subject: Home Repairs Instead Of Remodeling [print this page] With summer here you may be considering whether to sell your home, remodel it or maybe just perform some much needed repairs. A remodel job can easily cost thousands of dollars that many homeowners just do not have, so perhaps a few renovations and repairs could do the trick instead. They may not add a lot of financial value to your home today, but they will certainly save you a lot of money in the long-run.
Insulation is one of the most important aspects to your home's efficiency. If your house is old or has ever experienced water damage, replacing the insulation should be on the list or repairs. Damaged insulation will sink to the bottom of the walls, and no longer be effective for any season. While you're checking the main walls of your home for insulation, why not check the basement, attic and garage as well. If you have a mobile home, insulating the lower part of your home to ensure pipes are protected from the elements is important as well.
A leaky faucet will definitely add a few dollars to your monthly water bill, as will a running toilet. Replacing washers on faucets is a very cheap fix. Adding a faucet aerator to your existing plumbing reduces the water flow from your faucet, increasing efficiency. Tending to those water leaks will not only save money, it's also good for the environment.
Caulking is a very inexpensive fix to what could be a very expensive problem. Over time, caulking around tubs and sinks does wear away and come lose. If not fixed, water will make its way underneath the area and seep into surrounding walls and floors, potentially causing major water and mould issues. Investing a few dollars in caulking could save you a few hundred in bills.
Something very few people consider when making home repairs is to clean their duct work. If you have a cold room in your home, it's most likely an indication of a blocked duct. If your duct work has never been cleaned, having a professional blow dirt and objects out of the ducts can open up airways and improve efficiency in your furnace. If you've had professionals come in the past, then maintaining the vents yourself by vacuuming out grates will do the trick. Don't forget to change the filters in your furnace as well. Not only will this overlooked chose keep your home running efficiently, it will also help improve the quality of air.
Managing home repairs with other small-fixes like dimmer switches for your lights and installing programmable thermostats will also help make a difference. When it comes to home maintenance a little work can go a long way in improving your home.
