Home improvement can be daunting, and I’m sure you’ve thought of hiring a handyman or a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs instead of doing them yourself. Many homeowners shy away from home repairs for fear that their attempts at fixing a broken pipe or clogged toilet can make the problem worse. The fear alone often discourages people from doing any sort of DIY work.
But small problems often become more difficult and expensive to fix if left alone. Drafty windows lead to water damage. Exposed walls attract mold and rot. That broken doorbell could be a symptom of a severe electrical problem. You can fix cracked asphalt paving now, or you can wait a few months and replace the entire pavement instead.
You don’t need specialized training to perform basic repair work. Here’s a quick home maintenance checklist to get you started:
-
Doorbell
This might not be your priority when you think of home repairs, but it’s important to always inspect the doorbell. Without a functioning doorbell, you’ll have no way of knowing if you have people waiting outside the front door. And it’s often the first thing that prospective buyers notice when inspecting your home.
Luckily, replacing a broken doorbell is very easy. The methods differ from model to model, so you might want to research online for a guide to replacing your specific doorbell. You can check the manufacturer’s website or popular DIY forums for more information.
-
Power outlets
Inspect the power outlets in your home at least every six months. Broken outlets aren’t uncommon and can easily be fixed by a skilled handyman. However, recurring breakdowns could be a sign of a more severe problem. Call a professional electrician right away and have your home’s electrical system checked for any issues.
-
Exhaust fans
The exhaust fans in your home help remove moisture, smoke, and odors. They help keep rooms dry if there aren’t any windows and reduce the effect of fumes that could be harmful to your health. A dirty exhaust fan removes less moisture and could lead to mold growth in your home.
Check the bathroom and kitchen fans at least twice a year. You just need to remove the filter and hose it down with soap and water to remove the dust buildup.
-
Ceramic tiles
Bathroom and kitchen tiles often use caulk or grout as filler. These materials are somewhat porous and will wear down after a few years. You can remove mold and mildew by shocking them with bleach, but if you notice signs of crumbling, it’s probably time to replace the old grout.
Grout replacement is a job you can do yourself. There are lots of regrouting and recaulking guides online, so just choose one that you’re comfortable with.
-
Water heater
Water heaters are hardy machines, but they still need the occasional TLC to keep them in working condition. For starters, you need to drain the heater tank at least once a year. Flushing the tank out will remove any debris and mineral buildup in the system, ensuring maximum performance. Any other water heater issues will have to be solved by a professional plumber.
Home maintenance can seem overwhelming, but this checklist will help you stay on top of your tasks. The critical thing to remember is to repair small issues right away before they become more difficult and expensive to solve.
