Family Handyman
Garage Storage Shelves
Increase your storage capacity while gaining hands-on experience in basic woodworking by designing and installing custom shelving in your garage. Since every garage layout is different and storage requirements vary from person to person, custom-built shelves allow you to tailor the space perfectly to your needs. This project not only helps organize your belongings efficiently but also introduces you to valuable home improvement skills that you can apply to future DIY endeavors.
Family Handyman
Sink Trap Clean-Out
Over time, kitchen and bathroom sink traps can become clogged with debris. Taking apart the trap, thoroughly cleaning it, and then putting it back together not only clears blockages but also helps you understand how your plumbing fits together. If your trap is an older metal model, this is a perfect opportunity to upgrade to durable PVC piping. Fair warning: traps tend to collect quite a bit of grime and gunk, so expect the process to be a bit messy and possibly smelly—but the hands-on experience is well worth it!
Why it’s an ideal beginner project: Similar to fixing faucets, cleaning out your drain trap is a low-risk, budget-friendly way to get familiar with how your plumbing system works.
What it encourages you to buy: If you haven’t already picked up a pair of channel lock pliers for other plumbing tasks, now’s the time—they’re essential for loosening and tightening fittings during this job.