Home Repair Tips

Chances are, your home is the biggest investment of your life. Regular care helps protect your purchase and your quality of life.

Many NeighborWorks organizations offer classes on homebuyer education. View our directory to find a member organization near you.
 

Here are some important home maintenance tips:

• Preventive maintenance includes routine checks and repairs that improve your home’s appearance and function. It can also prevent expensive damage. Examples:
  • Check your roof, basement and outside walls for water or insect damage.
  • Repair and replace caulk, weather-stripping, glazing, and window and door seals as needed to reduce air flow.
  • Inspect insulation and replace any wet or damaged pieces.
  • Clean debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Examine carpets and flooring. Treat minor mold growths quickly.
  • Have your furnace, air conditioner and hot water heater inspected, upgrading them as needed to improve energy efficiency. Replace air filters regularly.
  • Thoroughly clean lint and debris that have built up in dryer ducts and behind lint screens.

• Ongoing maintenance include fixing or replacing items as they wear out through normal use. For example:
  • Repair or replace an inefficient furnace, air conditioner or water heater to save energy and money.
  • Repair and replace leaking faucets and plumbing.
  • Routinely replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

• Green and healthy practices. Protect your health and your family’s by using natural cleansers that don’t release toxic chemicals. Many products you have in your kitchen can be used to safely and naturally clean your home. Examples:
  • Baking soda is a mild, natural abrasive that can be used to clean all surfaces without worrying about scratching surfaces. It works great on tea and coffee stains.
  • White vinegar is mildly acidic and handily removes soap scum.
  • Lemon juice is a natural bleach and disinfectant. It’s a great stain remover and deodorizer.
  • Club soda is also a natural stain remover and works well on fabrics without bleaching.

Additional resources

For additional home maintenance tips, visit the "Home Improvement" section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmemt website.

Volunteering can also be a great way to learn about home building and home maintenance. Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity may offer volunteer opportunities near you.