If you want to make sure that you are handling all of the jobs around your home that you need, then you have come to the right place. Here you can find out everything you need to know about home repairs, while also ensuring that you are not putting yourself at a high level of risk.
Ground works
If you need to create space for a new garden building then you’ll likely need to move earth and soil to level the desired area. Many smaller jobs can be managed manually with a bit of graft. Remember, more hands make light work. In some cases you might need to hire industrial equipment to help with job. The best thing to do is calculate the volume of work required and speak to a hire company to see what they recommend.
Test your thermostat
If you know that the temperature in your home isn’t what seems to be showing on your thermostat, then you may find that your thermostat or your air conditioning unit is working too hard. It is more than possible for you to fix this with a bit of DIY. Every spring and every fall, make sure that you tape a thermometer to the wall, right next to your thermostat. When you have done this, wait 15 minutes or so and then compare the two recordings. If there is a big difference, then now would be the time for you to recalibrate the two numbers. While you are at it, if you do not have a thermostat that can be programmed then make sure that you invest in one. If you get one, then you can install it yourself and no rewiring is required. You can mount your thermostat with a glue gun, from Glue Guns Direct or with screws.
Air leaks
Cooling and heating the air that is outside of your property is pointless. It is also very expensive. If you want to DIY this, then you should know that most door thresholds can be adjusted up or down by the saddle screws. Make sure that you adjust them up or down accordingly until you see that the doors are able to open without too much draught. While you are at it, you can easily seal any draughty windows by using some removable caulk. This will keep the cold air outside your home, and it will also be very easy for you to remove in the spring.
Hole in the drywall
Holes happen, but you don’t have to pay a pro to come out and patch them. The best and the easiest way for you to take care of this yourself would be for you to use an aluminium patch. You can also use some joint compound and then a taping knife to smooth it out. It won’t cost you much to get this done at all. If you want to DIY it, then clean up any rough edges that may be around the hole. When you have done this, you then need to stick the patch on the wall, using the taping knife to smear some joint compound over it. Let it dry overnight, and then spread a second coat, feathering it out at the sides to blend it in. When this is dry, you’ll need to apply one more coat extending to 12 inches on all sides. A sanding sponge can then be used to smooth it all out until it feels smooth.
Electronics
Power surges, unstable power grids and even heavy power use from energy-hogging appliances can all fry your electronics. This can include anything that has a digital display, such as your computer, your smart fridge or even your microwave. If you want to DIY this, then you need to buy a surge suppressor at any home-improvement store. You can then plug all of your gadgets into it. While you are at it, it is a good idea for you to buy a whole-house suppressor. This will protect all of your devices from any external surges.
Carpet snags
If you have a carpet that has a lot of woven loops or if you see a lot of loose fibres then you may find that this can unravel into even bigger snags. The quick fix here is much cheaper than you having to replace your whole carpet. If you want to DIY this, then you need to tug at the carpet to find the point where it is all still attached. You then need to snip it off, as close to the backing as you can. Use some painters tape to surround your repair area, and then squeeze some carpet sealer into the run. When you have done this, fill in the hole with the fibre you have managed to save. You’ll need to use a screwdriver to push it into the sealer, bit by bit until it begins to resemble the area below. While you are at it, make sure that you vacuum your high-traffic areas often. Dirt is abrasive, and this means that it can damage your home way more than you realise.
Unclogging your fridge
When you have fridge coils that are all clogged with dirt, dust or even cobwebs, you may find that they do not release heat very well. This means that your compressor will have to work much harder than required and this will cause it to use way more energy than you realise. If you want to DIY this issue, then you should know that the coils can be found at the back of the fridge. Pull out the fridge away from the wall and lay some cardboard down to stop any scratching. When you have done this, clean the coils with a cleaning brush. This isn’t expensive at all, and if you do this every six months, then you will soon find that you are able to save a substantial amount of money on your bills. While you are at it, wipe down the rubber gaskets that line the fridge or freezer, because a bad seal can result in your appliances having a lower level of energy efficiency.
Freshen your dishwasher
If you know that your dishwasher is just not doing its job right, then you will be wasting a lot of water by having to do all of the dishes again. You may find that you have to do them by hand or that you have to run the machine all over again. A simple clean will often solve this issue, so pull out the rack and then remove the spray arm. When you have done this, make sure that you use a piece of wire to clean out the holes where the water comes out of.
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