Get Your Home Summer Ready with DIY Expert Aileen Hogan

Upgrading your home doesn’t have to be about big budgets or major renovations. Here are some cost-effective, easy ways to transform any space.

Interior doors and walls can get a little bit damaged over time, including dogs scratching off the paint. A new lick of paint will not only make it seem brand new, but can also add more colour to your home.

Window sills can often be overlooked. Sanding and a new coat of washable paint for wood and walls will help spruce it up again. This also gives you an opportunity to inspect your windows and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.

Not everything has to be fixed with sand paper and a paint brush. Instantly transform a space by some light decorating. Changing your lampshades is a sustainable alternative and will give it a new look.

A natural, affordable way to create a more relaxing environment is to add plants to your home. Not only will this enhance your space, but it improves air quality and reduces stress. A win-win situation! 

The utility room is one of the higher risk rooms in the house because it’s where water and electricity meet. But keeping the floor clear and the room well-organised is a must to keep everyone safe.

Also making sure you safely store cleaning products and chemicals out of children’s reach is a safety measure to protect them and pets from any accidental poisoning or burns.

If you don’t have child proof locks, consider installing high, secure wall shelves. Just remember to never place these shelves near food or heat.

Also refrain from transferring chemical products to food or drink bottles. Keep them in their original containers that are clearly labelled to prevent poisoning accidents from happening.

Ensuring your utility room is safe not only protects your family, but also protects the value of your home. Something we all want.  

Giving old furniture a new lease of life or making the most of the storage space in your home doesn’t have to be about spending big.

You can pick up an old affordable solid bench online and make it your own. With a lick of paint, or stain and a couple of baskets, you now have the perfect storage for your entry way.

Painting a radiator cover to match your wall colour allows you to choose the focal point of your room rather than the eye being drawn to a white radiator.

And a solid piece of wood on top means I now have a new shelf for my lamps!

Wall panelling is extremely popular and it adds such character and charm to your home. Now here’s an easy version.

Laminated flooring comes in different colours and styles from your local hardware. And you simply stick it on the wall with grab-adhesive. And there you go! No painting required.

Tips like these can transform your home and they give you an opportunity to inspect spaces and corners that you don’t often get a chance to look at. And this can help spot issues early on like loose fittings, rot, or even damp. So now not only does your home look great, but you’re maintaining it too!

Fire safety in the home is crucial. It protects lives, prevents injuries and reduces property damage by ensuring early detection and an effective response should anything happen.

So here are some tips for you to look at in your own home.

Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and check them regularly.

Remember to have a carbon monoxide alarm on every level too. It warns of any unusual build up of CO₂ in your home from fuels such as gas, oil, coal or wood.

In the event of a hob fire, having a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher close to hand is essential. Ensure you are comfortable using both should they be needed.

And let's not forget about extension leads! We all have them. Always try and use the fused inline type as opposed to the cube type. And of course, try not to overload them. I like these with individual on/off switches.

Proactive fire prevention ensures a safe home for the whole family.