Print Article for : Save Money At Home

Your Online Guide » Home Decor » Home Management

[S110]Save Money At Home

by Platania Vincent, Pla

Many of us have learned the hard way, that if we don't keep our cars, tools, and other things we rely on in good working order, then we end up spending money unnecessarily on repairs. The same is true in regard to our houses, both inside and out. The cost of NOT doing home maintenance can be steep indeed. Besides that, it's always much easier to be proactive than it is to wait until something breaks down.

One typical time to get busy is autumn. If you haven't had to be responsible for a house before, you can find plenty of early winter home maintenance tips online, at the library, at a local extension office, home maintenance chain stores, or in bookstores. Check with your neighbors as well. Some of the areas you should be concerned with are:

· Roofs and gutters
· Fireplaces and chimneys
· Decks and patios
· Shutters and siding
· Drafty doors and windows

If you let any of these deteriorate, you'll soon learn about the cost of NOT doing home maintenance.

Early winter or fall is not the only time to inspect these aspects of your house. It's a good idea to take a good look at everything at least twice a year. Additionally, if you notice problems at times in between; fix them right away. It will save you money later. By the way, you'll find free home maintenance tips in the same places listed above.

As you travel through various neighborhoods, it's easy to spot the houses whose owners haven't listed any early winter home maintenance tips. They often have peeling paint, stained concrete, rotting wood decks and stairs, and overgrown yards. All too often it's probably because they just got behind and have found out the hard way the cost of NOT doing home maintenance. If you possibly can avoid it, don't let yourself get caught in this trap. Make it your habit to take care of problems before they happen.

Some Specific Areas

Fireplaces and chimneys are especially important to keep functioning well. The cost of NOT doing home maintenance on your fireplaces can be more than just money; it can be lives. Any of your early winter home maintenance tips will remind you to get those chimneys cleaned before you start building cold weather fires. You should also thoroughly clean the layers of soot that collect just inside the fireplace itself.

With fuel costs on the rise, it's a real plus to have a fireplace to help heat your home. They're also very cozy and conjure up pictures of a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. You may not see these benefits listed on your list of free home maintenance tips, but you know how much you'd miss them if you couldn't build a fire. Make sure your fireplace and chimney is always clean, and you'll be ready for any sudden storm. Taking care of your fireplace is a great way to avoid the cost of NOT doing home maintenance.

It's more than likely that you have some areas in and around your home that are made from concrete. These may include basements, garages, patios, driveways, and sidewalks. In addition to sustaining cracks that will grow if not fixed, concrete can absorb dirt and stains. Again, consult your free home maintenance tips for advice on how to fix any damage. You should also clean these areas to avoid major build-up through the years.

If you spend a few dollars and some elbow grease now on property upkeep, you'll avoid the cost of NOT doing home maintenance. Everyone is busy these days and time seems to fly by. It's easy to put off your chores, but before you know it, six months or a year has gone by. You can avoid this happening to you by making a checklist and posting it where you'll have to look at it. As you do each task, mark the date that you completed it and it will be easy to see when it's time to repeat it.

One more specific area to maintain is any surface made from wood. The most common instance is a deck, but you may also have stairs, railings, or porches that fall into this category. In your early winter home maintenance tips, you're sure to learn that it's important to routinely clean any outdoor wood that you have.

Wood can rot and fade, so performing maintenance, such as cleaning, painting, and repairs in a timely manner will keep you ahead of the curve. This information is something else that should be on your list of free home maintenance tips.

All of this may sound like just too much work. This is when it's time to think of old sayings like, “It's better to be safe than sorry”, and avoid the cost of NOT doing home maintenance.

Planning your Home Improvement Project

Chances are that you home repair project will be taking up time on a precious day off, so you want to make sure you have everything planned in advance so things go as smoothly as possible, and you can get done and move on.

To get the job done, you will need the right set of tools for the job of course. However, beyond the tools, you need to plan to make sure you can complete the job safely. Many people forget about the safety equipment, so make sure you have the eye goggles, sound mufflers, gloves and any other protective gear you will in place before you get started.

Home Improvement Tool Checklist

The tools you will need to complete your home repair job depend on the exact job you are doing, but here are some of the most common tools you'll want in your toolbox:

First and foremost is a hammer. A claw hammer that has a claw on one end to help you pull out those nails that are a little off center is a good one to go for - make sure you buy a hammer that you can lift easily and fits comfortably in your hand.

Drills, whether corded or cordless, are another tool you'll want at your disposal. Look for a drill with the right speed for your job and also one that has the right drill bits for your needs.

Next comes the screwdrivers. These tools can cause a lot of confusion - flat head, Phillips head and so on and so forth. The best bet to make sure you don't end up in frustration when you start your project is to buy a set that has several different kinds of screwdriver. That way, you'll always have the right one on hand.

If you're going to be doing any electrical work, then you'll need some pliers by your side. Pliers also come in handy for things like pulling out those screws you put into the wrong place.

With these few basic tools nearby, you can complete most home improvement projects with ease. Just remember to invest in a set of tools that feel comfortable in your hands; tools that fit your hands are both easier and safer for you to use.

Article Source : Pg. 55

About Author

Both Platania Vincent & Linden Walhard are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Platania Vincent has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Finances and Home Management. . Platania Vincent's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.

Linden Walhard has sinced written about articles on various topics from Renovation Ideas, Gardening and Home Renovation Ideas. Linden Walhard publishes predominantly for , an internet site covering information on pick up truck tool boxes . His. Linden Walhard's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.