Six Home Fixes all New Homeowners Should Know

As a new homeowner, you may be in unchartered waters when it comes to maintenance and repairs. While some home fixes are on a learn-as-you-go basis, there are a few things you should be aware of to avoid costly mistakes. If you are ever unsure of your ability, call your local handyman service like Doctor Fix-It for guidance. In the meantime, here are six home fixes every new homeowner should know and how you can get started on them.

Light Fixture Fix

Install CFL or LED light bulbs all around your home. These bulbs are energy efficient, will last years longer than normal light bulbs, and over time will you save you a bundle. The upfront cost may be slightly more, but what you save over time makes it worth it.

Security Steps

Installing new locks around your home to ensure your family’s safety is always a good idea since you have no way of knowing if other people have spare keys from the old owners. For under $100 you won’t have to find out. The directions are fairly basic for installation. Don’t forget to make copies of the keys for the family.

Decorating Smart

Hanging artwork or shelves may seem like a pretty straightforward job. But if you don’t know how to avoid drilling into wiring, or finding studs to properly secure items to a wall, you could run into serious trouble. Always start out drilling at a maximum of 1 ¼ inches deep. This will get you through the drywall and avoid hitting wires or pipes.

Quick Attic Fix

Hot air will travel up and out of your home without proper attic insulation and can end up costing you hundreds of dollars a year in heating bills. A typical attic should carry 10 to 14 inches of R-38 insulation for adequate coverage. You can buy extra insulation at a home improvement store or hire a company to re-insulate the entire attic if needed. Installation just requires some easy know-how and a good pair of gloves.

Flood Fix

Knowing where and how to close your main water valve will definitely prevent disaster. Broken or leaky pipes that suddenly burst can lead to thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home. Make sure all responsible family members understand how to shut off the water valve in case of an emergency. 

Save on Heat

Programmable thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home all season. Program it for cooler temperatures during the night and when you are out of the home to save on utility costs. Even adjusting the temperature two or three degrees lower can make a huge difference to your bill. It might cost a bit up front but can save you in the long run.

Fixing up a home is something all new homeowners should know how to do. With these six ideas and others, you can get some of the basics started. As your skills and confidence grow, you can make sure you are never stranded in your own home.