I’m a very frugal person and try to do things for myself whenever possible, instead of hiring professionals. I have found that doing some easy home repairs and maintenance can save money, and a major headache down the road. Properly maintaining your home will also help to keep you and your family safe. Of course there are times when it is necessary to call a professional, but you might just be surprised by what you can take care of yourself. Also, being proactive and properly maintaining your home will prevent the need for repairs later on down the road.
Leaky Faucets
Drip. Drip. Drip. We’ve all heard this familiar sound at some point. While it might seem insignificant at first, that leaky faucet is costing you more money than you might think. The average leaking faucet drips 30 drips per minute which means a higher water bill for you. Â Calling a plumber to repair your leaky faucet can cost as much as $100 in some areas. A washer and some basic plumbing maneuvers is all it takes to do it yourself.
Worn-Out Caulking
Did you know that you should be re-caulking your bathroom every 3 to 5 years? This incredibly simple and inexpensive home repair will protect your walls and floors from harmful mold and rot. Not keeping water from penetrating walls and floors will inevitably result in costly repairs and potential health hazards.
Door Knobs and Locks
Door Knobs are one of the most frequently used items in your home. If they become too loose, it become a struggle for you to open the door. Simply tightening the screws and applying liquid graphite to the keyhole can keep your door knob and lock functioning properly.
Gutters and Drains
Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners. When gutters and downspouts are clogged up, water builds up, causing damage to your roof and possibly the interior of your home. Leaks can also occur in the gutters and downspouts, often caused by icy deposits. Gutter caulk can be used to repair the cracks in gutters. However, downspout repairs should be made by a professional.
Dirty Filters
Your air conditioner and furnace will work more efficiently when filters are kept clean. Changing heater and air conditioner filters regularly will ensure that your family is breathing cleaner air and will save money on your electric bill.
Whenever possible, I recommend taking the DIY route with home repairs but when you need to call someone out to give you a hand make sure you use a reliable service to fix your washing machine and other appliances. Doing home repairs yourself will take a little time, but the money you save is worthwhile. Using used or reclaimed materials, and renting or borrowing tools will also help to maximize the savings. Save even more by using cash back credit cards for your home repair purchases.
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Great tips!! I really loved the one about the door knobs and locks, thats an on going problem in our house!!
These are some great reminders! The drains and gutters at our house are always giving us problems. So many trees around us so they clog up easily. Soon time to get at them again!
we need to re-caulk….badly
Great tips. I do my own home repairs when I can too!
My dad was quite the handy man so we rarely called anyone in. Thankfully if hubby can’t fix something usually one of his brothers can!
Great tips, best advice i ever got was don’t start a repair on Sunday night. I always end up needed something from the store and they close early on Sunday
Great reminders! I need to work on a few of these.
These are some really great tips! I was taught to be very handy around the house and do things for myself because my dad didn’t want me to rely on others or have to pay for every little thing. I was also single and on my own from 18 to 30 so it helped!
I’ve replaced our kitchen faucet several times now. It’s not as hard as it looks. Just be certain to get the right model replacement kit!
Ugh, we have a leaky faucet that just won’t go away. Hubby fixed it and it came back. Our landlord hired a plumber who fixed it and it came back. I can’t imagine how much money we are wasting on our water bill.
It’s funny that you mention filters because my hubby is obsessed with changing ours. It’s so inexpensive and easy for him to do!
Sounds like you have a good hubby! It’s nuts how quickly my a/c filters get dirty during the warmer months.