Few things in life cost as much as our homes, so it’s paramount that we look after them well. If the exterior is fully maintained, the interior will be protected too.
When people neglect their homes, there are often issues that develop. When a home is untidy and in a state of disrepair, it’s not good for us psychologically: we can easily become overwhelmed by the jobs that need doing.
It’s also true that some people are better at DIY than others. Fortunately, there are things that anyone can do to maintain their property. We’re going to look at some of these right now.
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Survey Your Roof
If this activity will involve you going up a ladder, be sure that you are safe doing so. It’s worth checking for overhanging trees or branches.
They can provide a ladder for squirrels to get onto your property and create issues. If there was a storm, your roof could experience tree damage, too.Scan the gutters to see whether they need cleaning. If plants and dirt build-up there, the water could back up and create damp problems.
Look for broken or loose shingles as any gaps could let water get inside your house. If there are significant issues that you identify, it may be necessary to call a professional. Specialist sites on the internet can also provide helpful guidance and advice. As we can see from this article, people are wanting to learn about such things as gables, vent pipes, fascias, and decking. They also want to know the purpose and benefits of soffits and fascias.
Remove Your Clutter
Your garden may have become full of rubbish. When it only occurs bit by bit, it’s easy to be blind to it. There may be broken children’s toys or white goods.
Perhaps you’ve thrown out an old mattress too. If there are too many items (or if they are too big and heavy) for you to take them to the garbage tip, why not arrange to have them hauled away?
It’s wise to search your home for rubbish, from top to bottom. The attic may well be home to things you haven’t used and never will again.Once you’ve gone through the entire house, check any garden shed or garage as well. Then either give things away, sell them or dispose of them.
Upcycle
Whilst some things may be too good to get rid of, they may no longer blend in with the home. Perhaps you’ve changed the style of your decor or the color of your rooms.
Some people paint over their existing furniture if it’s in good condition. It’s amazing how it can receive a new lease of life this way. People may even think you’ve bought new items!
There may also be some mileage in reupholstering your sofa and chairs. Change your cushion covers, and put a throw over the sofa.
Insulate Your Attic
This area should have a constant flow of air, thanks to the air vents and/or air bricks. Without it, any moisture will have nowhere to go.
It could then build up and give you damp ceilings and walls. It may be that you need to buy some rolls of fiberglass. They can help insulate the attic, and prevent you from losing warmth downstairs.
Clean Or Replace Your Filters
Most people own air purifiers, air conditioning units, or HVAC appliances. They all use filters that need regular maintenance. Check the product instructions to see how often this should occur.
If dust and debris build up in the filters, the machines will become less effective. They then have to work overtime, and in turn, this will age the appliances.
Some machines even develop water leaks as a result of such neglect.
In most cases, filters have to be replaced rather than cleaned, although you’ll need to check this out first.
Look For Signs Of Damp, Leaks, And Escaping Air
If you have water stains on your ceiling, it’s important to address the cause first. Then you can spray a combination of water and bleach over the affected area.
Make sure that you wear protective goggles and gloves when you do it.
If you have any leaking taps, it may be necessary to change the washers. Before doing so, check where you turn the water off.
When some showers start to drip, the issue can only be addressed by replacing the boxed shower unit. In such cases, it’s advisable to involve a plumber.
If warm air is leaking from your home, your fuel bills will be unnecessarily high. Have a walk around the home and check the seals around the doors and windows, in case they need replacing.
If there are holes in the walls (e.g. near pipes or wires) it may be advisable to block these up, too.
Make Your Garden Less Work
You may struggle to stay on top of this if there’s often mowing to do as well as weeding and watering, pruning and deadheading. Why not have a patio installed over an area of soil?
You could also turn areas of flower beds into lawns. If you don’t have time for lawn maintenance either, consider using artificial (Astro) turf.
Rather than planting new flowers every year, install some perennials. You could choose an iris, pink, peony, or day lily.
In fact, there’s a great list you can select from, and many are beautiful to look at. Alternatively, replace your flowering plants with shrubs.
Put a membrane around them to keep the weeds out, and then add some mulch. This can come in many formats including gravel, shredded leaves, or bark.
The plants will be able to retain the moisture easier, and once again the weeds will be kept at bay.
As much as these activities will take up your time, they will always prove beneficial. It’s always a good feeling when you can fix something without having to pay someone else to do it.
Then you can sit back and enjoy your home, resting in the knowledge that everything is in order.