Housing & Home: DIY Home Maintenance Tips

Retirement for many means tightening your belt as you learn to live on less money. One of the ways to save is to do some of your home maintenance tasks yourself. Not only will you save a little money, but many home maintenance chores can increase safety in your own home. Most people can do these things themselves, as they don’t require climbing a ladder.

Tip #1: Check the Locks

At least once per year, check the locks on all of the doors and windows, including the inside door knobs and locks. Each door should lock, unlock, open and close properly. Windows are also important, as they could provide an escape. All windows, even those on the second and third floors, should unlock and lock easily and should slide up and down easily.

If your windows have screens, ensure you can easily remove them and that they are in good condition.

Tip #2: Check the Smoke Detectors

Most people recommend checking the smoke detectors every few months, but we recommend checking them every month. You can easily check them by pressing the test button with a broomstick.

When it’s time to replace the batteries, have a loved one climb that ladder unless you are very comfortable with it and have excellent balance.

Tip #3: Check the Plumbing

Always check for water leaks. Don’t forget to check the hot water heater. If you do find a water leak, you may be able to repair it yourself if it’s a matter of replacing a section of pipe that screws together. You’ll usually find these under sinks. In other areas, you may have to cut the pipe to replace a section. Using SharkBite or GatorBite repair pieces makes some repairs easier.

If your home uses water filters, be sure to change them as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tip #4: Natural Gas and Propane

Check the pilot lights on all appliances that use natural gas or propane, including hot water heaters, furnaces, stoves and gas dryers. Even if you can’t smell gas leaking, you check the pilot lights each month.

Inspect gas emergency shut-off valves at least once per year.

Tip #5: Air Filters

Most HVAC systems have filters that require changing every month. If it’s too difficult to keep up with, especially for any intake filters in the ceiling, you can use long-lasting filters so the tech can change them when she or he comes out to check the system each spring and fall.

Your range hood also has a filter that requires periodic cleaning. If you cook often, clean it every six months. These are usually metal, which you can clean in the sink using dish soap.

Finally, don’t forget about the dryer vents where it vents outside. Remove the outside cover and vacuum it with a shop vac, taking care not to disconnect it from the dryer.

Tip #6: Weatherstripping

Inspect the weatherstripping on doors and windows. It helps to keep hot air in in the winter and out in the summer. Weatherstripping also prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the windows and doors.

Tip #7: Light Bulbs

Change out incandescent light bulbs for LED light bulbs. They are more energy efficient and last much longer.

Tip #8: Rugs and Tile

As you age, bones become more brittle, making falls more dangerous. You use double-sided tape to tape the edges of carpets down, especially where they roll up and cause an even bigger trip hazard. You can also add non-slip padding under throw rugs and area rugs.

Glue down rolled vinyl and linoleum floors where it is lifting. If you have loose tiles, replace them with new tiles. You may be able to find something that is close enough if you can’t find the exact tile.

Tip #9: Check the Walls and Ceilings

Check interior walls for cracks and holes. This can signify issues with the foundation. The sooner you can have someone correct the issue, the better—you may even be able to save some money if you catch issues before they become too bad.

Check exterior walls for cracks and holes where mice and bugs can make their way into your home. Seal foundation cracks or repair your home’s exterior walls if you can reach the crack or hole without having to climb a ladder.

Finally, check the ceilings. Water stains on the ceiling can alert you to a leak.

If you see signs of mold or mildew, always call in a professional.

Tip #10: Sand for Sidewalks and Steps

During the fall, prior to the first snow, place a large bucket of sand on the front and rear porches. If the porch, deck, steps and walkways ice over or become slippery due to snow, it will be close by, so you can spread it to minimize the risk of slipping and falling.