Many would agree that homeownership is merely a part of life, yet so many people don’t know how to maintain a home or complete basic tasks. We want you to be the homeowner that can handle almost any project thrown your way. Of course, there are hundreds of things to learn about, but we compiled a list of only five things every homeowner should know; read on to learn more.
How To Hang Pictures on the Wall
When you first move into a new home, you’ll want to make it your own. The most common way people make their home their own is by hanging things on the walls––typically pictures or art. Every homeowner should know how to hang something on their wall properly. While you’re learning how to hang something, make sure you determine how to locate a wall stud and use a wall anchor while you’re at it.
How To Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Every home has gutters and downspouts for a reason—to keep water from gathering around your home. That said, you should know how to check and clean the gutters and downspouts; otherwise, you’ll certainly see your gutters overflowing during a rainstorm. If water gathers around your home and foundation, it can damage landscaping and worse, cause foundation cracks and shifting.
How To Inspect Your Attic
Although nobody wants to go into their attic, it’s better to get up there before it’s too late. Many experts suggest going in your attic during a heavy downpour to keep an eye out for leaks. You’ll also want to ensure the attic vents are open to prevent moisture from collecting and mold growing. Pro tip: make sure you walk on the wood, not the insulation (that’s the fluffy stuff if you don’t know). If you walk on insulation, your feet will go right through the ceiling beneath you—then you’ll need to learn how to hang drywall.
What To Do If Your Basement Floods
An unfortunate reality of homeownership is basement flooding. Almost everyone with a basement will experience a flood at one point or another. The causes of basement floods are innumerable; however, the important thing is that you know what to do. There are a series of steps to follow in the event of a basement flood to keep you safe and prevent further damage. If you only remember one step, make sure it’s this one––don’t enter the basement until the electricity is off.
What To Do If You Have a Leaky Faucet
On a less serious note, you’ll probably experience the dreaded leaky faucet at some point. Most minor leaks are very easy to fix; typically, you only need to change the washer on the faucet. Unfortunately, the washer isn’t always the problem, and you might need to tighten the faucet’s aerator––like we said, super easy.
Homeownership leads to all kinds of fun projects. Although we only gave you five things every homeowner should know, there’s always more to learn. The most crucial part is that you remain patient and consider any repair or maintenance project as a learning experience and have fun with it.
