Owning a home (or renting an apartment) requires a commitment to maintenance. Some homeowners embrace DIY projects while others call in the professionals. The harder things like appliance repairs should be left to a professional. The best home warranty company in California might tell you that good maintenance will reduce repair costs.
Despite the fact that some tasks are best left to professional experts their page, there are many do-it-yourself home repair jobs that are surprisingly simple. Here are five that you should try yourself.
1. Fix a leaky faucet
Dripping faucets can drive homeowners crazy content, but fixing them is actually quite simple. All you need is a few tools and a little know-how.
Start by locating the shut-off valves beneath your sink (if there aren’t any, you can turn off the water supply to the entire house). Next, open the drain and place a rag over it to stop any water from running down the drain while you work.
Once the water is off, examine the faucet to find out what’s causing it to drip. Depending on where the leak is coming from, you’ll have different steps to follow. For example, a leak around the handle will require a different repair than a drip from the spout. Also, some faucets may have multiple parts that need to be tightened.
2. Fix a leaky toilet
Leaky toilets are a common home problem that can cause expensive damage if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, most leaky toilets can be fixed with a few simple steps.
To fix a leaky toilet, first make sure that the water is actually coming from the tank. This may be a sign of a loose water supply line or even a cracked toilet base.
Next, remove the tank lid and check the tee bolts to see if they are tightened. If they are loose, tighten them using a wrench.
Finally, you can also try a few other simple fixes, such as replacing the flapper or adding a tank condensation liner. However, if the toilet is still leaking, you may need to replace the wax seal. If this is the case, be prepared to spend a few hours on this project.
3. Fix a broken window
A cracked window can seem like a disaster. It can cause drafts, moisture, and insects to enter your home and it’s often a sign that you need to replace the window.
Replacing windows requires a bit of work, but you can do it yourself with the right tools and materials. You can also save money by tackling the repair yourself instead of hiring a glazier to do it for you.
For a quick and simple solution, cover the crack with plastic to keep rain, wind, bugs, and other elements from entering your home. This temporary fix can prevent the crack from getting worse and buy you time to budget for a replacement. You can also use a clear epoxy repair to make the crack invisible.
4. Fix a broken door
If your door frame is cracked or splintered, it may not be as safe as it could be. It’s important to repair a broken door frame promptly as it can compromise the security of your home.
Thankfully, fixing a broken door frame is an easy home repair you can do yourself. Unless the frame is badly damaged, such as a kicked in or forced open door, it’s often more cost effective to repair cracks and damage to a door frame rather than replace it entirely.
To repair a door frame, first remove the metal catch or strike hardware and splintered wood from the affected area of the frame. Use a ruler and pencil to mark off a five-inch buffer zone both above and below the spot where you intend to repair the crack or split.
5. Fix a broken roof
Whether you’re moving into your first home or are a long-time homeowner, the occasional emergency can arise. While it’s tempting to call a professional, you can save yourself some money by tapping into your own ingenuity and learning to make basic repairs.
Severe storms can wreak havoc on your roof, and the damage may not be immediately apparent. But a broken roof could soon lead to water leaks and other problems that are expensive and difficult to fix.
A damaged roof can also turn off potential buyers, and it can affect the curb appeal of your house. So, be sure to inspect your roof regularly and replace any loose tiles.
