Home repair does not necessarily have to cost a lot of money. Following these preventative tips from HomeMaster, one of the largest home inspector franchisors in North America, can save a lot of money down the road and all of them can be done for under $25. Among the tips are to seal roof flashings to prevent roof damage, re-grout tile floors in the bathroom and regularly change the furnace and air conditioning filter. Good advice for protecting your family's biggest investment.
With the economy reeling, many homeowners are buckling down and deciding what projects need to be done and which can wait. HomeBuildingNet.com has a good outline of things that need to be done above all else. According to the list, the big five things are:
Water problems - Water leakage of any kind can cause massive problems down the road.
Septic Tank/Sewage System - Problems with a septic tank are not only destructive but pose a serious health risk to your family as well.
Mold - Mold can ruin the air quality within your home. To get rid of mold, read our article on how to remove mold.
Electrical wiring - Faulty wiring is a serious fire hazard. Be sure to hire a licensed electrician when addressing this issue.
Smoke detectors - All smoke detectors should be functioning properly at all times.
If you're looking for an affordable way to update an old countertop, I recommend Bath, Sink, & Tile Refinishing Kit For Dummies. I wrote about my intention to use it on my own bathroom countertops in this blog. The kit contains a heavy-duty, bright white epoxy (tintable if you want to color it) that can be used to refinish baths, tile, tubs, sinks, counters, floors and more. Once you clean the surface thoroughly with the supplies included, you simply apply the epoxy with a paintbrush (also included). The first coat needs to sit for at least 24 hours before you apply the second coat. Let the entire surface dry for five days before using again. The epoxy is very strong, so you should use proper ventilation. Also, if you have animals or small children (or even a forgetful spouse!), you'll want to seal off the room to allow for the surface to dry properly.
I am very happy with the results. My gold-speckled, 1970s style countertop is now white and modern and I didn't have to undertake a big remodeling job or spend much money. I highly recommend the epoxy kit for a small resurfacing project.
Do you have any new projects underway? Show off your project and share your step-by-step solutions with your fellow home improvement enthusiasts here.
Ever wondered if Cheryl Tiegs's home is as beautiful as she is or how designer Angelo Surmelis of "Rate My Space" decorates his own home or where in the world is Cy Curnin, lead vocalist of The Fixx? Find out those answers and more in our new "At Home with..." series that takes you inside the homes of celebrities. Interested in seeing inside the home of your favorite celebrity? Write a comment below and let us know.
It's been over a year since Popular Mechanics published their list of "25 Skills Every Man Should Know." Now they've revised and expanded the list to "100 Skills Every Man Should Know." Consider it the ultimate list in DIY. The list is divided into sections: Automotive, Handling Emergencies, Home, Medical Myths, Military Know-How, Outdoors, Primitive Skills, Surviving Extremes, Teach Your Kids, Technology and Master Key Workshop Tools. And if you are interested in #34 on the list, "How to fell a tree," we've got a video that shows you how to do it.
Does your skill set or budget stop you from making home repairs? These 11 home repairs from Reader's Digestare fix-ups you can do in a few hours for less than $25 each.
1. Gutters: Take the sag and bulge out of your gutters. 2. Gutters: Keep the water in the gutter where it belongs. 3. Outlets: Make your old two-prong outlets safer–the easy way. 4. Trim: Fill woodwork holes like the pros. 5. Walls: Smooth out those ugly nail pops for good. 6. Washer: Clothes washer filling slowly or not at all? Fix it. 7. Cabinet: Make creaky drawers glide like they're on ice. 8. Faucet: Quickly fix leaky cartridge-type faucets. 9. Plumbing: Try a sure cure for sweating pipes. 10. Storm Door: Fix your broken storm-door handle, and jazz it up while you're at it. 11. Water Heater: No more hot water? Restore it without calling in a pro.
Visit Reader's Digest for the full story and interactive tool.
AmeriCares HomeFront is looking for New York and Connecticut residents in need of home repairs for its upcoming repair blitz in Spring 2009. Interested homeowners must apply before November 30, 2008 in order to be considered. The nonprofit offers help with faulty windows, doors, steps, railings, leaky roofs, painting, plumbing and electrical needs at no cost to qualifying, low-income homeowners in Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties in Connecticut, and Westchester County, New York. For an application, call 1-800-887-HOPE (4673) and visit the organization's Web site for more information.
