Author: William

Most doors that won’t close properly have one of four problems: loose hinge screws that let the door sag, a strike plate that doesn’t line up with the latch, wood that has swollen from humidity, or something in the way, such as thick paint or new weatherstripping. In many cases, […]

The best beginner home repairs are low-risk, need only basic tools, and come up again and again: fixing a squeaky door, adjusting a door that won’t latch, patching drywall, sealing drafts, re-caulking a tub, stopping a running toilet, clearing a slow drain, and knowing how to shut off water and […]

Seasonal home maintenance means preparing your house for the weather that’s coming next. In spring, you repair winter damage and get cooling ready. In summer, you handle exterior projects while the weather is dry. In fall, you clear gutters, seal drafts, and service heating. In winter, you protect pipes, watch […]

To create a home maintenance budget, list your home’s major systems and their ages, estimate what routine upkeep and future replacements will cost, add those up into a yearly target, and divide it into a monthly amount you save in a separate account. Common rules of thumb, like setting aside […]

The best way to find home problems early is to pay attention to change. Most expensive repairs announce themselves first through small signals: a new stain, a musty smell, a door that suddenly sticks, a higher water bill, or a sound you didn’t hear last month. If you know what […]

You can usually handle a home repair yourself when the job is low-risk, easy to undo if you make a mistake, doesn’t require a permit, and uses tools you can buy or borrow. Hire a professional when the work involves gas, electrical wiring, structural elements, work at dangerous heights, major […]

The home maintenance you should never ignore falls into three groups: anything that protects your life (smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fuel-burning appliances, dryer vents, and electrical warning signs), anything that keeps water out (roof, gutters, drainage, plumbing, and caulk), and anything structural (foundations, decks, and railings). Cosmetic projects can […]

Once a month, set aside about 30 to 45 minutes to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the HVAC filter, look for leaks under sinks and around toilets, test GFCI outlets, and take a quick walk around the outside of the house. These small checks catch the problems […]

Most homeowners do well with three levels of inspection: a quick walk-through once a month, a detailed room-by-room inspection twice a year (spring and fall work well), and an extra check after any major storm, leak, or unusual event. Professional inspections make the most sense when buying or selling a […]