Despite recent fluctuations in the housing market, economists agree that home ownership is a primary way for American families to build wealth. But while owning a home does have significant economic benefits, it also involves unique responsibilities.
As a renter, you can call on your landlord to fix a leaky roof or a broken appliance. As a homeowner, however, any home fix your property needs will be your responsibility.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Here’s a list of essential DIY repair skills every homeowner should have.
Fix a Clogged Drain
If you or a family member has long hair, you will encounter a clogged drain in your shower or bathtub sooner rather than later. Sink drains can also get clogged by food particles or mineral buildup. While some clogs will need to be addressed by a professional plumber, homeowners can address minor ones.
A chemical drain cleaner can be an easy fix for a clogged drain. For more serious clogs, you will need to use a plunger or a drain clog remover. A drain clog remover is a too with plastic barbs that can break up materials clogging your drain.
Caulking Gaps in Your Home
Gaps by doors, windows, and floorboard can be a nuisance. In addition to making your heating and cooling systems less efficient, they can also let in vermin like bugs and rodents.
You can easily close up these gaps with some caulk and a caulking gun. Simply fill in the gaps with caulk, and give them time to dry.
Maintaining Your HVAC System
In addition to repairing items around your home, you should also perform some regular maintenance tasks. Keeping up with your HVAC system is a simple way to keep your system running efficiently and lower your electric bills.
Make sure to check your HVAC filters at least once a month. When the filters look filthy, it is time to replace them. Additionally, depending on what kind of system you have, you may need to occasionally clean out the pipes with vinegar to prevent mineral buildup.
How to Reset Breakers
If you use an old appliance or overload a circuit in your home, you can lose power to all or part of your home. In these instances, it’s important to know how to locate and reset breakers to get your power running again.
Your breakers are typically kept in a breaker box, which may be located in the basement, the garage, or outside. When you locate the breaker box, check to see that the breakers are labeled for what appliances/parts of the house they control. This can come in handy if you need to shut off power to one part of the home for any reason.
When You Need More than a Home Fix
With these tips in hand, a simple home fix will no longer present a problem to you.
That said, if you’ve decided to rent out your residential property, there will be maintenance issues beyond your skill level. If you’d like to get help managing your property, contact us to learn about our maintenance services.
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