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Many homeowners dream about changing their homes, such as building an addition, remodeling the bathroom and kitchen, and landscaping the outdoor areas. However, some of these projects may not be financially viable. But, even if you can’t do the larger projects, make sure you take good care of your home by making any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
If you keep up with the minor repairs and DIY what you can, you’ll help avoid the larger repairs, save money on labor costs, and maintain or improve the value of your home. Of course, if you aren’t confident in doing any repairs, consult a professional, but there are many DIY home repairs you can do yourself to save money.
We’ve compiled a list of 17 of these DIY repairs that will save you a lot of money if you can do them yourself.
Fix a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet can cost a lot of money. Even if it only drips once a minute, that’s 34 gallons of water a year. You only need a few tools to fix a leaky faucet; many times, you simply need to change the O-ring and washer.
Caulk the Shower and Tub
Replacing molded bathroom drywall and tile can cost thousands in parts and labor, but a tube of caulk only costs a few dollars. By keeping the seams around tubs, showers, and other fixtures sealed tightly, you can prevent water from saturating floors and walls, where it can rot and cause mold. Latex caulk is easiest to apply, but silicone caulk will last longer.
Update the Light Bulbs
If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to replace them with more energy-efficient options. Start with the lights you use most often and work on replacing all bulbs as your budget allows. Older fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) buzz annoyingly. Newer CFLs are Energy Star Certified and use electronic ballasts, which don’t hum or buzz.
Inspect the Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, it keeps water out of lower areas like a crawl space or basement. This protects your home from water damage, costing thousands in cleanup and damaged possessions. Check your sump pump regularly and replace it if it doesn’t start promptly. Even if it looks good and starts, expect to replace it about every ten years.
Change the HVAC Filters
The filters in your HVAC system trap dust and airborne allergens so you can breathe clean air. They should be changed at least every few months. A clean filter will ensure you continue to breathe clean air and can also help lower your utility bills, as dirty filters make the HVAC system use more energy because they have to work harder.
Refinish a Hardwood Floor
This DIY project can take a day or more, but it can save you a lot of money if you do it yourself. You may not need to sand the floor before you refinish, but you should inspect it thoroughly and repair any damage before you do the work.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat lets you set and maintain a comfortable temperature automatically when you’re home and a conservative temperature when you’re not. This can save you close to $200 a year and is easy to install yourself, saving on labor costs.
Fix Patches in Your Lawn
Curb appeal is important, especially if you plan to sell your home. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay for an expensive lawn service to fix a patchy lawn; you just need a little time. To grow and maintain a healthy, lush green lawn, you just need a spreader, grass seed, and some weed and feed.
Inspect Outlets and Electrical Cords
Faulty electrical wiring is a fire hazard, so be sure to inspect outlets, light switches, and cords regularly. Signs of wear and tear to look for include spiced wires ‘fixed’ with electrical tape, overloaded power strips, and exposed wires. If you find issues you aren’t confident about fixing, consult an electrician.
Fix a Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year. Fortunately, it’s usually an easy fix. You can often diagnose a running toilet by removing the tank lid and watching as you flush a few times. Once you know which part is faulty, take a photo of the assembly and the failed part to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct replacement.
Fix a Stinky Garbage Disposal
A stinky garbage disposal doesn’t mean you have to replace the entire unit. Most times, you just need to clean out the gunk, and the smell will disappear. If you notice the splash guard is worn, replace it at the same time. It will only take about 20 minutes.
Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector saves lives and protects your home and belongings. Detectors and batteries are inexpensive, so remember to test your detectors every month and replace the batteries every six months.
Seal Leaky Windows and Doors
The smallest cracks around doors and windows can suck cooled or heated air outside. Regularly inspect windows and doors to check for cracks and leaks. Make sure you have a pen and paper to note any leaks and some caulk or spray insulation to seal any cracks you find.
Fix Noisy Cabinet Doors
It’s easy to fix cabinet doors that bang loudly when closed. All you need is some peel-and-stick drawers and door bumpers. Make sure the doors are clean before using so the bumpers stick properly, then put one at the bottom corner and another at the top.
Wrap the Water Heater
An insulated blanket for the water heater costs about $30 and takes about 30 minutes to install. According to estimates, a properly insulated water heater can save up to 16% a year in water heating costs, so it’s a cheap, money-saving repair.
Repair the Deck
There are a lot of things that can go wrong on a deck. Warped boards, missing screws, wobbly railings, and squeaky nails are a few of the more common issues. Fortunately, these are all easy to fix, even for a novice DIYer. Be sure to inspect your deck regularly and repair what needs fixing quickly.
Fix Holes in Drywall
Almost every home has a lot of drywall, and it’s easy to damage. Fortunately, it’s also easy to repair. Small holes and dents can be repaired with a little lightweight spackle. Larger holes may need to be covered with an adhesive mesh pad before filling.
Never Put These 15 Things Down the Kitchen Sink if You Want to Avoid a Huge Repair Bill
Many people don’t think about what they put down the kitchen sink. They just scrape all of their food waste into the sink, turn on the garbage disposal, and watch it all disappear. But many things can damage your garbage disposal or plumbing.
Here are 15 things you should never put down the kitchen sink if you want to avoid a huge repair bill.
18 Everyday Household Items That Are Surprisingly Valuable to Collectors
You don’t have to be a collector or hoarder to have several valuable things in your home. We all accrue many items over the years, some of which could be worth money. Even some everyday household items can be valuable, especially to collectors.
To help determine whether any of your household items are valuable to collectors, we’ve assembled a list of 18 everyday items you likely have in your house. Check out this list and see if any of your items are ready to be turned into money.
16 Things That Are So Expensive That People Now Do Without
The cost of living in the United States has skyrocketed in the last four years. So, what happens when the cost of living goes up? We stop buying certain things. I can think of many items and luxuries I’ve let go of because they’ve gotten so expensive.
Honestly, with the increasing prices, it’s not worth it. Maybe you’re experiencing the same dilemma. It’s hard to decide how to buy the things we need without breaking the bank. To help with those tough decisions, we curated these things based on luxuries and wants instead of needs.
Some may be more difficult than others to let go. However, in the end, we think it makes sense. What about you?
