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Keeping up on simple repairs can add value to your home without breaking the bank. Check out these easy “Do it Yourself” repairs to keep your home in tip-top shape.
- Weatherstripping – Sealing gaps around doors and windows can make your home feel warmer and save you 10 to 15 percent on your energy bills. And it’s so easy to install, many varieties are self-adhesive.
- Caulking – Give your bathroom an instant face lift by replacing old caulking around tubs, toilets, and sinks. First, apply some caulk remover and let it sit for a few minutes, following the package’s instructions. Carefully scrape it away with a putty knife, add a thin bead of new caulk, and smooth it over with your finger for a clean, finished look.
- Regrouting Tiles – Does your grout look dingy after applying that fresh caulking? All it takes to spruce up your grout are the right tools and a little elbow grease. First remove as much of the existing grout as possible, then apply generous amounts of grout to your tiles, concentrating on the grout joints. Remove the excess, wait 20 – 30 minutes for the grout to dry, then wash the excess grout off the tiles with warm water and a sponge. Spray with sealant once the grout has cured.
- Patching Holes in Drywall – Hide eyesores leftover from hanging pictures by filling the hole with premixed spackling, applied with a putty knife. After it dries, smooth over the spot with a small sanding sponge and paint.
- Fix a Leaky Faucet – The most common fix for a leaky faucet is replacing a damaged washer or O-ring. Make sure to turn off the water before you begin, then take the faucet apart and bring the pieces to a hardware store so you may easily find and replace any worn out parts.
- Running Toilet – The most common culprit here is a leaky rubber flapper, which allows water to flow from the tank to the bowl when you flush. To verify that the flapper’s the cause, drop some food coloring into the tank. If the food coloring bleeds into the bowl after a few minutes, the flapper needs to be replaced.
- Clean Gutters – Regularly cleaning gutters protects your home’s roof, walls, foundation and landscape. After removing debris from the gutters, flush them with a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle.
