Owning a home is a significant milestone in life, and renovating it to make it your own is fun and exciting. But the cost of repairing and maintaining your home can be overwhelming. The good news is that many common household repairs can be tackled through DIY rather than hiring someone to do the job. Here are 21 DIY repairs that could save you big money:
Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet is annoying and costly, wasting water and money. Replacing a washer or cartridge is a straightforward fix for most leaks. If you have never done this job before, you can watch tutorials online.
Clogged Drain
A plunger or drain snake can often clear clogged drains. For tougher clogs, a commercial drain cleaner might be necessary, but use it cautiously and follow the instructions, as it is a powerful substance. You can also prevent clogged drains by being careful of what food goes down the kitchen sink and not putting too much tissue paper down the toilet.
Running Toilet
Like a faulty tap, a constantly running toilet can significantly increase your water bill. Replacing a worn-out flapper valve or adjusting the fill valve are common solutions and will only take an hour or so to fix.
Replacing Light Fixtures
While large electric jobs should be left to professionals, swapping light fixtures is something you can do yourself. Replacing outdated light fixtures with modern ones can brighten your home, but ensure you match the voltage requirements and turn off the breaker before starting.
Flickering Lights
If your lights are flickering, it could be loose wiring or a faulty bulb, which can cause flickering lights. Tighten loose connections or replace the bulb, but avoid electrical work if you’re uncomfortable, and hire a professional.
Replacing a Light Switch
A new light switch can be a quick and easy upgrade. Before attempting any electrical work, remember to turn off the power at the breaker box.
Patching Holes in Drywall
Patching holes in drywall is a common home repair that can be easily done, saving you time and money. Whether it’s a small nail hole or larger damage, fixing drywall is a straightforward process that requires some basic tools and material
Fixing Squeaky Floors
Squeaky floors can be a nuisance, disrupting the peace of your home. Fortunately, fixing squeaky floors is a task that you can handle yourself. Squeaky floorboards can be tightened with screws or nails.
Replacing Caulk
Over time, caulk around bathtubs, showers, and sinks can crack and deteriorate. Removing old caulk and applying a fresh line can prevent water damage and mold growth. While it’s easy to replace caulk, you must ensure you choose the best material for your job. Due to its water resistance and flexibility, silicone caulk is ideal for areas exposed to water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Acrylic latex caulk is easier to work with and clean up, making it suitable for windows, doors, and trim.
Mowing Your Lawn
Lawn care companies can be expensive, so it’s much cheaper to Invest in a lawn mower and take care of your yard yourself. You should mow your lawn every 2-3 weeks to keep it from getting too unruly.
Trimming Bushes and Trees
You can also trim your bushes rather than hiring a gardener. Regular trimming keeps your landscaping tidy and promotes healthy plant growth. You can tackle smaller shrubs and trees with pruning shears or a lopper.
Cleaning Gutters
Clogged gutters can damage your roof and foundation and lead to damp walls. Clearing debris, such as leaves and twigs, from your gutters will prevent water buildup. You should take care when using ladders, but other than that, this should be a job that you can do on your own to save money.
Air Filter Replacement
Dirty air filters reduce HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality. You should replace your air filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but there’s no need to hire an HVAC technician, as the process is relatively straightforward.
Smoke Detector Maintenance
Regular smoke detector maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety of your home and family. Proper upkeep can prevent false alarms and ensure your smoke detectors function correctly in an emergency. You should test and replace batteries regularly and completely replace detectors every ten years or sooner if they break.
Washing Your Dishwasher
To keep your appliance running smoothly, run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner periodically to remove built-up grease and grime. You should also clean filters and add rinse aids regularly to keep your dishes sparkling.
Replacing a Dishwasher Hose
A faulty dishwasher hose can leak and cause water damage. Replacing the hose is a relatively simple DIY project, as you only need a new hose, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Just make sure you locate the shut-off valve for your dishwasher, typically under the sink near the dishwasher connection, so you don’t flood the kitchen.
Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in your dryer vent is a fire hazard, and it will also prevent your clothes from drying as quickly as they should. Simply disconnect the dryer and clean the vent hose regularly so you don’t have a buildup that will need cleaning by a professional.
Tightening Loose Furniture Joints
Over time, furniture joints can loosen and become wobbly. Rather than let the furniture fall into disrepair, tighten loose screws or bolts every few months to restore stability.
Reupholstering Furniture
Reupholstering old furniture is a budget-friendly way to give it a new lease on life. You don’t need experience working with textiles, but it can help. With strong fabric glue and staples, there’s little sewing to do, but give yourself enough time to complete your project so it isn’t rushed.
Wallpapering
There is an art to wallpapering, but with a little practice, you can learn how to hang it yourself rather than hire a decorator. Try to keep to plain paper first and gradually move to patterns when you have experience.
Constructing a Shed
If you have the time to take things slowly, you should be able to follow the instructions for your shed so you don’t have to pay someone to construct it for you. You should ensure you have a solid and stable surface to build on and have your tools ready before you start.
The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
When choosing a car, one of the most crucial factors is reliability. But what exactly does it mean when we say a car is reliable? Reliability refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform consistently well over time with minimal issues. A reliable car requires fewer repairs, is cost-effective to maintain, and offers peace of mind to the owner. In this article, we delve into the ten most reliable car brands according to mechanics, explaining why these brands are trusted and highlighting endorsements from institutions, car experts, and reputable websites. The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
