With only two weekends left before Christmas, you probably have a ton of things to do. So if you've finished all of your shopping, it's now time to focus on preparing your home. Especially if you're going to have company this holiday, now's a better time than ever to accomplish some of the things you've been avoiding. Whether it's important upkeep such as preparing your water pipes for the freezing weather ahead, or just adding special touches to make your home more beautiful for when family comes to stay, the weekend DIY ideas in the slideshow below will help you finally get started.
Hang Holiday Garland
It's easy to make your home a little more festive by hanging garland. But sometimes the hanging part isn't always so easy. To make sure your decorations hang securely in the right place, attach <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/?N=5584713+5924736&rt=r3">removable wall hooks</a>. Choose a size that will support the right amount of weight, and simply attach them to the walls wherever you plan to string your garland. For more tips on hanging Christmas decorations, visit <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2010/11/20/tip-for-hanging-garland-wreaths-and-decorations/">The Inspired Room</a>.
Install A Carpet Runner
Give your home a fresh look and make your stairs more comfortable by installing a carpet runner. Before you start, you'll need to measure and cut a strip of carpet, and then have the edges bound by a professional. After measuring, cut strips of padding for each step and secure with a hammer stapler. Roll the carpeting all the way up the stairs. Then, starting where the carpet meets the floor, staple it into place. Work your way up, pulling the carpet taught and then stapling each stair between the riser and the tread. For the full tutorial, visit <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/how-to-install-a-carpet-runner-on-stairs/index.html">HGTV</a>.
Install Wood Paneling
Wood paneling is a unique way to completely transform a room. First, prepare the walls by removing molding and outlet covers. Then, place each board onto the wall and nail into place using a level to make sure everything is straight. Work your way up the wall, stopping at outlet covers to recut the boards so that they don't cover them. Visit <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-install-wood-paneling/index.html">DIY Network</a> for the step-by-step instructions.
Hang A Chandelier
Add a touch of elegance to your entryway or dining area with a chandelier. Before you begin installing it, make sure to turn the power completely off. Slip the support bar into the ceiling and expand so it fits across two ceiling joists. Tighten the bolts so it's secured, making sure not to over-tighten it. Then, install the electrical box, following instructions that came with the parts. For the next part, you will need another person to hold the light fixture up while you connect the wiring. Finally, tuck wires into the cover plate, attach the chandelier and install lightbulbs. For the full tutorial, head over to <a href="http://www.startrightstarthere.com/maintenance_and_repair/entryway/hang_a_chandelier_or_heavy_light.aspx">True Value</a>.
Remove A Low-Hanging Tree Branch
As long as it isn't too large to handle (and isn't too close to power lines, a roof or any other structure), removing a tree branch yourself will save you a ton of money as opposed to hiring someone else to do the job. Wearing safety gear, saw off any small branches coming off the larger one. Then, place the saw at the start of the branch, and saw in fluid movements. Be sure to stay out from underneath where the branch will fall. For more details, visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/home-maintenance-trim-low-hanging-tree-branch-141922.html?cat=6">Yahoo! Voices</a>.
Prevent Pipes From Freezing
As the weather gets colder, water pipes always have the potential to freeze. Insulation helps, but it still does not guarantee that freezing will not occur. Install a heating cable on outdoor pipes that run through the crawlspace underneath your house. Simply lay the cable alongside the pipe and secure with plastic ties. But be careful -- to avoid a fire hazard, do not wrap the cables around themselves. Head over to <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/electrical-plumbing/4293178">Popular Mechanics</a> for more details and tips on protecting pipes.
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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/15/weekend-diy-ideas_n_2303376.html
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