Homeownership requires a lot of maintenance. Small fixes like clogged toilets and loose doors are often easy to ignore but can become big, expensive problems down the line.
Luckily, today’s homeowners live in the age of instructional videos and DIY tutorials. With that said, there are some tasks better left to professionals — especially those that involve major structural alterations.
1. Paint
There’s nothing like a new coat of paint to freshen up a room. It’s an inexpensive way to re-energize your home, and it can make your space feel more open and welcoming. In addition, paint can seal surfaces from moisture, which prevents them from becoming saturated or contaminated with mildew and other pathogens. If you live in an area governed by a homeowner’s association, it’s also a great way to stay on the good side of your HOA and avoid costly fines.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some renovations are better left to the professionals — and painting your house is one of them. Not only is a poorly executed job costly, but it can lead to serious damage to your property.
2. Replace Appliances
Home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and vacuum cleaners make it possible to live comfortably in our homes. But they also have an expected lifespan and, eventually, will break down.
It’s not always easy to decide whether to repair or replace an appliance. There are a lot of factors that play into this decision. But, a good starting point is to consider the age of the appliance.
Generally, older appliances are less expensive to repair. However, they’re also less reliable and may break down sooner. This is why it’s a good idea to consider home warranty coverage. Consider companies that offer protection plans that can help you get a more cost-effective repair or replacement for your broken appliances. Do your research and look for the best home warranty companies in Florida that can help you with a replacement.
3. Fix a Leak
While some leaks require the expertise of a professional, you can often prevent and repair smaller leaks yourself. Leaks that go unnoticed can cost you money on water bills, and if left to spread, they can damage your walls or ceiling.
If you suspect that you have a leak, investigate the area and look for signs of water damage such as dampness or water stains on the ceiling. You can also use a moisture meter to narrow down the wettest part of a wall.
Once you have determined the source of a leak, you can shut down the water to that
pipe by opening another nearby valve. This will stop the flow of water and prevent further damage to your home. In addition, it will save you from inflated water bills and help prevent mold and mildew.
4. Repair a Faulty Door
A door that squeaks, sticks, or is difficult to open can be very annoying. Luckily, the damage that often causes these problems can be quite easy to fix for homeowners. Small dents, scratches, and cracks can be filled in with wood putty or filler for an inexpensive home repair.
If a door is not fitting properly in its frame, it can create a draft that allows cold air into the house and can also allow pests inside. It can also cause the door to scrape and scuff the floor, especially hardwood floors. This can be a serious safety hazard
for young children. In addition, if the hinges are misaligned it can also become a security risk. A door that is kept in place by unstable hinges can fall on the floor if it is opened or closed.
5. Repair a Faulty Window
If your windows stick and can’t be opened or closed, they become a safety hazard, increase the amount of outside air perforating your home and increase your heating costs.
Whether the problem is a sticky gear and sector system, scissors lift or cable operated window mechanism, you can usually lubricate them to fix the issue. Otherwise, you may need to sand and repaint the interior or exterior casing of the window.
It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible, so that your windows function properly and don’t look shoddy. However, if the damage is severe, it may be more beneficial to replace the window. A professional can help you make this decision. They can also help you choose a new window that will improve your energy efficiency.
