As a homeowner, you have probably run into many repair issues where you might need to hire a contractor. In order to save the integrity of your home without breaking the bank, you start to ponder the idea of a DIY fix.
Here are our tips for simple fixes to keep your home looking and feeling brand-new.
Install central air
More than likely your home features a forced hot air system. If there is room for expansion, then you may be in luck. It might be easier than you think.
The most important part of this process to keep in mind is where you will be placing your vents. Make sure to keep vents away from those areas of the home that attract moisture such as lower windows, the refrigerator, and any piping that runs into the house. This will save you problems with insulation in the long run.
Protect your walls and ceilings
Plastering your walls and ceilings will give it a professional and “like new” look. However, this is something that you will have to keep up with as plaster does age with your home. If you want a brand-new look on a budget, there is another option.
Installing sheetrock will help to achieve a more modern look and help to accommodate energy saving updates in the future such as overhead and recessed lighting.
Check for proper drainage
If you have an older home, it is very probable that you will have drainage issues. Unfortunately, if your foundation is eroded or on a steep slope, this is not an easy DIY fix. It is best to get in touch with a professional to fix these issues before they worsen.
Check on areas of your home such as the foundation, housing columns, patio deck, and basement floors regularly to catch any issues early on. If left unattended to, retaining walls can sink and swell.
Clear your landscaping
This next step is something that should have been done before you even moved into your home. If any mature trees dwell on your property, it is important to check the root structure to ensure the system will not upend your pipes or even the foundation of your home.
Sometimes trees are not properly landscaped, and you will need to make sure they do not host an aggressive root system. Bad roots can also lead to the tree to fall over, especially in inclement weather.
If any trees grow fairly close to your home, make sure they are not over producing moisture that can cause your siding to mold and rot.
Routine home inspection
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to perform a “self” home inspection every so often. You should be looking out for these items:
- Major change in temperature between rooms
- Cracked plaster or paint
- Unusually high electricity bills
- A rumbling or scratching sound coming from the walls or ceiling
Even if you do not encounter these problems, you should still have a professional do a routine home inspection once a year. This way you can weed out issues before they turn into huge problems.