10 Home Repair Projects Anyone Can Do
by Guest Post on Dec 14, 2010
Although some home repair projects take careful thought, planning, and sometimes even an expert, there are plenty of small home repair projects that anybody can do. These projects will not only improve your home, but many of them will also help save energy and money, too.
Replace the Shower Head
Is your shower head not working as well as it used to? Replacing an old showerhead is well within the skill set of the average homeowner. Not only will you save money and water, but you'll also have a much more enjoyable shower as well.
Put a Stop to Drafts
Check around your windows and doors for drafts. You can use a piece of facial or toilet tissue, holding it up in front of the doors and windows. If it flutters in a small invisible breeze, you need to be weatherproofed. Depending on your skills and budget, you can use weather stripping, or the plastic sheet weatherproofing kits for windows. You should also check the caulking around windows and doors to make sure there aren't cracks that could cause drafts.
Change the Air Filter
Change your air filters on your heating and cooling systems. If they are dirty, your furnace or air conditioner has to work much harder, which wastes energy and money.
Re-Caulk the Tub
Touch up or replace the caulk around the shower and tub. A tube of caulk is cheap, but the water damage, mold, and dry rot that can occur from water seeping into the wall are not.
Fix a Leaky Faucet
If you have a leaky faucet or your toilet keeps running, fix them. Faucets often only need a new washer, and there are kits you can buy to fix a toilet. You'll save a lot of money, especially if it's a hot water leak.
Maintain the Washing Machine
If your washing machine is taking longer than it used to fill with water, the inlet screen might be clogged. First, unplug the washer and shut off the water supply valves. Then, disconnect both water hoses at the machine, and put the ends in a bucket. Locate the inlet screens on the back of the washing machine and remove both of them, using the end of a screwdriver or the sharp tip of a metal fingernail file. Replace with new screens, and reassemble everything. It should be as good as new.
Keep the Gutters Clean
If your gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves and debris, you're at risk for water and ice damage. Clean them at least twice a year, and install downspout extenders if you don't already have them, to keep water away from the foundation of your home. Better yet, for a long-term solution, install gutter guards for catching debris.
Adjust the Hot Water Heater Temperature
You can save energy as well as money by adjusting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is still hot enough to clean clothes and dishes, but it won't waste energy... and you can't scald yourself either. While you're at it, get a water heater blanket to insulate your water heater, to save even more.
Fix Loose Hinges
Fix any loose door hinges that you might have. You might just be able to tighten the screws, but if you find that the screws are stripped, you can purchase a repair kit. By using the metal mesh in the kit, and a longer screw, your doors will fit perfectly again.
Replace Light Bulbs
If you replace the incandescent bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent bulbs or LED, you'll save both money and electricity. Not only do they last longer, but they both use much less electricity.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
87868 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69783 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69234 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
47927 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
28898 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Is Remodeling Your Kitchen Worth the Effort?
The kitchen is one of the more important areas in your home. It is usually attached to or includes the dining area. People come together to share...
What You Need to Know About Basement Waterproofing
A wet, leaking basement is a seller’s, buyer’s and homeowner’s worst nightmare. A leaking basement can be a health hazard; it...
A Simple Guideline to Drip Irrigation Installation
It is estimated that less than 21% of the surface of the earth is filled with fresh water. These statistics show that water is becoming a more...
Using Your Garage Space for more than Just Car Storage?
Once upon a time, having a garage was very straightforward as it was simply a place to store your car at night and maybe store a few items from the...
4 Budget Friendly Ways to Change Your Cabinets
Is your kitchen outdated and unappealing? If so you definitely want to consider updating your kitchen cabinets. We will discuss some...