the hanging and shelves.

It might seem obvious, but you should always try to position drawers so that they can be opened while standing in front of them. This is especially true in reach-in closets where you might have a lot of smaller items in the drawers. The same goes for shelving sections – you don’t want to put them in corners because they won’t be easily accessible.

Decide on a Design

If you have a small walk-in closet, the right design can help maximize your space. Installing double hanging systems, shelving units and drawers can make the most of unused wall space. This will keep your closet organized and efficiently functional.

Even if you don’t have much room for storage, a well-planned closet design can help you reach every piece of clothing and accessory in your collection. Whether you’re storing items in open cubbies, basket, plastic bins or cabinet storage solutions, make sure that every item has its own place. Keeping like items together can make your outfit planning easier and can help you avoid the cluttered look that plagues many closets.

You can even add a seat or lounge area to your closet if you want to create a luxurious experience while getting dressed. Just remember that a bench or ottoman will require extra floor space, so be sure to plan accordingly. The addition of a seating area can also be a great spot to lay out your outfits and accessories before you head out for the day. It’s also a good idea to add a mirror for last-minute checkups and some extra lighting to illuminate your closet space.

Create a Budget

A walk-in closet can be more than a repository for clothing. Seating areas, shoe racks and even counters with coffee bars can be incorporated into the space to keep everyday items organized.

Before you start laying out a plan for your closet, calculate how much storage you need to fit your needs and lifestyle. Then use a spreadsheet to determine your budget for a shelving system, hanging rods and other closet accessories. Once you’ve got your budget in mind, test out different layouts in the actual space to determine what dimensions will work best.

If you’re working with an existing room, remove the baseboards and measure along the wall where your new closet will be located. Use a stud finder to locate the studs that will form your closet walls, then use 2x4s to mark a straight line from floor to ceiling that will become the guideline for your new walls.

Creating a functional space starts with the basics, like flooring, lighting and a focal point. Carpet is warm and cozy first thing in the morning, while hardwood feels elegant and polished. Bright recessed lighting helps you see colors accurately, while natural light from a window can also be a good choice to illuminate the closet space and make it feel more open when you enter. Adding crown molding can also add a finished look.

When creating an outdoor fire pit, it’s important to keep flow and function in mind.

A Southwestern motif helps this space feel like a cozy backyard escape. Decorative planters, Aztec-printed rugs and corten steel accents unite hardscape materials and create a pleasing variety in color tones.

Cinder Block Designs

Cinder block fire pits are a great option for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their backyard. They’re easy to build and can be made either temporary or permanent. However, you should always be careful when building a cinder block fire pit since they can easily become a fire hazard. You should also consult your local fire department on what requirements you might need to meet for constructing a fire pit in your area.

First, you’ll need to clear the area of your yard where you want to construct your cinder block fire pit. You should make sure the spot is at least 10 feet away from other buildings, fences, sheds, and trees to ensure that you don’t accidentally cause a fire. You’ll also need to inspect the ground above your cinder block fire pit location to ensure that there aren’t any tree branches that could fall over and cause a fire hazard.

Once you have the land cleared, dig out a hole in the center of the cinder block design to form your base. After that, you’ll start stacking the blocks to form a circle shape or whatever type of design you prefer for your fire pit. You can use masonry adhesive to secure the cinder block pieces together, but it’s better to leave them unpainted for a more authentic look.

Pea Gravel Patios

A simple pea gravel patio makes an ideal base for an outdoor firepit. This DIY backyard design idea requires only pea gravel and a little landscaping skill. The gravel serves as the main surface for this patio area and is surrounded by lush greenery. The natural texture of the pea gravel contrasts nicely with the greenery and the modern folding chairs. A firepit with a gas-powered burner is a perfect addition to this garden space.

A gravel patio can also make an ideal surface for a pergola-style fire pit. In this cozy backyard patio idea, the pea gravel acts as the foundation for the firepit and a simple wrought-iron table and chairs. The color of the gravel matches that of the pergola and ties the backyard decor together. The gravel’s earthy hue also makes a nice backdrop for the wood and concrete materials of the seating area.

For a more unique look, use pea gravel in combination with pavers. The small size of the gravel complements the larger sizes of the pavers, creating a checkered pattern that adds interest to the patio flooring. This design works well for backyards where a fire pit is used frequently.

If you want a more sophisticated look for your pea gravel patio, try using pavers with a herringbone pattern. This design looks great with contemporary furniture and can be used as a transition to lawn or gardens.

Gas Fireplaces

Infuse an outdoor space with cozy charm and Insta-worthy lighting by crafting a built-in fire pit. The centerpiece of any backyard retreat, this unique feature elevates gatherings with a mesmerizing dance of light and shadows. In the hands of a skilled designer, this element becomes the heartbeat that connects and captivates guests.

Wood-fueled firepits offer a classic campfire feel with crackling sounds and sparks flying up into the air, but the labor involved in collecting and stacking logs turns some homeowners off. A gas-powered design offers the same look, but eliminates the need for piling wood and requires no sweeping up of ash.

For a contemporary touch, add an ornate fireplace door to your outdoor firepit. This enchanting detail serves as both a conversation piece and a functional addition that protects against snags, so guests can chat around the warm flames safely.

Reimagine your outdoor fireplace with a sunken seating layout. Rather than circling guests around a small area, this unique design invites you to descend into an intimate world of warmth and artistry, where conversations become more engaging and memories last longer.

Even if you’re short on space, you can still enjoy the warm glow of an outdoor firepit with this simple patio setup. By pairing a stone fire pit with matching cushions on lounge chairs, this cozy nook gives the impression of an expansive backyard oasis.

U-Shaped Patios

Fire pits may have a rustic reputation, but their versatility makes them well-suited for a variety of landscapes. For example, a backyard retreat can include a carved out intimate seating zone around a stone fire pit that is placed near a dining area for social synergy. The result is a relaxed backyard space that feels like a natural extension of the house. Boxwoods and mondo grass keep the planting palette anchored to true-to-deep greens, while safety fencing and grade changes separate the fire pit from a pool area.

A U-shaped patio is another great way to create a cozy and intimate setting around an outdoor firepit. The concrete seating in this design echoes the shape of the firepit to create an overall cohesive feel. Concrete also offers a cool, neutral palette that complements the warm wood of the furniture and the crisp greens in the surrounding landscaping. To make the most of the patio’s secluded locale, this design uses a series of steps and paths to navigate the scene — from wide steps down to the paving, a gravel path lined with grass-set pavers, and finally a small terraced garden.