Fathers Day

5 Ways to Surprise Dad with DIY Home Improvement Projects

For Father’s Day this year, get your dad something he’ll really appreciate – help tackling his home improvement to-do list. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Instead of a fancy shaving kit…

… trim the yard. But don’t stop at simply mowing the grass and weeding the beds – add some class with edging. Plastic, rubber and stone edging pieces are easy to install and a simple way to smarten up the yard.

2. Instead of another watch…

… rent a power washer from your local home improvement store and with just a few hours of work, you can return Dad’s home and driveway to its former glory. Be careful around windows, doors and screens, however, as the high-pressure flow could cause damage Dad won’t be thrilled about.

3. Instead of cologne or aftershave…

… take a look at his air conditioning system. You can clean or swap out the filter on your own. Leaving it too long can clog the system and cause the air conditioning to malfunction. Take a look at the pan under the unit. If there’s water in it, there might be a clog in the drain line that you can flush yourself. If the unit needs more help, schedule a pro for regular service and pick up the tab for Dad.

4. Instead of another tie…

… give him a nice space to unwind by cleaning, sanding and staining the deck. A good power wash will brighten the wood by blasting off a layer of grunge and a coat of stain will help seal out the elements and keep the wood intact.

5. Instead of barbecue tools…

… build him a fire pit. Get creative with gravel, stone and bricks and don’t forget to buy chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers for the inaugural s’mores.