Owning a home comes with the responsibility of maintenance and appliances repairing. Many homeowners find it satisfying to tackle DIY maintenance projects and it is also a cost-effective solution.
Moreover, you need proper preparation before you dig into DIY maintenance otherwise, it can lead to frustration and serious mistakes which can be costly as well as dangerous.
In this guide, you will explore the essential needs before embarking on DIY maintenance.
Basic tools and equipment
The key requirement of any DIY maintenance project is having the basic and right tools. An all-in-one toolbox is mandatory which usually includes:
- Hammer and nails: It is used for general repairs and hanging objects.
- Screwdrivers: Important for furniture assembling and disassembling. Also used for fixing appliances.
- Measuring tape: Used for measurements.
- Pliers: Vital for grasping, twisting and cutting of wires.
- Utility knife: Utilized for cutting materials such as cardboard, plastic etc.
- Level: Bring the shelves and frames on perfect horizontal or vertical level.
- Drill: Used for drilling holes.
- Wrench set: Works with nuts and bolts. Usually in plumbing and assembling objects.
Homeowners need to invest in other tools as well such as circular saw, power sander and jigsaw.
Basic knowledge of home systems
Before working in your home systems, you should know how different systems work. This will help you in diagnosing the issues and addressing it in a proper way.
You should get used to the following systems
- Electrical: Be well aware of the location of your breaker. Learn to safely resolve breaker tripping issues and have basic knowledge for replacing the light fixtures.
- Plumbing: Learn to shut off the water supply in case of emergency and unclog drains. Try replacing faucets or washers.
- Heating, ventilation and Air conditioning system: Gain knowledge of replacing filters and do regular maintenance to enhance the life span of the system.
- Roof and gutters: Inspect regularly to avoid spills and water damages. Know how to clean gutters and identify issues which can save your money and time.
- Foundation: Know the importance of grading and drainage to avoid water pooling. This can lead to basic harms and leaks.
Safety precautions
If you are planning to do DIY maintenance, safety precautions are important. People should follow the safety instructions as listed below:
- Wearing protective gear: While doing any home maintenance task, use safety glasses and gloves. Also use masks if you are dealing with chemicals or doing a dusty task.
- Using ladders: Make sure that the ladders are stable and tight. Follow the instructions in terms of weight limits and don’t overtrach while standing on a ladder.
- Understand tool safety: Gain knowledge by reading manuals. Before operating a tool, learn its process and understand its mechanism. A slight misuse can lead to serious hazards.
- Electrical safety: Deal with electronics safely. Turn off the fundamental control power before doing any electrical work.
- Chemical safety: Use chemicals and solvents in a well-ventilated area. Follow the instructions to avoid harmful exposure.
Budget for DIY projects
Even if you are dealing with maintenance tasks at your home, costs are still involved in it. Before jumping into any project, you should create a budget which includes all the essential equipment and materials.
The budget will roughly consists of:
- Materials
Make a list of all the materials required. Also include extra material in case of emergency.
- Tools
If you need tools, either buy them and invest once and for all or rent out some for a time being. It all depends on your use of tools.
- Unexpected costs
There are always chances of unexpected costs. You may need sudden repair of any component or extra material for something. Leave a room in your budget for such surprises.
Budgeting before starting the work can prevent frustration of costs and midway financial crisis.
Know your limits
It is very important to know your limits while doing a home maintenance project. You should know if the problem is getting serious and you need a professional technician. Some projects are better to leave to experts such as electrical work, gas line tasks and repairs and structural repairs and changes.
If you try to do these tasks without proper knowledge or training, this can lead to serious hazards and costly repairs.
Always consult a professional technician if you find yourself in doubt.
Conclusion
DIY domestic upkeep is an exceptionally fulfilling perspective of owning a home. It offers financial benefits as well as a sense of accomplishment. But, it also requires safe preparations, right tools and adequate understanding of home systems.
Follow these guidelines mentioned in this article and tackle the projects confidently and safely. You should know when to do the task on your own and when to seek help from professional.