By Frugillionaire
The next time something breaks around the house, consider repairing it yourself. You don’t have to be an experienced contractor to tackle some of the most common problems—all you need are some basic tools and a little instruction.
Attending workshops at your local hardware store or home improvement center is a great way to learn the fundamentals, and become familiar with handling tools. Alternatively, you can pick up a basic home repair book like the Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair
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You’ll also find plenty of project-specific instructions (including video tutorials!) on the internet.
Here are some common DIY repairs that can save you some serious cash:
Fixing a Leaky Faucet | This Old House
Unclogging a Drain | DoItYourself.com
How to Replace Broken Window Glass | Ron Hazleton’s HouseCalls
How to Repair Concrete Cracks | DIY Network
How to Repair a Leaking Toilet | Reader’s Digest
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By Frugillionaire
If you perform regular maintenance on your home and appliances, you can avoid costly repair bills down the road!
Here are ten ways to keep your home in tip-top shape:
1. Inspect your HVAC filter monthly, and replace if necessary
2. Clean your clothes dryer vent regularly
3. Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator twice a year
4. Remove debris from gutters and downspouts
5. Inspect your roof, and replace damaged shingles before a leak occurs
6. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned yearly
7. Check and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
8. Clean the filter on your range hood
9. Have your furnace inspected by a professional before heating season
10. Clean lime and soap scum from shower heads and faucets
Schedule these tasks on your calendar, so you’ll remember to tackle them at the appropriate time. It’s much less expensive to address small problems before they become BIG ones—and even better when you can avoid them altogether with a little preventative maintenance!
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By Frugillionaire
Don’t toss that sock with a hole, or shirt with a missing button. Do as your grandparents did: mend it!
Learn to make these small repairs, and you’ll save a ton of money—by extending the life of your clothes, and reducing the need to replace them.
No sewing machine? No problem. In most cases, a simple needle and thread will do.
Borrow a basic sewing book from the library, or search the internet for instruction. You’ll find online tutorials for a plethora of mending tasks—following are some examples:
How to Replace a Missing Button – eHow.com
How to Mend a Split Seam – eHow.com
How to Repair a Hem – eHow.com
How to do it: Darn Socks – zigzagstitch
A Guide to Mending Your Clothing, Zippers and Fabric – About.com
