Playing the role of a handyman can often be a demanding task to fulfill and not every man is capable or willing to venture in it. And that’s completely reasonable. Calling a professional repairman is costly and perhaps redundant, if you are facing a minor issue. But if hammers scare you and you have no idea what Allen’s wrench does, the best thing you could do is to prevent any damage in the house before it occurs. With that in mind, I would like to present you with a few basic tips on how to keep your home in order without fearing you might do more damage than good.
If the saying ‘attack is the best defense’ is true, then thorough inspection of the house could be considered a good attack. Make sure you perform regular checks of ‘weak points’ in the house, anything prone to breaking, clogging or deterioration.
Moisture can pose a serious problem in any household and it’s one of the crucial things to keep an eye on. Keeping the walls nice and dry will save you a ton of energy and ensure the stability of your house remains intact. Even houses with good insulation can have a problem with moisture. Inaccessible, dark corners (behind furniture) are most often the ones to give in. You should try and move the things blocking your way and inspect every corner in your house periodically, especially in the basement. Proper ventilation is of great importance.
Clogged drainage is usually the result of big chunks of waste being disposed of in the system. But did you know that a major factor in clogged drains is also the accumulation of oils and fats? This can easily be avoided if you use a container designated for oil disposal.
Clean your gutters! It can’t be overestimated how important it is to have a properly working drainage around your house. If gutters get clogged the rain will have a much bigger impact with water flowing towards the foundation. This would inevitably lead to the appearance of moisture in your house. It’s therefore crucial that you clean the gutters on a regular basis, especially if you have a deciduous tree next to your house.
Major wastes of energy can occur due to window leaks. Wind or moisture can seep through the cracks or unsealed joints. A simple fix for leaky windows is to apply caulk along the edge of the window. Here’s a simple guide how to do it.
Even though you might not be tool-savvy, it goes without saying that you need certain tools to be able to repair anything. Keep a basic toolkit with a set of wrenches, screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), a hammer and some nails, a pair of pliers, cutters and a utility knife. A cordless drill can also be of great use.
Thorough, regular inspection of the house can save you a great deal of time and money with little effort. Even if you don’t feel comfortable working with tools, basic knowledge of ‘how things work’ and a rudimentary toolbox sooner or later come in handy as there is a great chance that at some point in time you will encounter a squeaky door, clogged sink or a broken thermostat.
Hi Erin Emanuel, you describe handymen services very well, you article help to improve my handyman skill.