Home Repairs Everyone Should Do!

By: Handy Andy

Every year we encounter the same standard home repair and maintenance items that so many homeowners ignore.  Many home owners ignore the obvious deferred maintenance items that can save them money and improve the appearance.  Here are 10 repair and maintenance items that every home owner should pay attention too:

 

1. Light Bulb - Change your old indoor light bulbs to the newer compact fluorescent lamp.  A 13W lamp has a 10,000 hour life and replaces a 60W lamp.  In 2013 the olds 75W lamps will be taken off the market.  In 2014, we can expect the old 60W lamps to be taken off the market too.

 

2. Furnace Filter - Changing your filters every 30-90 days, can increase the life of your appliances and keeps your air clean. Depending on your system(s), you may not only have air filters in the common return air in the walls or ceiling but you may also have a filter in your furnace in your attic or crawl space.

 

3. Running Toilet - You may hear dripping or running water in your toilet bowl.  This commonly means that the flapper may need cleaning or replacement.  It may also mean that the floater arm may need adjusting. 

 

4. Leaking Faucet - Dripping faucets can run up your water bill.  Over time some of the internal parts of the faucet can corrode.  Most home improvement stores sell faucet repair kids.

 

5. Shower Head - Over time shower heads clog with mineral deposit and sediment over time. Older models are not very energy efficient while newer models have low flow designs that can save you money without sacrificing the spray strength.

 

6. Weather Striping - Doors open and close. They are under constant stress of warm and cold weather, rain, snow, ice, etc.  The weather striping wears out and goes flat.  It's recommended to change these out every 3 to 5 years.

 

7. Shower Caulk/Grout - It's important to remove worn and mildewed caulk and grout.  By removing the damaged or moldy caulk to can prevent potential deep water damage that can get in through the failing caulk or grout.

 

8. Ceramic Tile - Floor tile can break. Cracks in the tile, can allow water to enter and cause damage to the subfloor. Damaged tile is relatively easy to replace.

 

9. Dryer Vent - Clogged dryer vents can cause your dryer from not running efficiently.  The clogged vent line, if not cleaned regular can be a potential fire hazard. 

 

10. Drywall -  Fix small holes and dents and reattach loose drywall tape.

 

You trusted handyman Handy Andy

Visit us at www.HandyPro.com
January  2013