We’re all used to simply paying a professional contractor to take care of our home projects. Doing these jobs yourself can lead to a range of risks, not to mention the possibility that you won’t be able to perform them correctly.
On the other hand, there are numerous home repair and improvement projects that are simple and easy enough for homeowners to do on their own time—even if they don’t have experience with these kinds of tasks. From using an electric grass trimmer or cordless lawn mower to maintain your yard to regrouting your bathroom, there are many home improvement projects that are easier than you may think.
It’s normal to feel intimidated or nervous when you’re first getting started with home improvement projects. But, opting to go DIY (“do it yourself”) on these jobs and others is a great way to save money, and you’ll quickly grow more comfortable after you’ve done them once or twice.
LEAKY FAUCETS
Leaky faucets can be a nuisance in your home, but there’s no reason to reach out to a contractor for this quick project. Most of the time, leaks are a result of worn-out washers inside the faucet handles.
To replace your faucet washers, start by turning off the main water supply for your home. You can then remove the handle that’s causing the leak and simply replace the existing washer with a new one. These are made of rubber and aren’t very durable, sometimes lasting less than a year. Luckily, washers are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, making this a great project for beginner DIYers.
AIR CONDITIONERS
It’s easy to forget to maintain your air conditioner until something goes wrong, but it’s much better to take preventive steps than it is to wait for a more expensive problem. You should look at your condensation hose regularly to check that water is able to flow freely.
Built-up debris near an air conditioner can also cause problems with airflow, which often leads to a higher energy bill as your AC unit has to work harder to achieve the same results. If you notice any problems with your air conditioning or a spike in your energy costs, check for these two issues before reaching out to a professional contractor.
AIR FILTERS
Air filters are another household item that we often neglect, and they should never be left in place for more than a single month. When you’re using them more often, this should be cut down to two weeks whenever possible.
While many homeowners opt for HEPA filters, the conventional (and cheaper) fiberglass is actually more effective at enabling airflow and reducing your energy bills. Switching from HEPA to fiberglass filters can save you a lot of money, especially considering that you’ll be replacing them at least 12 times per year.
Performing regular home maintenance is crucial for keeping your structures and appliances in good stead and helping them last as long as possible. It also improves your home’s energy efficiency. Doing these jobs and other simple tasks yourself will cut down your energy bill and lead to substantial savings compared to contacting a professional.
HOW ELSE CAN GBES HELP?
We hope you find these tips helpful. If you are interested in green building and sustainability we have a ton of great resources for you through our website. We mostly help prepare people to pass and maintain their LEED, WELL, and AIA creditials, but also have a ton of other free tips and sustainability resources for saving money at home or just getting educated on the latest green building trends. Check out our blog for more or consider becoming a LEED Green Associate to market yourself as a sustainability champion to the world!
