Maintenance and Repair

If you paid rent to a landlord, you probably called him or her if something went wrong with your home. Once you become a homeowner, you are the landlord. When something needs to be repaired or fixed, you are in charge.

Over time, minor repairs will arise. You will save a lot of money if you know how to do basic repair work yourself. Ask talented friends to show you how to fix leaky faucets, torn screens, or broken fences. Sometimes local community or recreational centers, or even hardware stores, hold no-cost or low-cost classes on basic home repairs.

Just as important as making repairs are taking steps to keep problems from arising. Here are some basic home care items you will need to watch for:

• Windows. Broken windows should be repaired right away. You will have to decide if the problem needs to be fixed by a glass company of if you can learn to repair it yourself.
• Screens. If a screen is torn, take the screen and its frame to a hardware store or glass shop. They can fix it or show you how to repair it.
• Painting. Homes with wood siding or trim need to be painted once every five to seven years. Inside painting can be done as needed.
• Carpet. At some point, carpets will become dirty and need to be cleaned. Most neighborhood supermarkets and hardware stores have carpet cleaners for rent. Carpet cleaning companies often advertise special rates and discounts.
• Lawn care. If you don’t already have a lawnmower, consider buying a used mower from a garage sale or flea market if you have a grass lawn. Trees on your property also will need care. Pick up broken branches and rake leaves.
• Water heater. Check the temperature setting on your water heater to make sure it isn’t too high. Drain the tank, at least partially, two or three times a year to clear out sediments that can corrode the water heater. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions for draining the water heater.
• Pipes. Since most pipes are in the walls or under the house, you may not be able to see a leaking pipe. It’s a good idea to occasionally inspect what pipes you can see for signs of dampness or pooling water.
• Roofs. Roof leaks generally show up first as a stain on a ceiling or as a stain or rotting wood under the eaves. If these small leaks are not fixed quickly, they can lead to serious, expensive damage to your home.