Quick Fix: Simple Home Repairs and Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

Most people avoid thinking about home maintenance when buying a home. But don’t let yourself forget about the time and labor that home ownership also requires. Just like regular oil changes for your car keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will keep you from future headaches and wasted money. Regular home maintenance is required to keep your home in tip-top shape. It can be intimidating to think about these various tasks, especially if you’re a new homeowner. Most tasks are easy enough for you to handle, but any large tasks that involve electricity or plumbing should be left to a professional, licensed general contractor.

We made this list of the most common home repairs and maintenance you can easily do yourself. There’s definitely a lot to do so you might want to create a home maintenance calendar for yourself. Whether online or on paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too overwhelmed. We’ve listed tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, and biannually. Regular home maintenance will help you keep your home in tip top shape. You can use this article as a home maintenance checklist, so you can stay on top of all the tasks you can easily handle yourself. Our blog is full of several articles like this one that can help you with home maintenance, interior design, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and even home additions.

(replacing the HVAC filter is a very simple task)

Monthly

• Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters. Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that’s not always necessary. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you’ll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month. I’ve also been told by handymen to go with cheaper filters and replace them more often versus going with the expensive filters. (You can also get it out of your mind by using a delivery service like Cleaner Filters.)
• Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around solution seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You’re welcome. This is by far the easiest way to clean your disposal without having to dismantle anything.
• Clean range hood filters. If you’ve never thought of doing this, you’re in for a real “treat”. Most people aren’t even aware that hood ranges have filters. Online forums suggest simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you’re good to go.
• Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). Fire Safety is very serious business, and larger homes should have at least one fire extinguisher. If your home does not have one you should definitely consider getting one. This inspection doesn’t require much: ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.

Every Four Months

• Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Another simple task; your detectors should have a “test” button. If the alarm sounds, you’re good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn’t sound, it’s possible there’s simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won’t detect new batteries.  Clean it and try again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need a new detector.
• Test garage door auto-reverse feature. In 1993, federal law required all garage doors to have this feature after multiple child deaths. Test every month by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensors if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem.
• Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces. This mostly applies to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don’t use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other kind of build up. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
• Check water softener, add salt if needed. You shouldn’t need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.

(check your smoke detectors every 4 months)

Twice a Year

• Test your water heater pressure relief valve. This will prevent mineral and corrosion buildup, which safeguards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more efficiently. Very easy, and it will help you avoid some serious headaches down the road.
• Give your house a deep clean. Take one Saturday every six months with your whole family and give the whole house a proper deep clean. Appliances, windows, dusting every nook and cranny (including the basement), etc. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt/grime/dust build up over years and years will help keep your home in tip-top shape.
• Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Are your batteries working properly? That's great, but you should still change them every six months. With something as important as this, you can’t be too careful, and batteries won’t break your bank. Change them out every six months.
• Vacuum your refrigerator coils. What? Sounds Insane But a fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home’s total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible. Over time, the coils get dirty and your fridge requires more juice.

(cleaning your gutters is the perfect weekend project)

While this list is certainly extensive, it’s not a complete list of all the things you can do for your home. And don’t forget that major repairs should be handled by professional licensed general contractors. What do you do to keep your home in tip-top shape? Do you have any hacks for doing these tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible? If you do please let us know in the comment section below. We post homeowner tips every Friday on our Instagram and Facebook  page. Make sure to follow us so you never miss another homeowner tip.

For over 15 years Bay Cities Construction has helped hundreds of homeowners with their kitchen remodeling projects, helping them transform their house into a home they love. Our team has the experience and expertise to help you with home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home additions, soft-story retrofits, and home additions. When you hire Bay Cities Construction you don’t just hire a contractor, you also hire an entire team of Pros. With several years of experience, our team has the expertise to help you with Interior Design, Architectural and Engineering Services, City Representation, Permit Processing, Construction Project Management, and Construction services. If you think Bay Cities Construction is the right team for you, contact us today.

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