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Owning a home often comes with an endless list of projects to address. From designing your dream bedroom to getting your HVAC system ready for winter or fixing a fence, the tasks seem never-ending. Fortunately, many of these home improvement and maintenance jobs can be tackled without the need for a professional. Here are 14 essential home repairs you should know before buying a house.
HVAC Filter Replacement
It’s important to replace your HVAC filters every 90 days to improve air quality and maintain an efficient system operation. This simple task only requires you to have the correct filter for your system.
How Often Should You Change the HVAC Air Filter in Your Home?
Lawn Care
Maintain a tidy lawn by mastering how to mow, edge, and fertilize grass. This will help to enhance your home’s curb appeal and it’s a simple task that you can do on your own.
11 Weeds You Shouldn’t Pull From Your Garden
Gutter Cleaning
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home’s foundation. To prevent this, clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure proper drainage.
Interior Painting
Learning how to properly paint walls and ceilings can dramatically change the appearance of any room. You can save a significant amount by painting interior walls yourself without the need for a professional painter.
Basic Plumbing
Knowing how to handle basic plumbing repairs can save you from costly emergencies. Keep essential tools like a plunger, pipe wrench, and plumbing tape on hand. These tools enable you to quickly address common issues such as fixing or replacing a faucet, unclogging a drain, or stopping a running toilet. Handling these minor repairs yourself can save money and prevent further damage.
Patching Drywall Holes
While you may hope not to deal with many drywall holes, accidents do happen, and it’s likely you’ll need to patch some over time. Learning to repair drywall holes yourself can save you a significant amount of money. Purchase a drywall repair kit from any hardware store and use the included instructions to easily restore your walls to their original condition.
Caulking
It’s important to maintain a watertight seal around bathtubs, sinks, and windows using caulking and sealing products. Proper sealing prevents water damage and protects fixtures and surfaces.
Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals often become dirty and can start to emit a foul odor. Rather than hiring a professional, you can address this issue yourself with some simple DIY methods. Try running citrus peels or baking soda through the disposal to help clean it and neutralize odors.
How to Fix a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Fix a Clogged Sink
Sometimes, sinks get clogged, and it’s important to know how to fix it. A clogged sink is guaranteed to happen, so it’s best to know how to solve the issue before reaching out to a professional.
Weatherstripping
Applying weatherstripping to doors and windows is a preventive maintenance task that helps prevent energy loss and reduce utility bills. By sealing the gaps around doors and windows, you’ll make your home more energy-efficient, keeping indoor temperatures stable and comfortable throughout the year.
Pressure Washing
Occasionally, your home’s exterior, deck, or driveway will need a pressure wash—many suggest doing this annually. Instead of hiring a professional service, consider investing in a pressure washer to use each year, or borrow one from a neighbor or friend. This can be a cost-effective way to maintain your property’s appearance.
Update a Light Fixture
You don’t need a professional electrician to install a basic light fixture. This is a task you can handle on your own.
Reset the Breaker
Sometimes, an electrical breaker may trip due to an overloaded circuit. This often happens when too many high-power appliances hairdryers, or heaters, are running on the same circuit. If your breaker trips, you can usually reset it yourself to resolve the issue.
How to Handle a Fire Extinguisher
Most people are not fully equipped to handle a fire extinguisher. It is important to learn how to use it in case of an emergency.
16 Ways to Modernize a Kitchen Without Remodeling
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter with a big or small kitchen, making your kitchen look and work better can really change how you use the space. And you don’t have to do a major kitchen renovation to make it happen. Here are 16 affordable ways to give your kitchen a modern touch.
16 Ways to Modernize a Kitchen Without Remodeling
How to Clean Sticky Grease Off Your Kitchen Cabinets
Our kitchen cabinets can easily accumulate dirt, grease, and grime. Here are some of the most effective cleaning methods to revive those greasy kitchen cabinets.
