We've all seen those do-it-yourself home repair shows and thought the repairs seemed too complicated and that it might be better to hire a professional contractor. However, it can get expensive, so it might be a good idea to revisit those DIY projects and see if you can handle something yourself.
Having a home maintenance plan throughout the year can make a big difference in your bank account. It doesn't require a lot of specialized knowledge or training, nor does it require a lot of time or money. In fact, not only will it save you money by increasing the longevity of your appliances and existing structures, but it will also help you become more energy efficient and save money on your utility bills—always a win-win.
During DIY projects, you often need to cut different types of metal. However, you don't always have the right tools on hand, and you don't necessarily want to buy new tools for a one-time job. Fortunately, there are alternative methods of cutting metal at home. Sheet metal tool is used to produce a wide range of products that are used on a daily basis, including home appliances, building roofing, automotive bodies, cabinets, lockers, storage boxes, and more.
These 20 tips are a great place to start for things you can do around your home to keep everything running in tiptop shape. If you truly feel that you are not capable of handling one of these projects, please contact a professional.
20 Easy Home Maintenance Tips That Will Save You BIG Money
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Clear Out the Gutters
Even the stair-adverse can clean gutters twice a year to prevent pests and ice dams. Remove leaves by hand or with a leaf blower, garden hose, or wet-dry vac. When you're on a ladder, be sure to use a stabilizer. If staying at ground level is more your style, you can still get the job done if you have special attachments for your leaf blower or wet-dry vac. In case, if you are planning to build a new home then hire architects and Interior Designer in Gurgaon city to make your home environmentally friendly.
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Fix a Dripping Faucet
Leaky faucets can be fixed with a little elbow grease and know-how. First, turn off the water at the sink and plug the drain with a cloth so you don't lose any small parts when you open the faucet. A compression faucet needs a new rubber washer to seal the valve, and a drippy washerless faucet can be stopped with a new O-ring.
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Swap Out Furnace Filters
The easiest way to maximize furnace efficiency is quick, easy, and often forgotten: Be sure to change your furnace filter every couple of months. Select the correct filter for your model, turn off your furnace, and remove the service panel to swap out the old filter for the new one. Every furnace is different, so be sure to consult your manual regarding the correct procedure.
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Care for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are often the most attractive feature of a home and with the proper care, you can keep them that way. Be sure to use cleaning products designed for hardwood, as other cleaners can cause damage. A little water splashed on a cloth works wonders, but too much water will damage the wood. For luxurious floors, vacuum often using a hardwood floor attachment to pull dust from between the boards without scratching them.
Recommended Read: A Complete Guide on Wood Flooring Remodelling
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Replacing a Shower Head
Replacing a shower head is a small project with a big impact. Remove the existing shower head, then apply thread seal tape to the base of the shower arm before screwing in the new piece. Don't tie it too tightly. While you're standing in the tub with a screwdriver in hand, replace the hand shower arm as well, if you'd like (they're usually sold separately).
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Installing a New Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a big step toward energy efficiency, and it's easy to install: Turn off the breaker on your furnace and air conditioner, then remove the old thermostat, leaving the wires in place. The number of wires (two or four) will help determine what type of thermostat you should buy to replace it. Either way, you're on your way to easy heating and cooling.
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Clear a Clogged Toilet
Every homeowner will be faced with a clogged toilet once or twice a year. As dangerous as it may be when it does occur, the blockage is easy to clear with a plunger, auger, rubber gloves, and a bucket. If the bowl is in danger of overflowing, turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet and empty the water halfway. Try a plunger first, but if that doesn't work, get an auger.
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Effectively Clean Porcelain Tiles
For squeaky-clean porcelain tiles, sweep and vacuum them twice a week. Soak in a water-vinegar mixture for 10 to 15 minutes once a month for a deep clean, and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Dry with a microfibre cloth. Avoid bleach, wax, oil-based cleansers, and hard scrubbers to keep tiles looking new.
Recommended Read: Top 5 Tiles Brand in India: Facts and Market Values
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Hang Shelves
Need some vertical storage? You can hang floating shelves, but make sure they are attached to wall studs for a supportive base. Otherwise, use wall anchors that can support the amount of weight you want the floating shelves to hold. Always use a level before drilling.
Recommended Read: Cool Wall Shelves Design Ideas For A Home
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Unclog a Sink
If you have a clogged sink, skip the chemical drain cleaners—they probably won't fix anything. Your problem may be a blocked P-trap. Check this U-shaped pipe by first placing a bucket under the sink and then unscrewing the pipe.
Recommended Read: Incredible Kitchen Sink Ideas and Designs
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Use a Caulk Gun
It's easy to fill gaps inside a home or weatherproof your exterior with a caulk gun. To use the caulk gun, pull back the plunger and insert the tube of caulk. Cut the plastic applicator at a 45° angle to slow the flow of caulk. A soft touch on the trigger allows for better control of the sealant.
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Use a Pressure Washer
Yes! Can you even recognize your exterior paint color under all that dirt? Cleaning your exterior with a pressure washer can remove years of grime. Work from the top down, and avoid pointing the hose at a 90-degree angle to avoid damaging the paint or siding. Your home will be beautifully mess free in no time.
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Repair a Screen
They are an important part of your home's defense against insects, so when window screens are in bad condition, repair them. Pop the old screen off the metal frame and discard it along with the old plastic cording. Shape a new screen, allowing a little extra along the perimeter. Insert it into the frame with the new coring or spline and trim off the excess.
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Scour Grout Clean
Little-Known Fact: The natural color of grout is not mildew-gray. To get the grout off successfully, spray warm water and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. For deeper stains, cover with a paste of baking soda and water, and spray with a mixture of vinegar and water for a cleaning foam. When the foaming stops, scrub your soon-to-be-glazed tiles clean.
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Paint a Room
After you have chosen the right color, clear the room of furniture and light fixtures (after disconnecting the power). Vacuum the walls, floor and ceiling. Protect the floor from drips with a drop cloth, and the baseboards with painter's tape. Keep the room well ventilated and wait a day or two before going back inside.
Recommended Read: How to Add Colour to a Room without Painting?
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Install a Wall Sconce
A wall sconce adds instant style and can make a room appear taller. To install one, cut squares in drywall to fit an electrical box and light switch. Turn off the power before pulling the cable from the panel box to the switch. Install the electrical box and wall sconce according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Hang Wallpaper
These simple tricks will make wallpaper ideas a breeze. If you're papering a dark wall, prime it so the old paint doesn't show through. Line up your wallpaper pieces so the pattern appears seamless, leaving a two-inch overlap at the edges. If you end up with a break in the pattern, start papping in an inconspicuous spot.
Recommended Read: 15 Living Room Wallpaper Ideas to take Inspiration
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Replace Outlets
If your outlets need an update, disconnect the power and use a voltage tester to confirm that no electricity is running through them. Remove the faceplate, uncover the outlet, and note which wires are connected to which outlet. Connect the new outlet, screw it into place, and turn the power back on to test your work.
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Put in a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans require a different light box than other fixtures to support their added weight. After removing the old fixtures, install the new electric box and follow the manufacturer's instructions for connecting the wires and installing the ceiling fan. Always remember to disconnect the power before doing electrical work.
Recommended Read: Types of False Ceiling Lights: Complete Guide
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Paint the Front Door
Painting your front door can provide an instant boost to your home's curb appeal. This is an easy homeowner DIY that doesn't take a lot of time, and only requires a few basic tools and supplies. Preparation is key, so be sure to remove any chipped or chipped paint and sand the door smooth before you begin.
Recommended Read: Unique, Beautiful Front Door Ideas for Your Home
Conclusion:
If you follow these tips and do some of the work yourself, you'll be able to keep your home in great shape without spending a lot of money. Keep in mind that there will always be unexpected problems in your home. However, if you plan for regular maintenance and emergencies, these problems won't be as hard on your wallet!
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