Owning a home is more than just relaxing weekends on the deck and intimate evenings in front of the fireplace. It also entails regular maintenance and occasional repairs.
Some home improvement tasks are well-known DIY favorites like painting the interior or laying plank flooring. Other projects may seem out of your comfort zone but are actually fairly easy to tackle.
1. Repair a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is a nuisance and it’s also wasting water and costing you money. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a single drip every minute can waste up to 34 gallons per year.
Fixing a leaky faucet is usually easier than replacing the entire sink assembly and it will save you money in the long run. Leaky faucets are typically caused by worn or defective parts such as O-rings, washers, or neoprene seals.
First, turn off the water supply valves underneath your sink basin (hot and cold). Then, remove the faucet handles by unscrewing them. It’s helpful to use penetrating oil to loosen any seized screws or fittings. Then, remove the cartridge from your sink faucet assembly (cartridge, ball, or ceramic-disk). Replace any leaking O-rings, washers, or seals and reassemble the faucet.
2. Repair a Leaky Pipe
A leaky pipe can be a serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly. If left unattended, it can lead to water damage that causes mold growth, which is both unsightly and hazardous for your family’s health. Additionally, a leaky pipe can increase your water bill significantly.
The first step is to shut off your water supply. Find the main shutoff valve, which is typically located near your water meter. Turn it counterclockwise to shut off the water.
Next, clean the area around the leak and dry it with a towel or rag. This will help ensure your repair holds and prevents further water damage. Finally, fill the leaky area with epoxy putty. This is a quick and easy solution that can be used to fix most types of leaks.
3. Install a New Roof
Home repairs are a common issue that can be caused by clogged pipes, leaky roofs and other issues that require quick fixes. These repairs can save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing problems such as flooding, expensive water damage repair and health issues due to mold growth. Home repairs are not the same as home improvements, which are upgrades that will increase the value of your home.Sometimes, you can write off the costs of home improvement on your taxes.
4. Install a Fence
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s curb appeal, a new fence can do wonders for your property. But before you head to your local home improvement store, make sure to do a few things to prepare for the project. For starters, call your utility companies to mark where the gas, electrical and cable lines are on your property (or have them do it if you hire a contractor). Damaging these lines can leave you without services and cost you big money. If you are not sure with what you’re doing in installing a fence it might be helpful if you ask professionals for help. Illinois Fence Company is a leading fence contractor that uses not only the highest quality of fencing materials but also installs and uses cutting edge fence installation techniques. To learn more about choosing the right fence contractor for aluminum fence installation, check this out.
It’s also important to clear the area around your yard so you can work more easily and to keep valuable items away from any construction debris. This includes removing landscape plantings that are in the way, as well as large trees or bushes that may need to be relocated or removed completely.
While these are just some of the things you can try to attempt, most home repairs or home improvement need to be assisted by a professional. Plumbers have the expertise and experience to fix leaky faucets and pipes and you probably need a skilled roofer to help with your roof issues. Harder tasks such as replacing parts on a washing machine or repairing a big appliance is more of something that really needs a contractor to fix. Some of the best home warranty companies in Florida can send out their best contractors to fit your needs under a home warranty. These situations will require great attention to detail and definite experience to get the job done.
