10 Skills Every Homeowner Should Have

Besides all the perks of owning your own home, there comes a time when repairs are necessary.  Things will break, no matter how hard you try to avoid it. You either fix it yourself, or hire a handyman.

1. How to change an air filter. When you can’t figure out why everything is so dusty, it’s probably because the filter needs changed.
2. How to shut off your water.  Every home has a main water shut off valve.  It’s imperative to know where this is.  Ask a contractor, a friend, or a home inspector to show you where your main water shut off valve is.  In times of water emergencies, this will be good to know.
3. How to change the temperature on your water heater.  If you have children, you probably don’t want the heat setting on the highest, to prevent risk of burns.
4. How to turn off the gas.  Normally this is outside at the meter, but it’s always good to know just in case.
5. How to fix a running toilet.  Toilets are an easy fix, which doesn’t usually require calling in a professional plumber.  Remember that running water can increase your water bill very quickly.
6. How to turn off power to separate areas of your home. Take a test run when you first move into your new home.  Find out what breaker switches control what rooms.  It’s very easy to blow a fuse when you’re running the dishwasher and microwave at the same time.  Or a computer and an air conditioner in the same outlet.
7. How to find the wall studs.  If you plan on hanging your T.V. or heavy pictures on the walls, it’s a good idea to find the studs in the walls to anchor those to.  A $10 stud finder will take care of that problem.
8. How to clean your gutters.  It might sound silly, but if left untended, the leaves, tree debris and muck that clogs up can lead to rot, back up under the roof tiles, the siding, and wood trim.
9. How to caulk.  If you’ve always had daddy or hubby or someone around to handle these items, you might never know that caulking around sinks, tubs and windows can dry out, crack, peel and cause air and water to leak through.
10. How to maintain your home’s appliances.  Filters need changed or cleaned, dryer vents needs cleaned after each use, garbage disposals will eventually need unclogged.

It doesn’t take long to learn how to do any of these items.  So don’t be afraid to ask someone who’s been there, or find a YouTube video to see how it’s done.