Homeownership is full of surprises. You never know when you’re going to need to hire a professional for a home inspection in Orange County to investigate a problem. Many people are hesitant to repair their own homes because they’re not sure which projects are worth the money to fix or if they would do a good enough job. It’s important to be prepared with tips and tricks for small home repairs that can vary from fixing plumbing leaks to installing new faucets, from installing new kitchen backsplashes to replacing your garage door opener or ceiling fan. These DIY tips and tricks will help you fix many problems around your house on your own without hiring a professional.
Super-Easy Home Repairs You Can Do Without Calling A Pro
In this article, we’re going to explore easy repairs that you can do without professional help! All of us have needed to fix something around the house at some point or another. Regardless of what type of job we need to be done around our home, though, one thing is clear: we don’t always want to call a professional.
Fixing A Hole in The Wall
If you have a hole in your drywall that’s bigger than a nail head, you’ll need to patch it with a joint compound. But don’t worry, this is a super easy fix! Just follow these simple steps:
Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. You can use a utility knife or scissors to do this. Place the drywall over the hole and trace around it with a pencil. This will give you a template to cut the hole out with a saw. Cut out the traced hole with a saw. Be sure to wear safety goggles while doing this! Place the drywall patch over the hole and secure it with screws. You may need to predrill holes for the screws depending on the thickness of the drywall. Cover the screw heads with joint compound and smooth it out with a putty knife or your finger. Let it dry completely before painting over it.
Installing Cabinets and Shelves
Assuming you have the necessary tools for the job, installing cabinets and shelves is a relatively easy home repair that most people can do without calling a professional. Simply use a level to ensure the cabinets or shelves are even, then use screws or nails to secure them in place. If you’re not confident in your ability to do this repair, however, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional.
Replacing Faulty Plumbing Fixtures
If you have a plumbing fixture that is leaking or not functioning properly, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Here’s how to do it, shut off the water supply to the fixture. Next, remove the old fixture by unscrewing it from the wall or ceiling. Then install the new fixture in its place and screw it in tightly. Lastly, turn on the water supply and test the new fixture to make sure it is working properly.
Repairing Leaky Pipes Or Other Water Damage
If you have a leaky pipe or other water damage in your home, there are a few super-easy repairs you can do yourself without calling a pro. First, identify the source of the leak and turn off the water in that area of the house. Once the water is turned off, dry out the area as much as possible using towels or a wet/dry vacuum. If the leak is coming from a pipe, you can try to repair it with epoxy putty or plumbing tape. If the leak is coming from a faucet, you may be able to replace the O-ring or washer to fix it. Finally, once you’ve repaired the leak, turn the water back on and check for any further leaks.
Cutting Out and Repairing Carpet Damage on Stairs Or Hallways
If your home has carpeted stairs or hallways, you’ll probably need to do some repair work at some point. Carpet damage can be caused by everything from foot traffic to pets to spills.
The good news is that most carpet damage is relatively easy to fix yourself. Here are a few tips for cutting out and repairing carpet damage on stairs or hallways:
- Start by cutting out the damaged section of the carpet with a sharp utility knife. Be sure to cut well beyond the damaged area, so you have plenty of material to work with.
- If the damage is extensive, you may need to patch the area with a piece of new carpet. To do this, simply lay the new piece of carpet over the damaged area and use a sharp utility knife to trim it to size.
- Once you’ve cut out the damaged section of the carpet or patched it with a new piece, use a hot glue gun to secure the edges of the repair. This will help prevent further damage and make your repair more durable.
- Finally, use a heavy object (like a book) to press down on the repaired area and allow the glue to dry completely before walking on it again.
Before undertaking any major repairs, it is always best to consult with a professional to get an estimate of the cost and difficulty of the repair. Then again, there are things that surface away from the root of the problem; an example is unexplained moisture stains on the wall. The stain could be a result of a leaking pipe or damaged roof. It is best to call a professional home inspector to get to the exact source. A home inspection in Orange County is not just for buying and purchasing. Scheduling an immediate inspection helps save time and money by preventing the problem from getting too big to repair or too costly.
Before undertaking any major repairs, it is always best to consult with a professional to get an estimate of the cost and difficulty of the repair. Then again, there are things that surface away from the root of the problem; an example is unexplained moisture stains on the wall. The stain could be a result of a leaking pipe or damaged roof. It is best to call a professional home inspector to get to the exact source. A home inspection in Orange County is not just for buying and purchasing. Scheduling an immediate inspection helps save time and money by preventing the problem from getting too big to repair or too costly.
When To Hire A Professional For A Home Repair
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether to hire a professional for home repair. If the repair is something that you feel comfortable doing yourself and have the time to do, then it may be worth it to save some money and do the repair yourself. However, if the repair is something that you are not confident in doing or do not have the time for, then it is probably best to hire a professional. Additionally, if the repair is something that could potentially cause further damage to your home if done incorrectly, it is definitely worth hiring a professional to avoid any costly mistakes.
How To Choose A Home Repair Contractor
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a home repair contractor. First, you’ll want to make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any accidents that may occur during the repairs. Second, get multiple bids from different contractors before making your decision. This allows you to compare pricing and services between contractors. Finally, read reviews online or ask for referrals from friends and family to get an unbiased opinion. Once you’ve found a contractor you feel comfortable with, be sure to get all the details of the project in writing before work begins.
Tips and Tricks For The DIY’er
If you’re someone who loves to take on home improvement projects yourself, then this section is for you! Below are some tips and tricks that will help make your DIY projects go more smoothly:
- Before undertaking any project, do your research! Make sure you know what you’re doing and have a plan in place. This will save you time and money in the long run.
- Start small. Don’t try to take on too much at once. Tackle one project at a time and build up your skills as you go.
- Invest in quality tools. This will save you frustration in the long run and help you get the job done right the first time.
- Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day! Allow yourself enough time to complete the project without rushing.
- Ask for help when needed. There’s no shame in admitting that you need assistance. If you’re stuck, reach out to home inspection experts in Orange County who may be able to help.