A Guide to Common Maintenance Projects as a Homeowner
Homeownership comes with many responsibilities. One of the most challenging is maintaining your property. Although it can sometimes feel like a second job, performing maintenance tasks will extend the life of your home and keep it looking great. Home maintenance isn’t always glamorous, but it’s essential and can positively impact the value of your home. Keep reading to learn more about maintenance projects as a homeowner.
1. Repair Windows
New windows can be costly, and if your windows are in good shape, you might be able to repair them instead of replacing them. The first step is to determine what kind of problem you have. If your windows have been painted shut, you only need a paint remover to free them up. If your windows are foggy but still clean, you may need to replace the weather stripping. When your windows are cracked or broken, you’ll need to replace them. Windows are made of many different materials, so be sure to research before buying replacement parts.
2. Furnace Maintenance
A furnace is necessary during the cold months but needs regular furnace service to avoid issues. Here are a few problems you can expect to see and how to deal with them: If your furnace isn’t heating your home efficiently, you may be dealing with a clogged filter. You can replace the filter yourself and avoid hiring a professional. If your furnace is emitting black or blue smoke, you may have an issue with your flue. Call a professional to inspect your furnace and repair the problem.
3. Repairs to the Roof
Roofs wear out over time, but most homeowners don’t notice a problem until extreme weather, like heavy rain or a hailstorm, reveals a leak. Still, it’s best to inspect your roof at least once a year for any signs of wear or damage. If you see any, you’ll want to get it fixed as soon as possible. The most common repairs to a roof are fixing shingles that have been blown off, fixing shingles that are cracked, replacing missing or torn shingles, and fixing broken or missing nails. Before you start, make sure the roof is safe to climb on. If not, find a professional to do the work for you. This is one of many great maintenance projects to try out this year.
4. Chimney and Fireplace Repairs
Fireplaces are beautiful and add character to any home, but they need regular maintenance to keep working correctly. The flue should be inspected and cleaned yearly, and you should check the bricks and mortar around the fireplace every five years. If you notice any cracks, missing pieces of bricks, crumbling mortar, or stains around the bottom of the fireplace, you may need repairs. Before starting any repairs, ensure the fireplace is safe to use. If the flue is blocked or missing pieces, or if the bricks or mortar are damaged, you’ll need to repair or replace those items.
5. Lighting and Ventilation Repairs
Most homeowners will have to replace light fixtures and fans at some point. If you find a fixture that’s the same type as the one you currently have, you might be able to repair it instead of replacing it. You’ll need a new bulb, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers to fix a light fixture. First, remove the old bulb and clean out the fixture. Then, replace the bulb and test the light to ensure it works. You can repair a ceiling fan with a few simple tools. Remove the cover on the housing to make repairs. Clean out any accumulated dust or dirt, tighten any loose screws, and replace any broken or worn parts. You may want to replace the whole unit if the housing is cracked.
6. Mending the Foundation
You may need foundation repairs if you notice cracks in your home’s foundation. Foundation repairs fall into two categories: repairs to your home’s exterior and repairs to your home’s interior. Exterior repairs to your foundation can include replacing rotted wood, installing or repairing concrete footings, and installing or repairing broken or missing bricks. Internal repairs to your foundation may include installing a support beam or installing new plumbing pipes.
Conclusion for Common Maintenance Projects
Home maintenance is an essential part of being a homeowner. However, many people are afraid of tackling the work themselves because they are worried they will make a mistake. If you are not 100% sure that you can do a job correctly, it is always a good idea to hire a contractor or ask for help from a friend. You can save a lot of money by doing some of the more straightforward jobs yourself, and you will also feel good about being proactive about the upkeep of your home.
