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| They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to maintaining your home. Your property has a lot of value, so you want to do everything you can to keep it in tip-top shape. If you fail to properly maintain your home, landscape, or appliances, you may pay huge amounts of money to repair and replace these things later on. Hopefully, this list of 10 easy DIY renovations will save you the trouble. |
| Fill Gaps Around Your Foundation |
| Rain, wind, and inclement weather can slowly erode the soil around your home's foundation. While this won't cause significant issues right away, gaps near your foundation will eventually accumulate a lot of water. In turn, cracks will form and expand in your foundation, and water may get into your basement. Left unchecked, this can lead to flooding, mildew, rotting support beams, and severe foundation damage. Scanning your foundation and leveling any gaps with soil is a quick and easy task, but it can protect your home and save you a ton of money in the long run. |
| Caulk Around Pipes and Water Sources |
| Over time, the caulk around your faucets, toilet, and pipes may wear away. As a result, they'll leak small amounts of water, which may encourage mold growth and damage cabinets, walls, and floors. Re-caulking your pipes and water fixtures will keep them sealed so that water stays where it belongs — in your plumbing system. |
| Install Leaf Guard For Gutters |
| High-quality gutters are crucial for any home. They redirect water from your roof, so it doesn't damage your siding or erode the soil around the foundation. Gutters do a lot of work for your property and undergo a lot of stress, so it's essential to ensure they're in good shape. With that in mind, installing a high-quality leaf guard for gutters is a good idea. It's super easy to install and will stop leaves and other debris from clogging up your gutters and weighing them down. |
| Stain and Seal Your Deck |
| Not only is a rotting deck unsightly, but it can also be a considerable hazard. Rain and constant exposure to the sun are sure to make your wooden deck crack, rot, and wither away in no time. Staining your deck will make it look good, and sealing it will keep it fresh and protect it from the elements for a long time. |
| Add a Kitchen or bathroom Backsplash |
| Oil, water, sauces, and food can quickly wear away the paint on the walls in your kitchen. While you might be as careful as possible when preparing meals, some water or oil will inevitably find its way to the walls behind your counters. A tile backsplash is much more durable than paint and only takes a few hours to install. You can also install one in your bathroom to keep the space behind the sink fresh, sanitary, and easy to clean. |
| Programmable Thermostat |
| The less your thermostat has to work, the longer it will last, and the less maintenance it will need. A programmable thermostat gives you finer control over the temperature in your home. No longer will you have to worry about the heater running when you're already comfortable or aren't home. A programmable thermostat will optimize your family's comfort, decrease your energy bill by up to 10% per year, and lessen the wear and tear on your furnace and vents from regular use. |
| Add a Stair Runner |
| Families put a lot of weight and pressure on the stairs, so they're often one of the first parts of the home to show signs of wear and tear. A stair runner will protect the wood from damage and cover up any unsightly scuffs or scrapes. Moreover, a stair runner will improve traction on the stairs, so guests and members of your household will be less likely to slip and fall. |
| Seal garage Floor |
| Whether you simply park your car in the garage or use it for various projects, your concrete garage floor has probably taken a beating over the years. Sealing your garage floor will make it much more durable and slip-resistant. Also, it will be easier to clean up oil spills, sawdust, and debris. Just ensure you thoroughly pressure wash your garage floor before sealing it and maintain good ventilation while doing the job. |
| Install Awnings Above Doors and Windows |
| Wind, rain, and debris can wreak havoc on your doors and windows. Moreover, the sun will fade the paint and trim around doors and windows. Simple awnings will enhance your home's aesthetic while giving your doors and windows shade and protection from the elements. |
| Dig Drainage Ditches |
| Your landscape probably isn't completely flat, so water will inevitably accumulate in certain areas on your property. Stagnant water can slowly erode your soil and find its way to your foundation. On top of that, it's a breeding ground for mosquitos and other nasty pests. By digging simple drainage trenches and filling in major gaps on your property, you can prevent flooding and stop rainwater from making your landscape look like the Grand Canyon |
| Save Time and Money with Easy DIY Renovations |
| As a homeowner, you must take proactive steps to ensure that your property always stays safe, functional, and presentable. While none of these renovations are complicated, expensive, or time-consuming, they will save you time, effort, and money over the years.
If this has been helpful, leave a comment, and while you already have your tool belt on, you should check out this handy guide on making your property safe for kids and pets. |