You asked, I listened! For years, readers and my clients have begged for a comprehensive home maintenance checklist—and the good news is, it’s finally here. One of my most requested downloads, this printable PDF is designed to help you stay on top of regular maintenance items and your home’s upkeep year after year. Ready to get organized with keeping your home in tip-top shape? Read on.
The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: Your Home’s Best Defense Against Costly Repairs
As a licensed general contractor, I’ve seen what happens when small issues—like clogged gutters, leaky faucets, or cracked caulk—go unchecked. Spoiler Alert! They turn into expensive disasters: rotted siding, flooded basements, or mold behind walls (just to name a few). That’s why regular home maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential. What if you had a simple resource to help you remember to clean lint buildup from the dryer vent, replace the furnace filter, trim trees, look for roof damage, and many other preventative measures?
Bathroom Destroyed by Water Damage
I created this regular home maintenance checklist for you, the busy homeowner juggling a million things. It’s easy to use, print-friendly, and packed with everything you need to protect one of your biggest investments: your home. Having a simple to-do list will help you stay on top of regular home maintenance tasks to protect your home’s value.
This checklist covers everything from the interior spaces to the exterior of your home, helping you head off potential problems and unexpected repair costs. It allows you to rest easy because after checking off all the boxes in this home maintenance list, you’ll be prepared for heavy rain, winter storms, or anything nature has to throw at you.
There’s even a section to keep track of the contractors you used and whether they stained the deck last year or three years ago. Did I mention an appliance section where you can keep track of when you bought big ticket appliances? There’s a spot to record all the additional information (date purchased, price, store, serial number, etc).
But, that’s just a small sample of what’s included in the Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist.
✅ What’s Included in the Checklist:
Seasonal Preventive Maintenance Checklists
Annual and Biennial Task Lists
Paint Color Tracker by Room
Appliance Purchases & Warranty Records
Major Systems & Contractor Log
Home Maintenance Schedule Note Pages
PLUS! Quick Links to my Helpful DIY Tutorials
This checklist is super popular and has earned all 5-star reviews from happy homeowners just like you.
And the best part? It’s only $3.99. That’s less than a cup of fancy coffee—and it could save you hundreds or even thousands in future repairs. Get your copy of The Ultimate Maintenance Checklist HERE and keep your home in great shape.
Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or a long time homeowner, the most important home maintenance task is to download this list today is!
So… what are you waiting for? If you only do one thing to take better care of your home this year—make it this. Download the Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist today. And turn your “joys of homeownership” into the joys of owning a home. Take care and I’ll see you again with another tutorial soon.
15 simple bird feeders and DIY birdhouse ideas to build—easy, creative projects to attract different birds and add charm to your outdoor space.
DIY Birdhouse Ideas
Now is the perfect time to add homemade birdhouses to your outdoor space for your feathered friends. Spring has sprung and you can hear all the birds outside looking for a new place to nest & feed.
I’ve gathered a great collection of DIY bird feeders and houses you can DIY, as well as some of my favorite bird feeders and bird watching items on Amazon. Be sure to read to the end of this post to see those!
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a charming stone birdhouse for your garden. Designed for small birds, it's a fun project to make. Plus, with the right adhesive, it can withstand the elements for years.
If birds are active in your area, they’re likely searching for a nesting spot. Try doodle-painting a charming little birdhouse to give them a cozy place to start a family. It's a great way to add a pop of color to your yard too!
Learn how to repurpose a vintage tin dollhouse into an adorable and unique birdhouse for your garden. Check out thrift stores yard sales, or antique stores for a dollhouse you can repurpose.
This decorative desktop clock was perfect for an upcycling project—it wasn’t well-made, and the battery in the clock mechanism had corroded. That made it the ideal candidate for a creative transformation into a unique upcycled birdhouse with acrylic paint.
Learn how to install a birdhouse on a post using a 4x4 post, or even use upcycled fence posts. Get tips on the correct height for attracting birds and a lasting placement. This is a quick and easy guide for a perfect backyard setup!
Create a charming DIY birdhouse with a unique copper roof made from pennies! This budget-friendly project adds rustic elegance to your garden while giving birds a stylish place to nest. Simply glue cleaned pennies to the roof for a weathered copper look that shines beautifully in the sunlight.
Add a playful touch to your pre-made birdhouse by painting it with cheerful dipdot flowers using the end of a paintbrush. For extra charm, Mod Podge some cute scrapbook paper onto the roof to give it a colorful, custom finish that's both fun and unique! Be sure to include enough ventilation holes in the house.
Learn how to build the most adorable and trendy DIY mid-century modern birdhouse! This budget-friendly A-frame design is easy to make and lets backyard birds live in sleek, modern style.
Create rustic birdhouses with an edgy twist! Learn how to make a knife topped birdhouse for a creative blend of function and farmhouse flair. This unique DIY project repurposes old kitchen knives as a decorative roof topper, giving your feathered friends a one-of-a-kind home.
Build a DIY classic backyard birdhouse featuring a simple design sparrows will love. With easy-to-follow birdhouse plans and a sturdy roof board, this timeless project is perfect for any backyard birdwatcher. You can use a single pine board to make your own!
This birdhouse, featuring vintage hardware, is a great example of turning something plain into a charming masterpiece using what you already have on hand.
Let's explore how to make a charming DIY log bird feeder treat to attract a variety of birds. It’s a simple family activity and makes a thoughtful handmade gift for any bird watching enthusiast!
Create a DIY hummingbird feeder with this easy kid-friendly craft that’s perfect for getting children involved in nature. Using simple materials, kids can build and decorate their own feeder to attract these tiny, colorful birds to the backyard.
Add a natural touch to your hand-painted birdhouse by making a pinecone roof—an eco-friendly and eye-catching roof material. This simple DIY technique gives your birdhouse rustic charm while blending beautifully with your garden.
Unpainted birdhouse kits from the craft store offer a blank canvas for your creativity. Hand-paint a scenic design and add unexpected details to transform a simple shelter into a stylish, one-of-a-kind home for feathered friends.
(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.)
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With these 15 DIY birdhouse and bird feeder ideas, you can turn your backyard into a charming haven for birds and a delightful spot for yourself.
Whether your style leans rustic, whimsical, or modern, there’s a creative project here to inspire every bird lover and DIY enthusiast.
If you are looking for summer decor, check out these beautiful screen porch decorating ideas.
Transform your screen porch into a summer retreat with these easy DIY projects, repairs, and porch decor ideas. Perfect for relaxing outdoors.
Porch Decor Ideas
As the warmer months arrive and the days grow longer, you’re going to want to spend more time outside enjoying the sweet sounds of birds chirping and the soft summer breezes. There’s no better time to refresh your porch and make it the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation, than now!
Whether you’re dreaming of quiet mornings with coffee and a good book, or lively summer evenings with friends, a few easy DIY projects, simple repairs, and fresh decor ideas can transform your outdoor space into a cozy, welcoming retreat.
From updated lighting to adding cozy seating, we’ve got all the inspiration you need to get your porch ready for the sunny season ahead!
Screen Porch Furniture Ideas:
Creating designatedseating areas in your outdoor space is the perfect way to create a welcoming porch for friends and family. Building a bench out of an old bed frame is a great upcycle project.
Now that you have a great place to sit and unwind, with a cozy bench to sit on, you’ll want cushions you sew yourself. This DIY is an easy way to make a bench cushion with piping. Add some coordinating throw pillows and you are ready to relax!
If you haven’t tried painting a bamboo rug yet, now is the time! Create an abstract design, or go with something colorful and quirky for bold pops of color. This design is equal parts whimsical and colorful!
Add decorative accents to your porch or patio by upcycling an old ladder with display shelves. It’s a great way to add storage in a bathroom too. The best part is an old rickety ladder can be an inexpensive purchase at a yard sale or thrift shop.
There is nothing like an outdoor porch swing to encourage relaxing. This beauty is made using pallet wood. Pretty and practical! Plus it adds to your home’s curb appeal. Build your own with this step by step tutorial.
If you have to get some work done, a screened-in porch is the perfect place to do just that! A glass of lemonade, your laptop and a cool DIY writing table and you are ready to go! Or take your zoom call outside on the porch. Your co-workers will be jealous of the serene surroundings.
Nothing livens up your screen porch more than art or pops of color. Here are some simple DIY ideas for your porch.
Have an upcoming event or need to cover that rusty patio table? Add some color and class with a DIY tablecloth complete with an umbrella hole. It’s a budget-friendly fix you can whip up in no time.
Adding art to your porch doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be weather-resistant. Here is a great idea for repurposing an old window with resin and a “Dream Big” message. This would be great for a dorm room too.
An outdoor ceiling fan is a great addition to any outdoor space, especially when it is as gorgeous as this one! Need to ditch a sad or loud ceiling fan? Get the DIY tutorial to install your own. Learn how to install this sexy copper ceiling fan in just a few minute.
Maybe you want a ceiling fan and better lighting on your screen porch. It’s amazing to see the difference a gorgeous light fixture can make! Get all the details on how to install a beautiful ceiling fan that looks amazing with the wood tones of the ceiling. Plus, the bright colors in the rug and cushions create a cozy and warm welcome for guests to enjoy!
If you need to replace all the screens on your screen porch, I highly recommend these nearly invisible insect screens. It truly improved the visibility into our yard and let more light into our adjacent room. The natural light in this screen porch is just lovely!
Time to tackle those maintenance tasks before you can sit back and relax on the porch. Sometimes we put off the little projects that need to be done. This is the best time to take care of those projects so you can enjoy your space.
We all have sagging furniture seat cushions that need to be fixed. Don’t throw away perfectly good porch furniture! Instead, check out my easy fix for sagging furniture seat cushions with this DIY and create a welcoming porch you can enjoy with friends and family.
Check out these cozy spots all ready for entertaining. There are tons of beautiful ideas included in this porch makeover. It truly was a dark and drab spot before, but now it is full of color. Add your own personal style to your space with outdoor chairs covered in comfy cushions in a mix of patterns and textures.
I had to include this screened-in porch collection of some of the best ideas to enjoy on both sunny days or rainy days.
Pin for Later:
With these 19 screen porch decor ideas, you can easily turn your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable retreat. Whether you prefer cozy, rustic, or modern vibes, there’s something here to inspire every style.
If you are looking for a bit of spring and summer curb appeal, check out these DIY front door wreaths.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Porch-Decor-Ideas.jpg12001200Michelle Jameshttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgMichelle James2025-05-16 21:30:122025-05-16 21:33:05Decorating Ideas: Get Your Porch Ready for Warm Weather
Learn the simplest and most accurate way to build drawer boxes with this easy tutorial.
Drawer Box Build
Welcome back, this is Kristen from In Her Garage Woodworking here with another build plan for you. When I first began my DIY woodworking journey over 5 years ago I was most intimidated by building drawers. I avoided them because I thought there were too many measurements and too much room for error. But, with a simple plan and a lot of practice, I now make drawers consistently and accurately. These are the exact plans I use to this day to make drawer boxes for all of my commissioned furniture pieces because when you’re able to make something quickly and easily that is solid and looks great, why would you ever change it?
Materials
(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.)
3/4” thick board (or plywood) (purchase the width of your choice at the circumferential measurement of the drawer box needed)
Your drawer can be any depth you wish, but before building the drawers, rip your 3/4″ material to the drawer height you desire (if you are using plywood or if your 3/4″ material is wider than your finished drawer.
Step #1: Cut drawer box sides
Using your miter or circular saw, cut two identical 3/4” boards to the same length of the drawer slides you’ll be using.
Step #2: Cut drawer box front and back
Cut two pieces of the 3/4 inch material for the front and back of the drawer box. If you’re using ¾” material to build the drawer box then the length of the front and back can be calculated as follows (see equation and picture below):
Width of drawer box – 1½” = width of front and back drawer box boards
Step #3: Add groove for drawer bottom (optional)
Taking all four 3/4″ boards to the table saw cut a groove 1/4” from the bottom of all sides that is 1/4” deep. Run the 3/4 board through one time, then adjust the fence (or your saw) to cut another groove next to the first. (A standard saw blade is 1/8” wide so you will need to make two passes in each board to achieve a 1/4″ groove for the 1/4″ drawer bottom material.
Dry-fit the plywood to check for fit.
Step #4: Create pocket-holes
Using your Kreg jig make 2 pocket-holes at either end of the front and back boards on the opposite side as the plywood bottom groove if you chose to do this step. Be sure to avoid the groove.
Step #5: Assembly
If you DID NOT cut a groove to accept the plywood bottom, then you can assemble the drawer box using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws.
Then, you will cut your bottom 1/4″ panel to the length and width of the drawer box and simply glue and nail it to the bottom of the drawer box
If you DID create a groove for the bottom panel assemble the front and both sides using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws.
Next, cut the ¼” plywood to fit into the bottom of the drawer box groove dry fitting the back panel to check for fit.
Once you have the correct size for the plywood bottom then slide it into the groove and attached the back piece of the drawer box using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws. There is no need to apply glue into the panel groove. The plywood bottom will “float” in place.
No need to worry about filling the pocket-holes because you will be applying a drawer face directly over them.
Be sure to check for square by measuring both diagonals of the drawer box. If one measurement is longer simply squeeze the longer diagonal until both are the same.
Allow drawer box to dry.
That is the basic drawer box build that I use and it is strong and easy to put together. I hope this tutorial gives you the confidence to tackle that project you’ve been putting off. Next, I will teach you my favorite method for installing drawers and how I troubleshoot drawer boxes that just aren’t quite the right fit!
Finishing Tips:
If you are making your drawer boxes out of plywood then check out Brittany’s Edge Banding Tutorial and learn how to cover that unsightly plywood edge.
Wondering how, or if, you should apply a protective finish to the drawer box? If I am working with solid wood for the drawer sides then I will give the material a quick finish sanding and that’s it. But, for plywood, I typically do one of two things, depending upon what I have on hand at that time.
Option 1: Apply 1 or 2 coats of sanding sealer to raise the grain of plywood and sand smooth. Sanding sealer is clear, easy to apply, and dries quickly. If I have the time and patience I may also apply a quick spray of clear, semi-gloss, water-based topcoat to give it a little shine but it isn’t necessary.
Option 2: Apply 2 to 3 coats of spray shellac to seal the plywood. Spray shellac dries quickly and won’t leave any chemical smell behind. But be aware that it will give the plywood a slight amber tone which typically isn’t big deal. Remember to lightly sand between coats.
Hi! I’m Kristen, from In Her Garage, and I am a self-taught woodworker and DIY fanatic from Minnesota where I live with my husband and our two daughters. Between being a wife, mom and, registered nurse, I try to make as much time for DIY as possible. My love for building came after our family built our current home in 2015. After we moved in, we needed furniture and instead of spending massive amounts of money to order the pieces we wanted I decided that I would build them myself. I started with a buffet table plan from the fabulous Ana-white and quickly set out to remodel my entire home office.
Since then I have started a side business building furniture for the people in my community. I love hearing my clients talk about the pieces they wish they had whether it be a rustic buffet table, a one drawer side table, or a toy box, and then making it a reality for them. While starting my small business it made perfect sense that I would document my building journey so I simultaneously launched the In Her Garage blog and I love sharing my plans, tips, and tricks.
Making something beautiful with your own two hands through a little preparation and determination is an amazing feeling and I hope to bring inspiration and know-how to those looking to tackle a big or small project.
I am so glad that you found me here and please feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to see what I am working on right now. And check out the brand new In Her Garage Etsy shop for other plans or to have a furniture item made especially for you!
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Drawer-box-build.jpg16101400In Her Garagehttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgIn Her Garage2021-02-17 07:00:272021-03-03 15:12:34Drawer Box Plans
Looking for a way to organize and free up floor space in your home? Expand your DIY talents and build this adorable DIY wall bookshelf. I built this as the final addition to my daughter’s new room and although the joinery is slightly more advanced it still easy enough for a beginner DIYer.
DIY Wall Bookshelf
This bookshelf was the perfect last piece that brought my daughter’s room together. I used dowel joinery to build the bookshelf (which may sound complicated but is fun to use and quite simple when you get the hang of it). To hang this shelf on the wall I used a French cleat which again sounds more advance is a convenient and secure way to install heavy objects on a wall. So stay with me and read through the instructions. I know you can do this! Let’s make it!
How to Make a DIY Wall-Mounted Bookshelf
Materials:
2- 1″ x 6″ x 8′ boards
1- 3/8″ x 4″ round dowel
1 box 3/8″ wooden dowels
wood glue
Tools:
(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.)
1- 1″ x 6″ @ 22″ ripped to 2½” width – shelf cleat for hanging on the wall
2- 3/8″ dowel @ 22 ¾” length
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut the curve at the top of the shelf sides (optional)
Measure 3″ in from the front and 3″ down from the top on both 1″ x 6″ side pieces and create a curve connecting the two marks. (I used a plastic bowl that I found in my kitchen as a stencil.)
Using your jigsaw, carefully cut along the curved line you’ve drawn until it is cut away.
Repeat for both sides. Sand the curve smooth with sandpaper.
Step 2: Measure and mark dowel placement on the bookshelf sides
This is the step where the 6″ combination square is a lifesaver!
Lay the two side boards next to one another on your work surface so they are a mirror image of one another, insides facing up. (Like opening a book.)
Use the diagram below for measuring and marking the placement of the dowels.
Each shelf dowel will be 1½” in from the front and back of the board and measure up 1/2″, 13″, and 26″ from the bottom of the board as shown.
Both long dowels will be measured and marked 1″ in from the front of each side and 4 ½” and 17 ½” from the bottom of the sides as shown
Repeat these markings for both sides of the bookshelf.
You should have a total of 16 markings. 8 for each side. 6 for the shelf dowels and 2 for the long dowels.
Step 3: Drill holes for dowels
Using your 3/8″ drill bit place a piece of painter’s tape on the drill bit to mark a depth of 3/8″. You don’t want to drill through the sides of the bookshelf, just half-way.
With the drill bit securely in your drill (and material clamped to your work surface), drill straight down into each marking of the side board until the drill bit has reached the depth of the tape.
You will create 16 holes in total, 8 for each side.
Step 4: Measure and mark dowel placement in shelf boards
Using your combination square, mark the center of each side edge of the 3 shelf boards
Next measure and mark 1 ½” in from the front and back of the 3 boards as shown. Make this same 1 ½” mark on the face of the boards as well for reference when using your doweling jig.
Step 5: Drill dowel holes in shelf boards
I’ll let you in on my secret! I use my Kreg pocket-hole bit for this step because it is 3/8″, it makes drilling into the end grain much easier and has a collar that can be set to the depth I want!
The depth of your hole = length of the dowel minus 3/8″ (the depth of the hole in the side boards.)
Now, using your doweling jig and the reference marks you’ve created on the face of the board you can go ahead and drill the 12 holes to the depth determined above into the sides of the shelves.
Step 6: Dry fit!
It is important when using dowels for joinery that you complete a dry fit test of the project first.
You want to make sure the holes are large enough and deep enough for the dowel and that all pieces can securely fit together without gaps.
Assemble the Shelf!
Step 7: Install shelf dowels and shelves
Using wood glue install all 12 shelf dowels into the holes of both side boards.
Next, using wood glue, install the shelves over their respective dowels and gently tap into place using a rubber mallet.
Step 8: Install long dowels
Place a drop of glue in both holes for the long dowels and insert dowels
Step 9: Install the remaining side board
Carefully place the remaining side board over the shelves and long dowels have already been installed.
Align the dowels and long dowel holes and gently tap the side into place with a rubber mallet.
Check for square and clamp into place to allow the glue to dry.
Note: As you can see I forgot to insert the long dowels during assembly. I was able to add them later and I will have a scar to show for it!
Step 10: Hanging the shelf on the wall
For this step, I chose to use a French cleat. I wanted the shelf to be flush to the wall and very secure which is what makes a French cleat the best choice. View the basic diagram below or for step by step instruction check out How to Make and Use a French Cleat.
I used pocket screws to secure the top portion of the French cleat to the bookshelf.
Once the French cleat is secured to the bookshelf and the wall you will be able to hang the bookshelf securely on the wall and place as many books in it as needed. My daughter loves her new bookshelf and she always feels so special when Mom makes something just for her.
I hope this tutorial proves helpful in adding a little style and organization to your home.
Hi! I’m Kristen, from In Her Garage, and I am a self-taught woodworker and DIY fanatic from Minnesota where I live with my husband and our two daughters. Between being a wife, mom and, registered nurse, I try to make as much time for DIY as possible. My love for building came after our family built our current home in 2015. After we moved in, we needed furniture and instead of spending massive amounts of money to order the pieces we wanted I decided that I would build them myself. I started with a buffet table plan from the fabulous Ana-white and quickly set out to remodel my entire home office.
Since then I have started a side business building furniture for the people in my community. I love hearing my clients talk about the pieces they wish they had whether it be a rustic buffet table, a one drawer side table, or a toy box and then making it a reality for them. While starting my small business it made perfect sense that I would document my building journey so I simultaneously launched the In Her Garage blog and I love sharing my plans, tips and tricks.
Making something beautiful with your own two hands through a little preparation and determination is an amazing feeling and I hope to bring inspiration and know-how to those looking to tackle a big or small project.
I am so glad that you found me here and please feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube to see what I am working on right now.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DIY-Wall-bookshelf-1-scaled.jpg25601764In Her Garagehttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgIn Her Garage2021-01-20 07:00:292021-03-29 21:28:11DIY Wall Bookshelf
