{"id":3572,"date":"2018-06-24T09:34:08","date_gmt":"2018-06-24T13:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/?p=3572"},"modified":"2019-04-30T06:38:24","modified_gmt":"2019-04-30T10:38:24","slug":"basic-home-repair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/2018\/06\/24\/basic-home-repair\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic home repair"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"basic<\/a>
Basic home repair tools (infographic from visual.ly)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I often preach about regular home maintenance<\/a>.\u00a0 However, home owners should also have basic home repair skills.\u00a0 Basic repairs are those items that you can do safely, and usually don\u2019t require a professional.\u00a0 Basic home repair skills are sometimes useful as an emergency stopgap before the licensed contractor can make it to your home.<\/p>\n

Basic home repair requires a few tools.\u00a0 Keep a toolbox well stocked and know where it is so you can easily find it when necessary.\u00a0 Besides the standard hammer, Philips and flathead screwdriver, your toolbox will need more items depending on your skill level.\u00a0 If you\u2019re in doubt about your ability to make a basic home repair, call a licensed contractor (you can do more damage if you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing).\u00a0 As a precaution and in case of emergency<\/a>, you should know where the emergency shutoffs are in your home for water, electric and gas.<\/p>\n

One of the first repair skills that I learned as a home owner is how to \u201csnake a drain.\u201d\u00a0 Bathroom drains, specifically, get clogged with hair and soap.\u00a0 Chemical products are a common solution, however you should always follow the directions and read the \u201ccautions and dangers.\u201d\u00a0 Chemicals don\u2019t always work well, however.\u00a0 If used improperly, chemical drain products can also damage basins and pipes<\/a>.\u00a0 Following the instructions, you can easily clear most clogs with a drain snake.\u00a0 A small drain snake should be part of your tool box. These are cheap to purchase and readily available at the hardware store.<\/p>\n

Have you ever needed to change your door locks<\/a> quickly?\u00a0 I have, once when a lock failed (the mechanism broke), and another time when someone stole our keys.\u00a0 Although most locks can be changed out easily with a screwdriver, specialized locks require a locksmith.\u00a0 Most locksets are designed as components that easily install. However, you should note that standards change over time, so make sure the lockset you purchase is the same size as the one being replaced.<\/p>\n

Patching drywall<\/a> is one of those repairs that is so basic that you can find \u201chow-to\u201d tutorials everywhere.\u00a0 Basic drywall patching requires a few basic tools, such as a \u201cspackling tool,\u201d utility knife, sand paper and spackle.\u00a0 Spackling tiny pinholes is easy. However, a larger hole may require some time for the repair as well as the clean-up.\u00a0 Damage to large areas of drywall will most likely require sections to be replaced.<\/p>\n

Can\u2019t find the leak from your sink or tub?\u00a0 There\u2019s a good chance it\u2019s coming from water that is seeping through old caulking.\u00a0 Caulk is used as a sealant in plumbing applications.\u00a0 It seals the fixtures and perimeter of sinks, tubs and shower stalls, which prevents water from trickling through.\u00a0 As it ages, caulk shrinks and can become brittle, which allows water penetration and leaking.\u00a0 A tube of caulk should be in your toolbox in case you need it for an emergency repair.\u00a0 You don\u2019t need a large caulking gun, as caulk is available in many forms, such as squeezable tubes and even tape.<\/p>\n

Plastic sheathing and duct tape are both good to have in your toolbox in case of an emergency.\u00a0 Duct tape, specifically, has many uses and is widely used as an adhesive and sealant.\u00a0 These two items are useful as a short-term repair for broken windows and doors.\u00a0 Plastic sheathing and duct tape can easily cover the affected areas until they are replaced, as well as help maintain cooling or heating<\/a> in the interim.<\/p>\n

By Dan Krell
\nCopyright \u00a9 2018.<\/p>\n

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\"Protected<\/a>Disclaimer<\/a>. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I often preach about regular home maintenance.\u00a0 However, home owners should also have basic home repair skills.\u00a0 Basic repairs are those items that you can do safely, and usually don\u2019t require a professional.\u00a0 Basic home repair skills are sometimes useful as an emergency stopgap before the licensed contractor can make it to your home. Basic … <\/p>\n

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