First published: 21 June 2021 @ 6:00 pm
As a homeowner, you need to be familiar with a variety of home maintenance skills. Learning these skills will help you to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
You may also be able to save money by performing basic home repairs yourself. This article describes several home maintenance and basic skills that every homeowner should learn.
The tasks discussed include:
Repairing a Leaky Faucet
Skill Level: Beginner
Skill Description: Replacing the O-ring in a leaky faucet is the most common type of plumbing repair for homeowners. If you hear water running after you turn off the faucet, or if your water bill is higher than usual, you may have a leaky faucet.
Replacing the O-ring will stop the leak and restore normal water flow. Many people think that they need to replace their entire faucet when it begins to leak, but this is usually not necessary.
Concrete Levelling
Skill Level: Beginner
Skill Description: You can install concrete slabs with the help of concrete levelling compounds. You can design these compounds to create a smooth, level surface, but they sometimes begin to crack or fail.
When this happens, you may need to apply a new layer of levelling compound. This is a fairly simple task that you can complete in just a few hours.
Replacing Damaged Shingles
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: Replacing a damaged shingle is a common home maintenance task. You can save money by repairing the shingle yourself.
The process involves removing the damaged shingle, preparing the surface, and applying a new shingle. This is an intermediate level project that can be completed in just a few hours.
Fixing Small Cracks in Cement
Skill Level: Beginner
Skill Description: Concrete is very durable, but it will eventually crack if it is exposed to repeated stress or temperature changes. These cracks are usually very small and may not require any repair.
However, they should be filled with concrete patching compound before they grow larger or begin to affect the appearance of your home. The process of filling small cracks with concrete patching compound is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few hours.
Caulking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: Caulking is one of the most common types of home maintenance and repair skills for homeowners to learn. It involves applying sealant around windows, doors, or other openings to keep out water and moisture.
This process is very similar to painting and should not be difficult for most homeowners to complete successfully on their own.
Roofing
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: Roofing is one of the most common types of home maintenance and repair skills for homeowners to learn.
It involves replacing damaged or missing shingles, applying a new layer of roofing felt, and installing new shingles. This process is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few hours.
Repairing Broken Water Pipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: A broken water pipe can cause significant damage to your home. However, it is usually possible to repair the pipe without having to replace it completely.
If you have a broken water pipe, you should turn off the water supply at the main valve. You should then check the water pressure and listen for running water inside your walls or ceiling.
If you find a leak inside your walls or ceiling, you should contact a plumber immediately to fix it before it causes further damage to your home.
Water Heater Repair
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: A water heater can be damaged by several types of problems. One of the most common types of damage is corrosion, which is caused by acidic water.
You can repair the damage by replacing the damaged part and cleaning out the hot water tank. This process is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few hours.
Installation of New Siding
Skill Level: Advanced
Skill Description: Siding is an important part of your home’s exterior. It protects your home from wind, rain, and snow, while also adding to its curb appeal.
However, siding must be installed properly in order to perform these functions properly. If you are considering installing new siding on your home, you should consider hiring a professional contractor to complete the job for you.
Installing Storm Windows
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: Storm windows are usually installed during the fall or winter months when it is too cold to open your windows for ventilation purposes. These windows are designed to help prevent drafts and reduce energy costs during this time period.
They are fairly easy to install yourself if you have experience with other types of window installation projects. Installing them incorrectly can cause the windows to fall out of your home, so you should use caution when installing them.
Fixing Leaky Toilets
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Description: Toilets are one of the most common sources of water leaks in homes. If you hear running water in your toilet tank, or if your toilet has begun to run continuously, you may have a running toilet.
You can fix this problem by removing the tank lid and applying a new wax ring to the bottom of the bowl. This process is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few hours.
Installation of New Doors
Skill Level: Advanced
Skill Description: If you are installing new doors on your home, you should consider hiring a professional contractor to complete the job for you. This is a fairly difficult project that requires precise measurements and installation.
Improper installation can cause your doors to become stuck or to fail to close properly. It is usually best to hire a professional contractor for this type of project.
As you can see, there are many home maintenance and repair skills that every homeowner should learn. These skills will help you to avoid expensive repairs or replacements. You may also be able to save money by performing minor repairs yourself.
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