Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility, but with the right knowledge and skills, taking care of your property can be both fulfilling and cost-effective. Every homeowner should have a basic understanding of home maintenance skills to keep their home in good condition, prevent costly repairs, and maintain the overall value of their property. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been living in your home for a long time here are the top home maintenance skills every homeowner should know.
Proper plumbing maintenance
Plumbing issues can cause significant damage and expensive repairs if not addressed promptly. While major plumbing issues require a professional plumber, there are several basic repairs you can tackle yourself. Homeowners should know how to locate and turn off the main water valve in case of an emergency. Regularly checking for leaks, unclogging drains and pipes, and repairing or replacing worn-out fixtures are also essential in maintaining the efficiency of your plumbing system. Keep basic plumbing tools, like wrenches and pliers, on hand to easily tackle these small repairs.
Basic electrical repairs
Electrical issues can be dangerous and should be handled by a professional, but there are some basic repairs that homeowners can do themselves. For instance, replacing light fixtures, outlets, and switches is a task that does not require extensive knowledge of electricity. When dealing with electricity, always turn off the breaker or unplug the device before starting any repairs.
HVAC maintenance
Keeping your heating and cooling system running efficiently is key to ensuring a comfortable living space. Some easy tasks that homeowners can do themselves include changing air filters regularly, cleaning ducts and vents, and conducting an annual inspection of your HVAC system. These simple tasks can prevent costly repairs down the road. Don’t forget to clear debris from outdoor HVAC units to keep them functioning properly.
Painting techniques
A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform any room and add value to your home. It’s always best to learn how to properly prepare your surfaces for painting, select the right painting tools, and pick the perfect paint color for your home. Learning to paint a room can also help you save on labor costs in case you need to renovate or change the look and feel of your home.
Maintaining your lawn
Maintaining your outdoor space is as important as keeping the inside of your home tidy. A well-maintained lawn shows that your home is cared for and helps retain its value. Homeowners should know how to mow and water their lawns, trim plants and trees, and maintain their outdoor areas.
Simple carpentry
From fixing squeaky doors to repairing drywall, basic carpentry skills are invaluable for homeowners. By having a basic understanding of woodworking tools, measuring, and sawing techniques, homeowners can tackle minor repairs, touch-ups, and maintenance tasks.
Knowing when to call the professionals
While there are many tasks that homeowners can do themselves, some jobs require specialized knowledge and equipment. Be honest about your skill and ability and know when to call in a professional for help. You can save yourself time, money, and stress. If you’re ever unsure about a task, don’t hesitate to call in an expert
Maintaining your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing these essential home maintenance skills can help you save time and money. While some home maintenance tasks require the expertise of a professional, many can be done yourself with a little bit of guidance. Taking care of your home’s maintenance needs will help you create a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Discovery Homes builds new construction homes in vibrant communities throughout the Bay Area. Visit us online at DiscoveryHomes.com to learn more about our communities, view available new homes, and more. We’re looking forward to welcoming you home.