Getting Your Home in Shape: 10 Simple Repairs

In the competitive Santa Cruz housing market, where the median sale price of a home reached a staggering $1.4 million last month, it becomes increasingly vital to take diligent care of your home. Doing repairs and improvements keeps your house working properly and looking its best. Big remodels can be complicated and expensive to hire out. But many small repairs can be done yourself on a weekend, even if you are not very handy. This article will explain ten easy home fixes step-by-step. Things like stopping leaks, filling holes, and securing windows seem basic. But staying on top of small repairs saves money down the road and improves home safety and comfort. Tackle these starter repairs to keep your home in tip-top shape.

1.   Fix Leaky Faucets

Addressing leaky faucets is not only a matter of saving water but also about keeping your hard-earned money from going down the drain. Begin by shutting off the water supply beneath the sink. Then, carefully disassemble the faucet handle and proceed to unscrew the nut that holds the washer in place. Make sure to replace the old washer with an exact match to ensure a watertight seal. Reassemble the faucet tightly, turn the water supply back on, and conduct a thorough test to ensure those annoying drips are gone for good. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, consider seeking professional help from reputable plumbing services in Santa Cruz to tackle the issue effectively and prevent further water wastage.

2.   Patch Up Wall Holes

Holes happen, but they are easy to patch. First, use a knife to widen cracks or cut holes into a square shape. Remove any loose material. Cut drywall to fit the hole, holding it in place. Then, mix drywall joint compound and spread over seams using a putty knife. Let dry and sand smooth. Spread more compound over the sanded patch if needed. Once dry, prime and paint the area. Use spackle instead of compound for tiny holes.

3.   Seal Window Drafts

Do you feel cold air leaking around windows? It wastes your heated air, costing more for energy bills. Start by running your hand along the edges to locate drafts. Apply clear caulk around the window frame where needed. For larger gaps, stuff them with insulation strips before caulking. Improve older windows with shrink film kits that insulate panes when applied. For doors, install new weatherstripping along edges to seal air leaks.

4.   Replace Broken Floor Tiles

Cracked or loose tiles are eyesores and trip hazards. Fixing them keeps floors looking fresh. Start by purchasing replacement tiles that match the current ones. Lift and remove broken pieces. Spread new thin set mortar where the tile will go. Place the new tile piece into the thin-set. Use plastic spacers for consistent spacing between tiles. Let the mortar dry completely. Mix grout and apply over seams, wiping away excess.

5.   Unclog Drains

Slow-draining or backed-up sinks are a nuisance. Begin by trying a plunger to clear simple clogs. Pour baking soda and vinegar down, then cover the drain to activate bubbly cleaning power. For tough clogs, use a drain snake to hook and pull up hair and gunk stuck deep. Prevent future clogs by installing screens that catch debris and regularly pouring hot water mixed with baking soda to keep drains clear. With a few easy techniques, you can keep water and soap flowing freely down the drain again.

6.   Fix Running Toilets

Toilets shouldn’t constantly run after flushing. It wastes gallons of water quickly. Start by shutting off the water supply valve under the tank. Then, drain and wipe out excess water in the tank and bowl. Check that the flapper seal lays flat and forms a tight seal when shut. Replace if worn. Adjust the water level if it is too high. Make sure the float moves freely, too. Turn the water back on and test your repair. Don’t tolerate a constantly running toilet – an easy DIY fix prevents wasted water and dollars down the drain.

7.   Maintain Your Gutters

Clogged, leaking gutters cause water damage and foundation issues over time. Make gutter cleaning part of seasonal home readiness. Use a ladder to access the roof gutters safely. Remove leaves and debris with a small trowel or gloved hands. Rinse gutters thoroughly with a hose. Check for leaks and patch holes with gutter repair caulk. Make sure gutters angle downward so water can run off. Taking care of gutters now prevents costly roof and siding rot issues later.

8.   Fix a Worn Outdoor Seal

If cold air leaks in under door gaps, you need new seals. Check for light peeking through under shut doors. Carefully remove the old seal using pliers and install the replacement with adhesive. For automatic doors, adjust or replace the sweep seals along the bottom edge. New seals block drafts, reduce energy costs, and stop dirt from blowing in under doors. Renewing worn seals takes little time but makes a big difference in home comfort.

9.   Quiet Squeaky Floors

Noisy creaking floors get annoying fast. Start by pushing along boards to isolate the squeak source. Secure loose boards by driving in new screws at an angle through the subfloor below into the wood. For deeper squeaks, detach boards to apply wood glue before re-screwing. A powder made for squeaky floors also helps when sprinkled into gaps and then swept into crevices.

10.Repaint the Outside

Over time, exterior paint fades, cracks, and peels. Restoring your paint maintains your home’s appearance and protects it from weather damage. Start by scraping, sanding, and priming any peeled areas. Choose quality acrylic latex paint suited for exteriors. Use rollers for large, flat areas and a paintbrush for trim and edges. Don’t forget the foundation, too. Picking complementary colors gives your house a fresh new look. Renewing the outside paint restores your home’s curb appeal and prevents costly water damage.

Conclusion

Our homes deserve care and upkeep. Though remodeling is expensive, many small repairs can be tackled yourself affordably in your spare time. Don’t let little issues spiral into huge headaches. Set aside a weekend to fix faucet drips, seal drafts, secure tiles, and more. Keeping your home well-maintained improves safety, function, and quality of life for your family. Show your home some love by taking care of minor repairs before they grow.