DIY home repairs can be challenging, frustrating, and ultimately fail. Not to mention potentially dangerous. Dominick Home Services recommends hiring a professional to complete all home repairs and improvements. If you embark on a DIY adventure, you do so at your own risk. Dominick Home Services holds no responsibility for damage or injury resulting from any DIY project.
Taking care of your home is an essential part of being a homeowner. From plumbing problems to electrical issues, there are some home repairs that every homeowner should know how to do. Knowing basic home repair skills can save you time and money and give you peace of mind knowing that you can get these jobs done yourself. Even if you plan to hire a professional, having a basic knowlege of home repair can prevent you from being scammed. Here are nine essential home repairs that every homeowner should know how to do.
1. Unclogging Drains - One of the most common home repair tasks is unclogging drains. We don't recommend chemical drain cleaners because they can damage trim and plumbing. A plunger will clear a clogged drain most of the time. You can use a toilet auger or drain snake for more stubborn clogs. It's important to remember to wear gloves when working on drains because there can be some nasty stuff in there!
2. Fixing Leaky Faucets - A leaky faucet is annoying, wasteful, and damaging, so it's essential to fix it immediately. To repair a leaky faucet, turn off the water supply to the tap, then disassemble the faucet and replace any worn-out parts, such as cartridges, washers, or O-rings. Be sure to adequately tighten all components before turning on the water supply.
3. Replacing Light Switches - Replacing a light switch is relatively simple. Still, it's essential to ensure you turn off the power at the main breaker before starting work on any electrical fixtures in your home. Start by turning off the power, removing the old switch, and wiring in a new one according to its instructions, then replace any plates or covers before turning the power back on at the main breaker box.
4. Repairing Drywall Holes - If you have holes in your drywall from previous projects or accidents, you will need a few materials to get started. Spackle, a putty knife, and sandpaper will usually do the job. Start by cleaning out any debris from the hole, apply the spackle with a putty knife until it's level with the wall surface, then lightly sand down until smooth once dry.
5. Troubleshooting Appliance Issues - You may be surprised by how simple an appliance repair can be. Before attempting any repairs, check your appliance's owner manual for specific troubleshooting tips and warnings about working with electricity or other components inside appliances that could be dangerous if not handled correctly. Once you have correctly diagnosed the problem, acquired the correct parts, and gathered the appropriate tools, you are ready to start! Follow the manufacturer's instructions step by step and you may be finished sooner than you think!
6 . Installing New Lighting Fixtures - Installing new lighting fixtures can add both style and functionality to your home, so it's vital for homeowners to know how to do this properly. First, turn off the power at the main breaker box, then remove the existing lighting fixture (if necessary), use a non-contact tester or multimeter to ensure power is off to the fixture. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions. Then, connect the wires according to the instructions included in the product packaging, attach the mounting plate, hang the fixture, test the connection, secure cover plate onto wall plate with screws provided, and finally install bulbs according to manufacturer recommendations.
7 . Replacing Door Handles & Locksets - Replacing door handles and locksets is relatively easy once you understand how they work. First, remove existing hardware from the door, including screws from the handle/lockset assembly. Then, based on measurements taken from existing hardware, determine the type of replacement hardware needed. Install new hardware following the product packaging instructions, then secure all screws tightly into place. Test fitment by trying the handle several times before leaving the project area.
8 . Re-caulking Windows & Doors - Re-caulking windows & doors is an easy way to keep drafts out & save money on energy bills during winter and summer. Begin the project by removing old caulking using a utility knife & scraper/putty knife combination while being careful not to damage the underlying surface area (i e window frame ). Once you remove all of the old caulk, clean the area thoroughly using a damp cloth & allow drying entirely before applying new caulk material. Apply a small amount of caulk into the corners between the window frame & siding utilizing a caulking gun. Allow the caulk to dry completely before painting over areas if desired
9 . Painting Interior Walls - Painting interior walls is one most straightforward ways to freshen up the look and feel of the entire room. Begin by preparing the surface before painting. Use a roller brush and apply primer to coat the wall. Wait at least one hour before applying the paint color desired. Paint the wall clockwise to maintain even coverage throughout the painting process. Allow the paint to dry completely before hanging picture frames etc
Conclusion: Maintaining your home doesn't have to be complicated or expensive if you know how to tackle easy fixes yourself. By mastering these nine essential home repairs, every homeowner should know how to save time and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you can take care of minor things around the house without calling professionals each time an issue arises! Plus bonus benefit added value property when comes time sell!
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