Home repair
Encyclopedia
Home repair involves the diagnosis and resolution of problems in a home, and is related to home maintenance to avoid such problems. Many types of repairs are "do it yourself
" (DIY) projects, while others may be so complicated, time-consuming or risky as to suggest the assistance of a qualified handyman
, property manager
, contractor
/builder, or other professional
s. Repair is not necessarily the same as home improvement
, although many improvements can result from repairs or maintenance. Often the costs of larger repairs will justify the alternative of investment in full-scale improvements. It may make just as much sense to upgrade a home system (with an improved one) as to repair it or incur ever-more-frequent and expensive maintenance for an inefficient, obsolete or dying system. For a DIY project, it is also useful to establish limits on how much time and money you're willing to invest before deciding a repair (or list of repairs) is overwhelming and discouraging, and less likely to ever be completed.
, worn out batteries
, or overfilled vacuum cleaner
bags. Another class of home repairs relates to restoring something to a useful condition, such as sharpening tool
s or utensils, replacing leaky faucet washers, cleaning out plumbing traps, rain gutter
s. Because of the required precision, specialized tools, or hazards, some of these are best left to experts such as a plumber
. One emergency repair that may be necessary in this area is overflowing toilet
s. Most of them have a shutoff valve on a pipe beneath or behind them so that the water supply can be turned off while repairs are made, either by removing a clog or repairing a broken mechanism.
and drywall
, cleaning stains, repairing cracked windows and their screens, or replacing a broken electrical switch or outlet. Other repairs may have some urgency, such as a broken water pipes, broken doors, latches or windows, or a leaky roof or water tank, and this factor can certainly justify calling for professional help. A home handyman may become adept at dealing with such immediate repairs, to avoid further damage or loss, until a professional can be summoned.
systems, central heating or cooling systems (electrodes, thermocouple
s, and fuel filters), replacement of water treatment
components or air-handling filters, purging of heating radiators and water tanks, defrosting a freezer, vacuuming refrigerator coils, refilling dry floor-drain traps with water, cleaning out rain gutter
s, downspouts and drains, touching up worn house paint
and weather seals, and cleaning accumulated creosote
out of chimney
flues, which may be best left to a chimney sweep
.
Examples of less frequent home maintenance that should be regularly forecast and budgeted include repainting or staining outdoor wood or metal, repainting masonry, waterproofing masonry, cleaning out septic system
s, replacing sacrificial electrodes in water heaters, replacing old washing machine
hoses (preferably with stainless steel
hoses less likely to burst and cause a flood), and other home improvements such as replacement of obsolete or aging systems with limited useful lifetimes (water heaters, wood stoves, pumps, and asphalt
ic or wooden roof
shingle
s and siding
.
Often on the bottom of people's to-do list is home maintenance chores, such as landscaping, window and gutter cleaning, power washing the siding and hard-scape, etc. However, these maintenance chores pay for themselves over time. Often, injury could occur when operating heavy machinery or when climbing on ladders or roofs around your home, so if an individual is not in the proper physical condition to accomplish these chores, then they should consult a professional. Lack of maintenance will cost more due to higher costs associated with repairs or replacements to be made later. It requires discipline and learning aptitude to repair and maintain the home in good condition, but it is a satisfying experience to perform even seemingly minor repairs.
• Clean out gardens and trim back trees and shrubs as necessary
• Plant trees and turn over soil in vegetable garden
• Fertilize grass and reseed as necessary
• Inspect the chimney cap and vents for your fireplace and dryer to remove any debris
• Open septic tank and check the level - if it’s high or approaching a high level, call a pumping contractor (this should be done every three years regardless)
• Clean out gutters and drainpipes and ensure that downspouts are working well
• Drain and store outdoor hoses and hose bibs and turn off interior valves leading to outdoor faucets
• Cover the air conditioner and set to “off”. Or if it's a window air conditioning unit, remove and store for next summer.
• Remove screens and check the weather stripping around all windows and doors, repair and replace if necessary
• Disconnect the furnace power and inspect the forced-air fan belt for signs of wear and looseness
• For central sir systems, check that the drain pain under the cooling coil in your furnace plenum is clean and working well
• Change your furnace filter – this should be done each month during the winter as well
• Remove the floor grilles and vacuum out the ducts
• Vacuum around and in electric baseboard heaters to remove dust and debris
• Test your furnace by turning it to heat (don’t forget to light the pilot, if necessary) and raising the temperature until the system comes on – turn down to the desired level afterward
• Bleed the air from your hot water radiators
• Inspect the ducts from your furnace and throughout your home, repairing any cracks, tears and other damage
• Check that your sump pump is operating well and clean out any debris in the pit
• Check that your bathroom and range hood exhaust are working well and that the dampers open properly outside
• Test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and security systems, replacing batteries as needed
• Remove snow and ice as they build up in front of vents, gas meters, on walkways, and near basement windows and emergency exits
• Shovel driveway and keep clear of ice
• Watch roof for ice dams and dangerous icicles
• Furnace air filters need to be changed monthly, ventilation system filters can be done every other month
• Check your firewood supply and remove ash buildup in a wood burning appliance as necessary
• Clean your humidifier
• Pull out the refrigerator and freezer, vacuum out the radiator grilles and clean the floor underneath
• Go over the fire escape routes with your family and make sure the emergency exits are not blocked
• Replace washers on leaky faucets and replace any faucets necessary
• Clean out all the drains in your house
• Keep basement floor drain trap filled with water
• Run water through pipes that are used infrequently to prevent freezing and problems
• Inspect windows and doors for excessive condensation and ice buildup
• Note any drafts or cold air leaks that you find for repair in the warmer weather
• Clean out winter debris from the gardens and de-thatch the lawn
• Fertilize the grass, trees and the garden as necessary
• Mulch the gardens to reduce weeds and maintain moisture levels
• Watch for pests, their nests, and any damage that they may be causing around the home
• Clean out drains and ditches of debris
• Clean out gutters and drainpipes and ensure that downspouts are working well
• Level out any heaved deck or fence posts, as well as patio stones and stairs
• Stain or paint any wood decks or fences once they have had time to dry out, but before the heat sets in
• Inspect the foundation for cracks, splits, leaks, and any other damage
• After the last threat of frost has passed, open up hose valves and bibs and reattach the hoses
• Take off storm windows and put in screens, replacing or repairing wherever necessary
• Turn off the gas furnace heat and extinguish pilot light if applicable
• Clean the air conditioning filter or replace if necessary
• Switch on the air conditioning system and test in a similar fashion to the furnace test done in the fall
• Check dehumidifier and drain if necessary
• Turn off, clean out, and drain furnace humidifier if applicable and close the damper if you have central air
• Test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems, replacing batteries as needed
• Change the furnace filter (monthly)
• Check that your sump pump is operating well and clean out any debris in the pit
and not be stuck doing home maintenance, but many of these jobs are fast and are best done in the warmth of this season.
• Repair or replace driveway
s, patios, and walkways
• Repaint wood frame
s on doors and windows
• Maintain the garden
s, ensuring vines, roots and branches are not growing dangerously close to the house
• Keep vegetable garden, trees, flower gardens, and potted plants watered and fed
• Inspect the roof
for any damage, wear and problems that may have arisen over the winter
• Inspect the siding
and repair or replace as necessary
• Lubricate garage door
openers and repair any hinges, handles, and locks on all doors
• Check all caulking
and weather stripping around mechanical and electrical services, paying special attention to the main door in the garage
• Check the stability of railing
s and guardrails
• Check the operation of all window
s
• Deep clean
rug
s, carpets, and draperies
• Monitor the humidity
in the basement, maintaining it at 60 percent
• Change the furnace
filter
(monthly)
• Keep basement floor drain trap filled with water
ing, resulting in leaks or even flooding inside walls or rooms. This can be prevented by installing moisture barrier beneath the roofing tiles. A wary homeowner should be alert to the conditions that can result in larger problems and take remedial action before damage or injury occurs. It may be easier to tack down a bit of worn carpet than repair a large patch damaged by prolonged misuse. Another example is to seek out the source of unusual noises or smells when mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems are operating -- sometimes they indicate incipient problems. One should avoid overloading or otherwise misusing systems, and a recurring overload may indicate time for an upgrade.
Water infiltration is one of the most insidious sources of home damage. Small leaks can lead to water stains, and rotting wood. Soft, rotten wood is an inviting target for termite
s and other wood-damaging insects. Left unattended, a small leak can lead to significant structural damage, necessitating the replacement of beams
and framing
.
With a useful selection of tools, typical materials and supplies on hand, and some home repair information or experience, a homeowner or handyman should be able to carry out a large number of DIY home repairs and identify those that will need the specialized attention of others.
gas in the basement or water supply or friable
asbestos
materials (both of which can cause lung cancer
), peeling or disturbed lead paint
(a risk to children and pregnant women), inground heating oil
tanks that may contaminate ground water, or mold
that can cause problems for those with asthma
or allergies
. Typically the buyer or mortgage
lender will require these conditions to be repaired before allowing the purchase to close. An entire industry of environmental remediation contractors has developed to help home owners resolve these types of problems.
Do it yourself
Do it yourself is a term used to describe building, modifying, or repairing of something without the aid of experts or professionals...
" (DIY) projects, while others may be so complicated, time-consuming or risky as to suggest the assistance of a qualified handyman
Handyman
A handyman is a person skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, both interior and exterior, and are sometimes described as "odd jobs", "fix-up tasks", and include light plumbing jobs such as fixing a leaky toilet...
, property manager
Property manager
A property manager or estate manager is a person or firm charged with operating a real estate property for a fee, when the owner is unable to personally attend to such details, or is not interested in doing so...
, contractor
Independent contractor
An independent contractor is a natural person, business, or corporation that provides goods or services to another entity under terms specified in a contract or within a verbal agreement. Unlike an employee, an independent contractor does not work regularly for an employer but works as and when...
/builder, or other professional
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
s. Repair is not necessarily the same as home improvement
Home improvement
Home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating or making additions to one's home.-Types of home improvement:...
, although many improvements can result from repairs or maintenance. Often the costs of larger repairs will justify the alternative of investment in full-scale improvements. It may make just as much sense to upgrade a home system (with an improved one) as to repair it or incur ever-more-frequent and expensive maintenance for an inefficient, obsolete or dying system. For a DIY project, it is also useful to establish limits on how much time and money you're willing to invest before deciding a repair (or list of repairs) is overwhelming and discouraging, and less likely to ever be completed.
Worn, consumed, dull, dirty, clogged
Repairs often mean simple replacement of worn or used components intended to be periodically renewed by a homeowner, such as burnt out light bulbsIncandescent light bulb
The incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe makes light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. The hot filament is protected from air by a glass bulb that is filled with inert gas or evacuated. In a halogen lamp, a chemical process...
, worn out batteries
Battery (electricity)
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
, or overfilled vacuum cleaner
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner, commonly referred to as a "vacuum," is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from floors, and optionally from other surfaces as well. The dirt is collected by either a dustbag or a cyclone for later disposal...
bags. Another class of home repairs relates to restoring something to a useful condition, such as sharpening tool
Tool
A tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or achieve a task, but that is not consumed in the process. Informally the word is also used to describe a procedure or process with a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such...
s or utensils, replacing leaky faucet washers, cleaning out plumbing traps, rain gutter
Rain gutter
A rain gutter is a narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a roof system which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof....
s. Because of the required precision, specialized tools, or hazards, some of these are best left to experts such as a plumber
Plumber
A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable water, sewage, and drainage in plumbing systems. The term dates from ancient times, and is related to the Latin word for lead, "plumbum." A person engaged in fixing metaphorical "leaks" may also be...
. One emergency repair that may be necessary in this area is overflowing toilet
Toilet
A toilet is a sanitation fixture used primarily for the disposal of human excrement, often found in a small room referred to as a toilet/bathroom/lavatory...
s. Most of them have a shutoff valve on a pipe beneath or behind them so that the water supply can be turned off while repairs are made, either by removing a clog or repairing a broken mechanism.
Broken or damaged
Perhaps the most perplexing repairs facing a homeowner are broken or damaged things. In today's era of built-in obsolescence for many products, it is often more convenient to replace something rather than attempt to repair it. A repairman is faced with the tasks of accurately identifying the problem, then finding the materials, supplies, tools and skills necessary to sufficiently effect the repair. Some things, such as broken windows, appliances or furniture can be carried to a repair shop, but there are many repairs that can be performed easily enough, such as patching holes in plasterPlaster
Plaster is a building material used for coating walls and ceilings. Plaster starts as a dry powder similar to mortar or cement and like those materials it is mixed with water to form a paste which liberates heat and then hardens. Unlike mortar and cement, plaster remains quite soft after setting,...
and drywall
Drywall
Drywall, also known as plasterboard, wallboard or gypsum board is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper...
, cleaning stains, repairing cracked windows and their screens, or replacing a broken electrical switch or outlet. Other repairs may have some urgency, such as a broken water pipes, broken doors, latches or windows, or a leaky roof or water tank, and this factor can certainly justify calling for professional help. A home handyman may become adept at dealing with such immediate repairs, to avoid further damage or loss, until a professional can be summoned.
Maintenance
Periodic maintenance also falls under the general class of home repairs. These are inspections, adjustments, cleanings, or replacements that should be done regularly to ensure proper functioning of all the systems in a house, and to avoid costly emergencies. Examples include annual testing and adjustment of alarmAlarm
An alarm device or system of alarm devices gives an audible or visual alarm signal about a problem or condition.Alarm devices include:* burglar alarms, designed to warn of burglaries; this is often a silent alarm: the police or guards are warned without indication to the burglar, which increases...
systems, central heating or cooling systems (electrodes, thermocouple
Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a device consisting of two different conductors that produce a voltage proportional to a temperature difference between either end of the pair of conductors. Thermocouples are a widely used type of temperature sensor for measurement and control and can also be used to convert a...
s, and fuel filters), replacement of water treatment
Water treatment
Water treatment describes those processes used to make water more acceptable for a desired end-use. These can include use as drinking water, industrial processes, medical and many other uses. The goal of all water treatment process is to remove existing contaminants in the water, or reduce the...
components or air-handling filters, purging of heating radiators and water tanks, defrosting a freezer, vacuuming refrigerator coils, refilling dry floor-drain traps with water, cleaning out rain gutter
Rain gutter
A rain gutter is a narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a roof system which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof....
s, downspouts and drains, touching up worn house paint
Paint
Paint is any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition which after application to a substrate in a thin layer is converted to an opaque solid film. One may also consider the digital mimicry thereof...
and weather seals, and cleaning accumulated creosote
Creosote
Creosote is the portion of chemical products obtained by the distillation of a tar that remains heavier than water, notably useful for its anti-septic and preservative properties...
out of chimney
Chimney
A chimney is a structure for venting hot flue gases or smoke from a boiler, stove, furnace or fireplace to the outside atmosphere. Chimneys are typically vertical, or as near as possible to vertical, to ensure that the gases flow smoothly, drawing air into the combustion in what is known as the...
flues, which may be best left to a chimney sweep
Chimney sweep
A chimney sweep is a worker who clears ash and soot from chimneys. The chimney uses the pressure difference caused by a hot column of gas to create a draught and draw air over the hot coals or wood enabling continued combustion. Chimneys may be straight or contain many changes of direction. During...
.
Examples of less frequent home maintenance that should be regularly forecast and budgeted include repainting or staining outdoor wood or metal, repainting masonry, waterproofing masonry, cleaning out septic system
Septic tank
A septic tank is a key component of the septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations...
s, replacing sacrificial electrodes in water heaters, replacing old washing machine
Washing machine
A washing machine is a machine designed to wash laundry, such as clothing, towels and sheets...
hoses (preferably with stainless steel
Stainless steel
In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
hoses less likely to burst and cause a flood), and other home improvements such as replacement of obsolete or aging systems with limited useful lifetimes (water heaters, wood stoves, pumps, and asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt or , also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits, it is a substance classed as a pitch...
ic or wooden roof
Roof
A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being the most numerous....
shingle
Roof shingle
Roof shingles are a roof covering consisting of individual overlapping elements. These elements are typically flat rectangular shapes laid in rows from the bottom edge of the roof up, with each successive higher row overlapping the joints in the row below...
s and siding
Siding
Siding is the outer covering or cladding of a house meant to shed water and protect from the effects of weather. On a building that uses siding, it may act as a key element in the aesthetic beauty of the structure and directly influence its property value....
.
Often on the bottom of people's to-do list is home maintenance chores, such as landscaping, window and gutter cleaning, power washing the siding and hard-scape, etc. However, these maintenance chores pay for themselves over time. Often, injury could occur when operating heavy machinery or when climbing on ladders or roofs around your home, so if an individual is not in the proper physical condition to accomplish these chores, then they should consult a professional. Lack of maintenance will cost more due to higher costs associated with repairs or replacements to be made later. It requires discipline and learning aptitude to repair and maintain the home in good condition, but it is a satisfying experience to perform even seemingly minor repairs.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
When the summer ends and the weather is beginning to cool, there are important home maintenance tasks to tackle.• Clean out gardens and trim back trees and shrubs as necessary
• Plant trees and turn over soil in vegetable garden
• Fertilize grass and reseed as necessary
• Inspect the chimney cap and vents for your fireplace and dryer to remove any debris
• Open septic tank and check the level - if it’s high or approaching a high level, call a pumping contractor (this should be done every three years regardless)
• Clean out gutters and drainpipes and ensure that downspouts are working well
• Drain and store outdoor hoses and hose bibs and turn off interior valves leading to outdoor faucets
• Cover the air conditioner and set to “off”. Or if it's a window air conditioning unit, remove and store for next summer.
• Remove screens and check the weather stripping around all windows and doors, repair and replace if necessary
• Disconnect the furnace power and inspect the forced-air fan belt for signs of wear and looseness
• For central sir systems, check that the drain pain under the cooling coil in your furnace plenum is clean and working well
• Change your furnace filter – this should be done each month during the winter as well
• Remove the floor grilles and vacuum out the ducts
• Vacuum around and in electric baseboard heaters to remove dust and debris
• Test your furnace by turning it to heat (don’t forget to light the pilot, if necessary) and raising the temperature until the system comes on – turn down to the desired level afterward
• Bleed the air from your hot water radiators
• Inspect the ducts from your furnace and throughout your home, repairing any cracks, tears and other damage
• Check that your sump pump is operating well and clean out any debris in the pit
• Check that your bathroom and range hood exhaust are working well and that the dampers open properly outside
• Test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and security systems, replacing batteries as needed
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Once you have battened down the hatches in the fall, winter is a more restful time. Besides changing your furnace filter on a monthly basis, you need to do a few other things on a regular basis throughout the cold months. It’s also a good time to look at the plumbing and safety systems and the air flow in your home.• Remove snow and ice as they build up in front of vents, gas meters, on walkways, and near basement windows and emergency exits
• Shovel driveway and keep clear of ice
• Watch roof for ice dams and dangerous icicles
• Furnace air filters need to be changed monthly, ventilation system filters can be done every other month
• Check your firewood supply and remove ash buildup in a wood burning appliance as necessary
• Clean your humidifier
• Pull out the refrigerator and freezer, vacuum out the radiator grilles and clean the floor underneath
• Go over the fire escape routes with your family and make sure the emergency exits are not blocked
• Replace washers on leaky faucets and replace any faucets necessary
• Clean out all the drains in your house
• Keep basement floor drain trap filled with water
• Run water through pipes that are used infrequently to prevent freezing and problems
• Inspect windows and doors for excessive condensation and ice buildup
• Note any drafts or cold air leaks that you find for repair in the warmer weather
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
As the seasons change and the nice weather returns, more home maintenance tasks crop up.• Clean out winter debris from the gardens and de-thatch the lawn
• Fertilize the grass, trees and the garden as necessary
• Mulch the gardens to reduce weeds and maintain moisture levels
• Watch for pests, their nests, and any damage that they may be causing around the home
• Clean out drains and ditches of debris
• Clean out gutters and drainpipes and ensure that downspouts are working well
• Level out any heaved deck or fence posts, as well as patio stones and stairs
• Stain or paint any wood decks or fences once they have had time to dry out, but before the heat sets in
• Inspect the foundation for cracks, splits, leaks, and any other damage
• After the last threat of frost has passed, open up hose valves and bibs and reattach the hoses
• Take off storm windows and put in screens, replacing or repairing wherever necessary
• Turn off the gas furnace heat and extinguish pilot light if applicable
• Clean the air conditioning filter or replace if necessary
• Switch on the air conditioning system and test in a similar fashion to the furnace test done in the fall
• Check dehumidifier and drain if necessary
• Turn off, clean out, and drain furnace humidifier if applicable and close the damper if you have central air
• Test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems, replacing batteries as needed
• Change the furnace filter (monthly)
• Check that your sump pump is operating well and clean out any debris in the pit
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
You may want to enjoy the summerSummer
Summer is the warmest of the four temperate seasons, between spring and autumn. At the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest, with day-length decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice...
and not be stuck doing home maintenance, but many of these jobs are fast and are best done in the warmth of this season.
• Repair or replace driveway
Driveway
A driveway is a type of private road for local access to one or a small group of structures, and is owned and maintained by an individual or group....
s, patios, and walkways
• Repaint wood frame
Frame
A frame is a structural system that supports other components of a physical construction.Frame may also refer to:-Engineering & construction:* A-Frame, a basic structure designed to bear a load in a lightweight economical manner...
s on doors and windows
• Maintain the garden
Garden
A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. The most common form today is known as a residential garden, but the term garden has...
s, ensuring vines, roots and branches are not growing dangerously close to the house
• Keep vegetable garden, trees, flower gardens, and potted plants watered and fed
• Inspect the roof
Roof
A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being the most numerous....
for any damage, wear and problems that may have arisen over the winter
• Inspect the siding
Siding
Siding is the outer covering or cladding of a house meant to shed water and protect from the effects of weather. On a building that uses siding, it may act as a key element in the aesthetic beauty of the structure and directly influence its property value....
and repair or replace as necessary
• Lubricate garage door
Garage door
A garage door is a large door on a garage that can either be opened manually or by a garage door opener. Garage doors are necessarily large to allow passage of automobiles and/or trucks.-Description:...
openers and repair any hinges, handles, and locks on all doors
• Check all caulking
Caulking
Caulking is one of several different processes to seal joints or seams in various structures and certain types of piping. The oldest form of caulking is used to make the seams in wooden boats or ships watertight, by driving fibrous materials into the wedge-shaped seams between planks...
and weather stripping around mechanical and electrical services, paying special attention to the main door in the garage
• Check the stability of railing
Railing
Railing may refer to:* Guard rail, a structure blocking an area from access* Handrail, a structure designed to provide support, such as on a staircase* Insufflation , the act of inhaling a substance, generally a drug...
s and guardrails
• Check the operation of all window
Window
A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
s
• Deep clean
Carpet cleaning
Carpet cleaning, for beautification, and the removal of stains, dirt, grit, sand, and allergens can be achieved by several methods, both traditional and modern...
rug
Rug
RUG or rug can mean:* carpet, a textile floor covering that is made from various materials.** specifically, one made by rug making* slang for toupee* rug , to keep domesticated animals warm and/or dry...
s, carpets, and draperies
• Monitor the humidity
Humidity
Humidity is a term for the amount of water vapor in the air, and can refer to any one of several measurements of humidity. Formally, humid air is not "moist air" but a mixture of water vapor and other constituents of air, and humidity is defined in terms of the water content of this mixture,...
in the basement, maintaining it at 60 percent
• Change the furnace
Furnace
A furnace is a device used for heating. The name derives from Latin fornax, oven.In American English and Canadian English, the term furnace on its own is generally used to describe household heating systems based on a central furnace , and sometimes as a synonym for kiln, a device used in the...
filter
Filter
- Chemistry, engineering and materials :In chemistry, engineering, or household usage, a device to separate mixtures. See:* Filter , critical components of both freshwater and marine aquaria...
(monthly)
• Keep basement floor drain trap filled with water
Good operations
Another related issue for avoiding costly repairs (or disasters) is the proper operation of a home, including systems and appliances, in a way that prevents damage or prolongs their usefulness. For example, at higher latitudes, even a clean rain gutter can suddenly build up an ice dam in winter, forcing melt water into unprotected roofRoof
A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being the most numerous....
ing, resulting in leaks or even flooding inside walls or rooms. This can be prevented by installing moisture barrier beneath the roofing tiles. A wary homeowner should be alert to the conditions that can result in larger problems and take remedial action before damage or injury occurs. It may be easier to tack down a bit of worn carpet than repair a large patch damaged by prolonged misuse. Another example is to seek out the source of unusual noises or smells when mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems are operating -- sometimes they indicate incipient problems. One should avoid overloading or otherwise misusing systems, and a recurring overload may indicate time for an upgrade.
Water infiltration is one of the most insidious sources of home damage. Small leaks can lead to water stains, and rotting wood. Soft, rotten wood is an inviting target for termite
Termite
Termites are a group of eusocial insects that, until recently, were classified at the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera , but are now accepted as the epifamily Termitoidae, of the cockroach order Blattodea...
s and other wood-damaging insects. Left unattended, a small leak can lead to significant structural damage, necessitating the replacement of beams
Beam (structure)
A beam is a horizontal structural element that is capable of withstanding load primarily by resisting bending. The bending force induced into the material of the beam as a result of the external loads, own weight, span and external reactions to these loads is called a bending moment.- Overview...
and framing
Framing (construction)
Framing, in construction known as light-frame construction, is a building technique based around structural members, usually called studs, which provide a stable frame to which interior and exterior wall coverings are attached, and covered by a roof comprising horizontal ceiling joists and sloping...
.
With a useful selection of tools, typical materials and supplies on hand, and some home repair information or experience, a homeowner or handyman should be able to carry out a large number of DIY home repairs and identify those that will need the specialized attention of others.
Remediation of environmental problems
When a home is sold, inspections are performed that may reveal environmental hazards such as radonRadon
Radon is a chemical element with symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, occurring naturally as the decay product of uranium or thorium. Its most stable isotope, 222Rn, has a half-life of 3.8 days...
gas in the basement or water supply or friable
Friability
Friability is the ability of a solid substance to be reduced to smaller pieces with little effort. The opposite of friable is indurated....
asbestos
Asbestos
Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their eponymous, asbestiform habit: long, thin fibrous crystals...
materials (both of which can cause lung cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung in a process called metastasis into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary...
), peeling or disturbed lead paint
Lead paint
Lead paint or lead-based paint is paint containing lead, a heavy metal, that is used as pigment, with lead chromate and lead carbonate being the most common. Lead is also added to paint to speed drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion...
(a risk to children and pregnant women), inground heating oil
Heating oil
Heating oil, or oil heat, is a low viscosity, flammable liquid petroleum product used as a fuel for furnaces or boilers in buildings. Home heating oil is often abbreviated as HHO...
tanks that may contaminate ground water, or mold
Mold
Molds are fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. Molds are not considered to be microbes but microscopic fungi that grow as single cells called yeasts...
that can cause problems for those with asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
or allergies
Allergy
An Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid...
. Typically the buyer or mortgage
Mortgage loan
A mortgage loan is a loan secured by real property through the use of a mortgage note which evidences the existence of the loan and the encumbrance of that realty through the granting of a mortgage which secures the loan...
lender will require these conditions to be repaired before allowing the purchase to close. An entire industry of environmental remediation contractors has developed to help home owners resolve these types of problems.
See also
- Home improvementHome improvementHome improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating or making additions to one's home.-Types of home improvement:...
- Repair and maintenance
- ToolToolA tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or achieve a task, but that is not consumed in the process. Informally the word is also used to describe a procedure or process with a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such...
s - HandymanHandymanA handyman is a person skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, both interior and exterior, and are sometimes described as "odd jobs", "fix-up tasks", and include light plumbing jobs such as fixing a leaky toilet...
- Winterizing a vacant home