As a part of growing up there are many goals we strive to achieve and plenty of milestones along the way. One of these is being an adult, obtaining a successful career, and moving out of your parent’s home into a place of your own. In this economy it may be easier said than done. But let’s pretend it’s as simple as snapping your little fingers! When you go to rent or buy your first home, there is one thing that family and friends often fail to mention. No, it’s not that your neighbors are a bunch of weirdos. Although that is an important piece of information that you may have to find out on your own. Besides that, you may not be prepared for all the home repairs you are going to be faced with in the years to come. Actually, you will probably be clueless until the squeaks and cracks surface!
Home repairs and fixer upper projects can be expensive and definitely put a dent in your pocket. Even if you are moving into a brand new home there is constantly something that needs attention. For me, this has always been our AC. The thing is always freezing and the repair man from Ed Helms is now a personal friend who visits a lot more often than I am sure he likes. I think were his favorite family. While the AC is one thing you need a professional to handle, there are a lot of other repairs I prefer to do on my own. Hence, the beauty of DIY projects. Work at your on pace and save money! This is unless you choose to pay yourself for the hard work you perform. I did see a new pair of shoes I wanted…
There are many projects around the house that you can take care of yourself without hiring any help from an outside company or worker. I’ve added a list of simple tasks that will make you think twice before picking up the phone and taking out your wallet. These are all things you really should know how to do on your own.
- Painting: My four year old can do this and so can you! Clean your walls, sand down those bumps, place your painter’s tape, apply a primer, and coat those walls with your favorite shade.
- Applying Caulk: This is the stuff that your find in between your tiles on your tub, sinks, and counters. Time can cause this rubbery filler to deteriorate and change color. All you need is a bottle or gun filled with goop. Fill away and wipe up any excess. I find this fun. Weird I know.
- Clogged Toilets: Every bathroom needs a plunger, it’s a house rule. If you have a kid then you better have a backup. I’ve become a master at this, removing a flushed cell phone was my greatest success! In addition to a plunger, buy a snaking tool or use a wire hanger to fish anything out.
- Scratches In Wood: Don’t panic! They make crayons for these types of things and they’re not Crayola. You can find scratch fillers at your local hardware store. There are different shades available to match virtually any color wood on the market.
- Drippy Faucet: This has to be the most common annoyance in new and old homes. It’s a bit more complex than the others but you can easily find a step by step demonstration on sites like The Family Handyman.
For more information on DIY home projects & repairs you can take care of without paying with the big bucks, visit DIYNetwork. Here you will find a long list from the simple to the more complex improvements. Remember, before you get out your phone to call a handyman use GOOGLE. It’s your best friend and it may save you that extra $200 you had saved for vacation next year… Happy Fixin’!
