Owning a home is among the biggest investments you will make in life, and in order to get the most out of it, you need to maintain it.
If your knowledge of home repairs is limited, you may naturally resort to hiring a professional whenever something breaks. But what if you learned to do make common home repairs yourself? You’ll not only grow your knowledge and develop useful skills, you could also end up saving yourself some money in the long run. If you want to take the plunge into the DIY life, here are five simple home fixes to start with.
1) HVAC Filters
The HVAC system is one of the most important elements in your home, and if it isn’t working properly, there’s only so much a homeowner can do themselves. However, sometimes it’s an easy fix. For instance, if the HVAC system seems to be dragging or the air isn’t working like normal, it may be just be that you need to replace the air filter. When you change the filter, read the size on the old filter, and make sure your new one is the right size. In some cases, a custom filter is needed to fit correctly; online resources make it easy to find the right filter for your system.
Dirty filters can cause the evaporator and condenser coils in your HVAC system to freeze, which impedes the system from functioning properly. If changing the air filter doesn’t work, it could be a more serious issue. If that’s the case, you’ll need to call an A/C repair professional in your area.
2) Broken Drawer Handle
Broken drawer handles are common, and they usually happen when the screw holes in the wood strip out over time. With a few tools, it’s a simple fix. Remove the handle, and fill the holes with wood glue and toothpicks. Once the glue has dried, break off any exposed toothpick ends and sand the area smooth. Then, you’ll be ready to screw the handle back on. The toothpicks are soft enough that you won’t need to thread them before screwing on the handle.
3) Hole in the Drywall
The easiest way to fix a door knob hole in the drywall is to use a drywall patch. Measure the hole and purchase a self-adhesive or metal patch that will cover it with at least an inch of excess around the hole. Stick (or tape) the patch over the hole and apply compound until it’s filled. Once it has dried, sand the area smooth. You may need to repeat this process several times until the damaged area is level with the surrounding area. Then, prime and paint to blend the area in with the rest of the wall.
4) Stuck Windows
Windows can get stuck when they’re not used in a while. This is because dirt and other grime has settled in, making it difficult to open. Rather than trying to force open a window, which will likely break something, spray a lubricant like WD-40 in the channels between the window and frame. Then, run a pizza cutter or putty knife along the channels. If necessary, repeat these steps until the window opens.
5) Sticky Drawers
Drawers can also get stuck when dirt and grime cakes up, preventing them from sliding smoothly. There are two easy ways to fix it: using paraffin wax or using nylon drawer slide tape. If using paraffin (a candle works as well), rub the paraffin on the tracks and/or any other parts where the drawer and frame make contact. If using nylon tape, simply cut the pieces of tape to fit and apply them to the areas where the drawer and frame meet.
Make the most out of your investment by taking care of your home. These five projects are a good place to start your DIY journey, but utilize online resources to grow your knowledge and develop your new skills. You may be surprised by how much fun you have — and money you save — learning to perform some home maintenance and repairs yourself!
Article Courtesy of Danny Knight of fixitdads.com
