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January
5
5
8 Home Improvement Skills to Master Before Moving In
Maybe you're becoming a homeowner for the first time. Maybe you are transitioning back to owning a home after several years of renting. Maybe you just need to freshen up on your home improvement skills. Whatever your situation, you haven't had to take care of your own property for a long time. So what's home improvement all about? What should you learn first? Check out the top eight tips from realtor.com below!
- Hanging Pictures
- Unless your idea of decor is a blank wall, you'll eventually want to hang some pictures in your new space. While a hammer and nails seems intuitive, it may take you a few tries to get the picture level.
- Purchasing a stud finder at your local hardware store will help you find wooden studs that will hold your hooks more securely than drywall. You can also download an application that turns your smartphone into a level.
- Cleaning Gutters
- A recent survey found that 24% of homeowners polled had "never" cleaned their gutters. Yikes.
- When gutters aren't cleared of debris, water can get trapped and end up leaking through your roof into your home. It may be worth investing in a tool (maybe a Gutter Rake?) that makes the job easier if you want to get it done as soon as possible.
- Resetting a Circuit Breaker
- A circuit break supplies power to appliances and lighting in every room. When a circuit becomes overloaded, the designated break for that appliance will shut off, which then turns off the power to that area.
- You'll then need to reset the power by finding the breaker that's sitting in the off position and switching it to on. If you can't find the tripped breaker, try turning off and on each breaker until you determine the issue.
- Unclogging Drains
- When the water is up to your ankles as you take a shower, it may be time to unclog your drain. If you're reluctant to use a plumber, you may want to learn some tricks to unclog it yourself.
- A chemical drain cleaner like Draino works well, but you can also utilize a drain snake. A drain weasel used every couple of weeks can prevent large clogs.
- If you do end up needing a plumber, check out our selection of vendors!
- Cutting the Water Supply
- You'll want to locate the main water valve as soon as you move in, just in case you need to shut off the water supply if a pipe bursts.
- The shut-off valve is most likely located in your basement or crawl space where the water enters the house. Make sure you tag it when you find it so you won't lose it!
- Changing Filters
- Your HVAC system uses filters to trap dust and pollen and prevent the furnace or AC compressor from spreading debris throughout the house. Most systems require cleaning or replacing filters, but each is different. Check your manual to see specifics on your system.
- Replacing these filters is an easy task that will keep your system running smoothly and cut energy bills; however, you'll just have to remember to do it!
- Fixing Dings in the Walls
- Walls won't stay perfect forever. It's easy to repair drywall yourself with putty and a spackling knife.
- And if you paint, don't forget to keep samples of the colors you use so you can paint over your freshly repaired wall!
- Caulking
- Caulking is an easy task to do, but sometimes tough to do correctly. However, it will prevent water from seeping between walls and your tub or tile.
- In order to perfect caulking, snip the tube's tip about 1/4 inch from the end, which will produce the perfect size bead to spread and smooth with your finger.
There are plenty of other tips and tricks that you will learn during your time as a homeowner, but these eight tips will keep your house running smoothly until you decide to upgrade! When you do decide to sell your home, one of our trusted Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors will be there to help you through every step. Give us a call! (866) 441-1776
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