As many new homeowners are well aware, things can seemingly go wrong out of the blue. One minute something works just fine, the next minute it is falling apart.
This is especially true if you have young kids running around the home like wild animals. Since having children is enough of a financial burden (bless their hearts) without having to pay a contractor every time a new home repair crops up, we decided to present you with the most essential home repair and maintenance skills you can learn.
This way, you can avoid unnecessary stress and expenses while impressing your family members!
1. Fixing a Running Toilet
A running toilet is an extremely common bathroom dilemma that can also run up your water bill if the issue isn’t taken care of quickly. Moreover, your toilet is arguably the most necessary fixture in your household, for obvious reasons.
Learn how to fix a running toilet and you will forever be looked at as the saviour of the household. Keep in mind the water in the toilet tank is clean, so there’s no need to worry if you are a germophobe.
2. Smoothly Caulking a Crack
Silicone caulking is one of the most indispensable home repair products you can have on hand. It is used to fill gaps and cracks around windows, bathtubs, plumbing and more to maintain their airtight and watertight qualities.
Since homes tend to wear down with age, the gradual appearance of gaps and cracks is a common phenomenon. Here are a few tips for a flawless caulking job that will look as clean and smooth as possible:
- Purchase a good quality caulking gun
- Remove old caulking and clean the surface before a new application
- Use tape to mask around the edges and prevent a mess
- Apply caulking at a slow but consistent speed
- Smooth the crack using a cloth with water or alcohol
3. Repairing Drywall
One situation that practically every homeowner will run into eventually is the dreaded hole in the wall. Whether you dented your wall when moving furniture or your son’s graduation party got a little bit too rowdy, drywall patching is a must-learn skill that will almost certainly come in handy at some point.
4. Painting a Room
While painting a wall may seem very simple, it can be more complicated and time-consuming than you first imagine if you want the end result to look professional. With this in mind, it’s important to learn the proper painting techniques to ensure a job well done.
Moreover, learning how to paint like a pro can save you a significant amount of money, since hiring a painter can be extremely costly. Start by investing in a good set of brushes and a paint roller. Next, take the time to learn all the ins and outs of painting. There is more to this task than you might think.
5. Maintaining Your Appliances
Another big money saver, learning how to properly clean and maintain your various home appliances is important if you don’t want to replace them every few years. As you most likely know, today’s fancy high-tech appliances tend to come with an exorbitant price tag.
All appliances, whether a microwave, stove, fridge or washing machine, need a certain level of upkeep to maintain performance and prevent a breakdown. Be sure to read the user manual of each appliance and regularly maintain them according to the guidelines.
Conclusion
While buying your first home is often one of the most memorable moments in your life, it also comes with its fair share of headaches and responsibilities. Most people cannot afford to hire a professional every time something breaks down, so learning essential home repair skills is a great way to save money and be self-sufficient.