Common Home Repair Needs And How To Prepare For Them

Owning a home is a financial balancing act. It’s important to address emergencies right away, but it also makes sense to invest in upgrades and repairs that will help you save money over time. People often wonder, “Are home warranties worth it?” and they do find out that people who invest in a warranty save money on repairs in the long run. 

There are many home repair tasks that homeowners can do on their own, like caulking or patching holes from picture/mirror anchors. 

Fixing a Leaky Faucet 

Dripping faucets are annoying and costly. Even a single drip per second can waste 3,000 gallons of water a year, which translates into dollars on your utility bill. Plus, it can lead to mold growth and other potential health issues. Luckily, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that you can complete in just a few hours. 

Before you begin, make sure the water is turned off either at the shut-off valve beneath the sink or the master supply for the entire home. You’ll also want to drain the sink to remove any trapped water. 

Gather your supplies, including a set of screwdrivers and large slip-joint pliers. Next, remove the handle by gently prying up the decorative cap with a screwdriver blade and then unscrewing the handle screw. Before reassembling, put a dab of petroleum jelly on the threads of the bottom stem to help prevent it from leaking. Then reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to test it. 

Replacing a Water Heater 

Replacing a water heater is an extensive and complex home repair. It involves plumbing, wiring and gas hookups (if you’re replacing a gas unit). Many buyers attempt to do it themselves to save on installation costs. 

Start by shutting off the water supply at the main valve and turning on all faucets throughout the house to drain as much water as possible from the existing unit. Next, shut off the water control valve on the old water heater and disconnect the existing water line with a pipe wrench. 

Before you remove the existing unit, apply sanding cloth to the pipes before using a tubing cutter to cut off the water lines, and then solder new copper adapters to six inch lengths of copper pipe. Add plastic lined nipples to protect the water line from galvanic corrosion. Reinstall the new temperature and pressure relief valve and drain line. 

Replacing a Roof 

A roof is a major investment, and replacing it can be expensive. But it’s one that homeowners need to make in order to keep their home safe and comfortable. 

The type of materials used, the roof’s pitch (angle), and features like chimneys or

skylights can all affect how much it will cost to replace a roof. However, there are also a few things that homeowners can do to prepare for the project. 

Firstly, preparing your family members for the process can help to reduce stress and upset. Explaining what will be happening can make a difference, especially for children who may not understand the reason behind all of the banging and hammering. It’s also a good idea to keep your pets inside during the process. The noise and strangers will disturb dogs, cats, and even hamsters. Taking them to a friend’s house or kennel service is best, but if that’s not possible, then you should make sure they have access to a crate and some comforting toys. 

Removing a Tree 

Trees can add a lot to a property, whether by acting as windbreaks to slow heat loss during the winter or adding beauty and curb appeal. But sometimes, large trees need to be removed for health, safety and aesthetic reasons or because they’re interfering with buildings, driveways or utility lines. 

Removing a tree can be tricky and dangerous, particularly if it’s growing in tight spaces between other structures like your house or garage. It’s best to contact a professional if the tree is very close to these structures or is leaning over them. 

If you decide to tackle the project yourself, make sure to clear out both routes that will be used when the tree falls. Also, remember to call 811 before beginning any yard work so that utility companies can mark where power lines are located. This prevents you from accidentally cutting through a line and causing a costly and potentially deadly accident. For additional safety, it’s a good idea to wear protective equipment including a hard hat and gloves.