Home Improvement Projects

Home Improvement - Use Door Handles to Pull it Together

Like the infamous television show featuring Tim Allen and his family, home improvement projects are often rife with mishaps and accidents. However, not all home repair projects are alike. Some – such as installing new cabinet hardware – are so easy to start and complete, you’ll wonder why you never thought to reinstall your cabinet hardware before!

Make a List, Check it Twice

When you hire of a professional to begin any home repair, they most likely evaluate the situation, assess the amount of work to be done and offer an estimate of the costs of labor as well as the cost of replacement parts. Likewise, so too should you make a list of the areas you’d like to replace as well as the number of parts you will need to complete the project. Be sure to count the number of smaller and often overlooked parts such as screws, hinges, floor registers and back plates to the drawer pulls and door handles. Check your list twice to make sure you have an accurate count of parts you will need.

Do Your Homework

With your handy list in hand of what you will need, it is now time for the fun part! Whether you browse online, in a catalog or in a physical store, you should allow yourself time to window shop. Gather ideas from stores, neighbors and friends about what works – and doesn’t work – for cabinet and door hardware accessories. Compare prices on handlesets; check out a variety of styles, finishes and materials to see what will last and look nice in your home.

Consider Your Options for Materials

These days, it seems that styles come and go so quickly that it is best to go with your gut feeling on what your likes and dislikes are. If you prefer elegant, decorative pieces, then look for sturdy, heavy materials such as nickel and iron that have been weathered, antiqued and or burnished. Contrarily, some homeowners prefer shiny accessories; therefore, purchase shiny, reflective door knob materials such as satin chrome, copper or stainless steel. If you fall into neither category, consider glass door knobs. These accessories match any cabinet wood, finish or countertop material, regardless of how many colors they incorporate.

Size Matters

Believe it or not, you do not have to purchase a one-size-fits-all cabinet door knob or drawer pull. Surely your front door handle is larger than your below the sink cabinet dummy door knob. Therefore, consider what size is comfortable for you and your family. Some prefer larger handles because they are easier to grasp, while others prefer smaller, more delicate accessories that lightly accent the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom style.

Buy within Your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners these days make is living outside their means. This too applies to home maintenance projects as well. Be sure that when you calculate the estimate costs of whatever style and finish you choose, it remains within your budget without you have to scrimp on essentials such as groceries, clothing, utilities or credit card payments.

Remove Old Hardware Units

After shopping, one of the greatest tension-relieving parts of this home project is removing the old door handles and accessories. Start by unscrewing any screws from the back plate in the drawers or cabinets. If you would like to get your children involved, partially unscrew the accessories and allow them to pull out the pieces by hand. Be sure to provide bags for the accessories so that any screws and small pieces are not accidentally swallowed by smaller children or the family pet.

In With the New

This last step is the easiest. Simply fill in the holes of your existing cabinets with your newly purchased cabinet hardware accessories. If you have mixed and matched styles depending on rooms, be sure to pay attention to what size or finish goes in what room. Afterwards, be sure to double check your handiwork.