7 Skills every homeowner should have

Owning a home brings pride and freedom, but it also comes with responsibilities and, occasionally, unexpected maintenance challenges. While hiring professionals can be necessary for complex repairs, knowing some essential skills can save you time, money, and provide a sense of self-reliance. With the right approach and a focus on safety, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle these fundamental home maintenance tasks.

Whether you turn to online resources or seek guidance from a knowledgeable friend, these skills empower you to keep your home in top shape. Here’s a breakdown of the top maintenance skills every homeowner should know:

1. Basic plumbing repairs

Every homeowner should know how to address minor plumbing issues. Simple tasks like unclogging a sink, fixing a leaky faucet, or addressing a toilet clog can be tackled without professional help:

• Unclogging sinks and toilets: Keep a plunger and plumber’s snake on hand. Most clogs can be resolved with a little persistence.

• Fixing leaks: A dripping faucet is often fixed by replacing washers or tightening connections.

• Replacing a faucet: Many faucets come with straightforward installation guides, and with the right tools, you can swap out an old faucet in under an hour.

Safety tip: Always turn off the water supply to fixtures before starting repairs to avoid accidental flooding.

2. Basic electrical skills

While electrical work requires caution, there are simple fixes you can safely handle:

• Change light bulbs: This includes both indoor bulbs and outdoor fixtures. Use the correct bulb wattage and style to avoid issues.

• Resetting a breaker: If an outlet or appliance loses power, it might just be a tripped breaker. Locate your breaker box and reset the switch. If it continues to trip, call a professional.

• Replacing light switches: If a switch stops working, replacing it can often be done with minimal tools.

Safety tip: Always turn off power at the breaker box before working on any electrical components. Use a voltage tester to double-check that no power is flowing.

In case of any doubts, be sure to hire a licensed electrician.

3. Painting and patching holes in walls

Over time, you may want to refresh a room’s color or repair small holes or dents in walls:

• Patching drywall: Clean the area and use spackling paste or patching compound. Once dry, sand it smooth before painting.

• Painting: Start by using painter’s tape to protect trim and edges, and use quality brushes and rollers to avoid uneven application.

 4. Replacing old caulking

Old caulk around tubs, sinks, windows, or doors can crack over time, leading to leaks and drafts:

• Removing old caulk: Use a utility knife to carefully remove it.

• Applying new caulk: Once the area is cleaned, use a caulking gun to apply a smooth bead along the joint. Run your finger or a caulk tool along it for a clean, even finish.

Make sure to choose caulk formulated for your project, such as waterproof caulk for bathrooms.

5. Cleaning gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage on your roof or foundation. Keeping them clean ensures proper drainage:

Always take safety precautions, such as making sure you have a strong, stable ladder and that a second person can spot you while on it.

6. Smoke detector maintenance

Smoke detectors are essential for home safety and require regular checks to ensure they’re functioning:

• Battery check: Replace batteries twice a year, such as when daylight savings changes occur.

• Testing: Press the test button monthly to confirm it’s working.

Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.

7. Shutting off water and gas lines

Knowing how to shut off your home’s main water and gas lines is essential in case of an emergency:

• Water shut-off: Familiarize yourself with your home’s main water shut-off valve and individual shut-offs for sinks and toilets.

• Gas shut-off: In case of a suspected leak, turn off the main gas line and contact your utility provider immediately.

Also, know where the valves are for your sinks and toilets so you can turn them off directly at the source instead of affecting the whole house when needed.

By mastering these basic skills, you’ll feel more capable of handling common home issues. Plus, a little know-how goes a long way in maintaining your home’s value and comfort while giving you peace of mind that you can address minor problems safely and effectively.