Here are three important questions to ask yourself: Would you have a child if you were going to neglect the newborn? Would you buy a pet if you were going to neglect it? Would you buy a home if you were going to neglect it?
Obviously, the answer to all three questions would be no. However, even with the best of intentions, many homes become severely neglected within weeks or months of new ownership. While most homeowners today have neither the time, tools nor talent to maintain their home, it is very important not to fall into the do-it-for-me mindset. It takes a great deal of resolve to become a handy homeowner. Here are some things you can do to help maintain the overall health, safety and functionality of your home.
• Your water treatment unit is not whistling at you because you are hotter than burning alcohol. It is whistling because it needs maintenance. So, check for low levels of salts, pellets, etc.
• It may be easier to improvise and use a screwdriver in lieu of a doorknob. However, to improve safety and aesthetics, tighten your doorknobs and door hinges on a regular basis.
• Immediately replace the blown bulbs in your automatic door opener. Not only do you want to be able to see into your garage before entering it, you will also want a welllit area to walk through. You would be surprised how many people use their overhead garage lights rather than changing out the door opener bulbs.
• There is no need to try and sleep all night with a drip. Most bathroom drips can be fixed by simply replacing the leaking faucet. Replacing fixtures is actually something most people can do.
• An ounce of paint is worth hundreds of dollars in rot repair. It is estimated that 40% of all rot could be prevented by keeping exposed wood properly painted. Some may think painting is a waste of time. Personally, I think it is a stroke of genius.
People often tell me they simply need something to motivate them to become handier around their home. I always tell people to look at maintaining their home as an exercise in asset management. Unlike managing your financial portfolio, there is a lot one can do without paying a professional to assist. Identify the tasks and then master them.
Have a “fix’ational 2008!
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine and appears locally on WCSH’s 207. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.