Houses will inevitably experience wear and tear the older it gets. This is why maintenance is crucial as it helps keep your property in the best condition for as long as possible.
Some repairs can be quite costly, especially if most of the damages are caused by uncontrollable factors like storms, floods, and quakes. If you’re wise enough, you would already have purchased the best home insurance coverage you can afford. It will help you cover the cost of repairs.
However, there are also certain types of repairs that aren’t covered by a home insurance policy. In most cases, these are affordable but others can be very expensive such as foundation repairs.
And then, there are the DIY home repairs.
When it comes to these home repairs, there’s no need to call in the pros. Anyone can easily do the following with a few simple instructions and the right tools.
1. Fix a leaky faucet
The main thing you need to know about fixing faucets and sinks is that you just need a few wrenches and a plunger to fix and replace faucets. You just need to spot those leaks quick enough so they don’t cause rotting in your pipes.
2. Refinish floorboards
The task may be intimidating but trust us, you can do this easily if you have a day or two to spare. Sanding isn’t required unless there’s too much damage to your hardwood.
3. Fix cracks in plaster
Drywall is one of the most common building materials. Although they are easily damaged, repairing cracks and holes is also very easy to do. Those dings, holes, and cracks don’t stand a chance against you.
4. Grout tiles
Grouting tiles can be a bit tedious but it’s one of those DIY tasks that any homeowner can do as long as you have enough time on your hands.
5. Update cabinets
Cabinets are easy to update. A fresh coat of paint and some hardware replacement can breathe new life to any cabinet and make the room it’s in look like it’s new.
6. Install smoke detectors
Smoke detectors can be easily installed and their batteries easily replaced. You don’t need to call in an electrician for it. Here’s how to do it yourself.
7. Get rid of water stains
One of the easy and obvious solutions to water stains is to retouch the surface with fresh paint. But an easier solution involves bleach and water. A water and bleach solution (10% bleach) sprayed on the affected area can make the stains go away in a day or two.
8. Improve a patchy lawn
Lawn maintenance is quite easy if you just know what to feed your lawn so it grows healthy grass. You don’t need to call in professional landscapers for this. Some basic knowledge and some TLC is all you need.
9. Garbage disposal repairs
Don’t get too intimidated with its sharp blades. If it gets broken, you can easily perform parts or unit replacement yourself in 20 minutes or less.
10. Silence loud cabinet doors
If you’re tired of hearing your cabinet doors slamming loudly, there’s a quick fix for this. A pack of stick-and-peel door bumpers should do the trick to silence those pesky doors.
11. Foam loose pipes and showerheads
For loose showerheads and pipes, you don’t always need to call in a plumber to fix them. Sometimes, you just need a can of expanding foam. A few squirts of the foam in the right places should tighten those fixtures and keep them in place.
12. Weatherstripping doors and windows
If you start to notice some drafts from your exterior doors and windows, you can easily seal those gaps with rubber foam weatherstripping that can be easily installed in minutes.
13. Repaint rooms
If you want to give a room a fresh look, all you need to do is give it a facelift with a brand new paint job. If you have plenty of time on your hands, a few gallons of paint, some paint rollers, and brushes, you can get it done all by yourself.
14. Sanding stainless steel
Stainless steel appliances are nice to look at because of their clean and modern appearance. However, it is unavoidable for some of them to have scratches with constant use. Get rid of those pesky scratches and make it look brand new once again by sanding it with fine sandpaper and some rubbing compound.
15. Fix decks
A lot of things can go wrong with decks. But wobbly railings, squeaky boards, and missing screws are things that you can easily work on without any help from the experts.
Good home maintenance involves hands-on homeowners who are willing to get their hands dirty to keep their properties in great shape.
