You know what they say: Things fall apart. That’s certainly true of your physical property. Sooner or later, even the most sturdily constructed home runs into some problems, requiring maintenance or repair. That’s something homeowners have to be ready for.
When these home maintenance issues do arise, you have a couple of options. One is that you can hire someone to tackle the problem for you. There’s certainly nothing wrong with this, and for jobs that are either highly complex and/or dangerous, it might actually be smartest to leave it to the pros.
With that said, hiring someone to handle your home maintenance issues isn’t always the most affordable option. And, when the task in question is relatively simple, it’s ultimately more convenient if you can do it yourself.
In this post, we’ll outline a few home maintenance skills that every homeowner should have under their belt.
Note that these skills will help you maintain a functional home, but they’ll also come in handy when you’re fixing the place up to get it sold. (Along those lines, if you’re ready to learn the best way to sell your home, connect with SOLD.com for your free seller’s report.)
Home Maintenance Skills Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Here are our picks for the most essential home maintenance skills.
- Cleaning your gutters. It’s highly recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. In addition, keep an eye on gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re draining the way they’re supposed to. If your gutters get clogged with debris, it could lead to a range of problems, from roofing concerns to landscaping erosion. Now, you can invest in gutter guards to help you mitigate these issues, and you’ll probably want to get those professionally installed. As for basic cleanings, though, that’s a solid DIY skill.
- Unclogging drains. What do you do when your sink is backed up or your toilet won’t flush? You can call a plumber, but that’s expensive. You can use a chemical drain cleaner, but that can erode your pipes, and is only recommended as a last resort. The best option is to manually unclog the drain with either a plunger or an auger. Spend some time learning how to effectively wield these critical home plumbing tools!
- Shutting off your water. This one’s really easy, yet it’s something many homeowners neglect. If you ever have a serious plumbing leak, you’ll want to shut off the water supply to prevent moisture damage (and to prevent your water bill from skyrocketing). Do you know where the main water shutoff valve is located? If not, scout it out today!
- Resetting the circuit breaker. An electrical surge may result in circuits being flipped. This is often an easy thing to fix, if you know what you’re looking for. Simply open up the breaker box and look for any individual breaker that’s been flipped from the on to the off position. Flip it back. If it won’t stay on, that’s a sign that you have a more complicated issue, and probably need to call in an electrician.
- Changing your air filters. Your HVAC system will have filters in place, specifically in your air return ducts. These filters are designed to catch dust and debris, and to keep the air quality in your home pure. However, the filters will need to be changed out every month or two. Again, this is a very simple skill if you know what you’re looking for, and if you take time to check the size of your filters.
- What happens when you have a trickle of water escaping from your tub? Or you spot a gap between your door and the floorboard, letting outside air inside? These problems are very easily remedied with a caulk gun. Get one, and make sure you know how to use it.
Learn More About the Best Way to Sell Your House
Again, these skills will make you a happier homeowner, but they’ll also be handy when it comes time to get your home sold.
To get individualized tips for selling your house, make sure you claim that free seller’s report from the SOLD.com team today.
