Some handy Tools which are helpful to do your Home Repairs
4 Easy Home Repairs that You Should Learn to Do Yourself
Owning a home is a privilege, but it’s not cheap. Not only are there the down payment, mortgage, and insurance costs to consider, but regular maintenance to keep the home comfortable and safe can also take a toll on your finances—especially when you have to call out a professional for every task that needs to be done. That’s why learning to do certain jobs yourself is so beneficial as a homeowner. If you’re looking to save money on common home repairs, here are 4 projects to help you start or strengthen your DIY game:
- Pet Mess on Floors
If you have pets, you’re probably no stranger to coming home to a potty mess on the floor. No worries—this is perhaps the easiest DIY fix on the list. Vinegar is the answer to removing odours and stains from carpet and other types of flooring. Simply mix vinegar and water, and use it to clean the urine from the floor. Another advantage of this solution is that repeated use doesn’t harm carpet fibres.
- Broken Cabinet Handle
Have you been dealing with a broken cabinet handle? Maybe you’ve been screwing it in, it stays tight for a couple of days, and then it comes loose again. Most of the time, this is due to stripped-out screw holes in the wood. To fix it, grab a screwdriver, wood glue, toothpicks, and sandpaper. Remove the handle, and sand the surface clean. Then, apply wood glue to the toothpicks, and insert as many as it takes to fill the screw holes. After the glue dries, break the toothpicks off flush. Sand the surface smooth, and screw the handle back on.
- Hole in Drywall
Holes in drywall are another common repair in homes. Whether it’s a small hole, such as from a door knob’s impact against a wall, or a larger one, both can be fixed DIY. For a smaller hole, simply purchase a mesh drywall patch that fits over it (with an inch or more excess around the hole). Once you have the patch in place, apply spackling, sand it smooth, and repeat these steps until the patched area is flush with the rest of the wall. After that, you’ll be ready to prime and paint the area.
For a larger hole, you may be able to get a larger mesh patch and follow the same process. However, depending on the size, it’s sometimes necessary to use a piece of drywall to patch it. Check out this article for further instructions.
- Caulking
Caulking is one of the most useful skills a homeowner can have. You may not realise it, but caulk is everywhere in your home, and it often goes unnoticed until a crack or gap appears. For instance, caulk is used to keep outside air from coming into your home through windows and doors. It’s used to fill the gaps between moulding/trim and the wall. It’s also used to seal the edges of a bathtub and vanity.
If you notice that fresh caulking is needed, don’t sweat it. Here are a few quick tips for getting a smooth caulk bead:
- Cut a 45° angle in the tip of the gun
- Pull the handle, and glide the tip along the surface
- Cover as much surface at one time as you can to avoid globs
- After each run, follow with your finger to smooth out the caulk
- After using your finger, follow it with a damp paper towel or rag
Learning to do minor projects like these can save you some serious cash. The DIY world is one that you can devote a lifetime to and always learn something new. Try these repairs next time they surface, keep growing your knowledge and developing your skills, and try to always make it a fun experience!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Guest Blog from Julian Lane – The Fixit Champ
So now you have read the 4 Easy Home Repairs that You Should Learn to Do Yourself. It is important that you realise home repairs are always ongoing so it is critical to have a home maintenance plan.
Here some other Things to Consider Before Your Home Needs Major Repairs or when creating your home maintenance plan.
- What is Concrete Cancer in Buildings?
- Causes of Efflorescence and How do You Remove it?
- Do you have rising damp,
