7 Home Hacks Every Homeowner Should Know

By Fran Campbell - January 12, 2016

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: owning your home is incredibly rewarding, but it's also a big responsibility. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to lighten the load. Taking proactive measures can help prevent the need for costly repairs down the road, and thinking outside the box can also provide easy alternatives to expensive repairs. Fran Campbell Team is here to help all homeowners at the Lake of the Ozarks with this quick list of simple tips that can make your life easier. We hope you find them helpful!

1. Unclogging Drains

What happens when your kitchen sink stops draining? You can buy harsh, expensive chemicals designed to unclog these drains, but they are not your only options. Use a small plunger over the mouth of the drain to get the primary clog out of the way. If it's still draining slowly, pour baking soda, boiling water, and then white vinegar down the drain. These natural products will create a chemical reaction that should dislodge any remaining blockages.

2. Fixing Leaks

Leaks are the bane of every homeowner's existence. While it's certainly true that some leaks require expensive repairs with the help of an experienced professional, some can be handled with a simple caulk job. If you notice leaks around windows or doors, run some caulk around the edges and potential problem areas. (Caulking in this manner is also a great way to keep cold air from entering your home in the winter.) You may still need to seek the help of a professional if this does not solve the problem, but it's a great place to start!

3. Shutting Off The Water

Things happen. Pipes burst, sealants break, and homes can be come flooded. If your home is flooding, it's important to be able to shut off all the water in your home until the source of the issue can be identified and resolved. Every home has a main water shutoff valve, so if you haven't already, take the time to locate your valve and familiarize yourself with the way it works. It will probably be located in the crawlspace, basement, garage, or a closet. If your valve is difficult to access, a professional plumber should be able to help you create a new shutoff valve in a place that more easily accessible.

4. Painting Rooms

Nothing breathes new life into a room like a fresh coat of paint. You can hire a professional to take care of this task for you, but you can save money by tackling it yourself. There are a few key points every DIY painter needs to do before applying the new paint:

Always apply painters tape around the baseboards, ceilings, windows, doors, electrical outlets, and light switches
Always wipe clean any cobwebs, dirt, or other grime that may be stuck on the walls
Always fill any nail holes or other blemishes in the wall with spackle
Always use at least 2-3 coats of primer

5. Changing Air Filters In HVAC System

When is the last time you changed the air filter in your HVAC system? Every time your HVAC system runs, it pulls the air through a filter to get rid of dust, pollen, and other allergens. If your filter becomes dirty or clogged, however, your system will have to work harder to pull the air through it and can actually shorten your system's lifespan. If you run your HVAC system constantly, you should replace your air filters every 2-3 months. Fortunately, air filters are very affordable and can be switched out easily.

6. Cleaning The Gutters

Ideally, you should clean your gutters twice a year - once in the spring, and once in the fall. At a minimum, however, we recommend cleaning out your gutters at the end of every autumn. As leaves and other debris build up in your gutters they become clogged, making water unable to run through them. If your gutters are clogged during the winter months, the water that gets stuck can freeze and turn into ice dams. If unchecked, ice dams can damage your gutters and shingles and can even cause water to back up and begin leaking into your home.

7. Adjusting Your Thermostat(s)

You have more than one thermostat in your home! In order to minimize utility usage, it's important to set your thermostats strategically. Lower your central air thermostat during the day (when you're away at work/school) and night (when you're asleep) to avoid paying for unnecessary heat when you're not at home to enjoy it. If you're going to be out of town for an extended period of time, lower the thermostat on your hot water heater so you don't have to pay for hot water while you're gone. Even when you're in town, most experts recommend lowering your hot water temperature to 120°. If your water is hotter than that you can put yourself at risk of scalding, so why pay for temperatures you can't use?

Fran Campbell Team - Your Real Estate Resource At The Lake!

Whether you're looking to buy or sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, Fran Campbell Team is here for you! If you have questions about real estate in vacation destinations or are simply looking for general information, don't hesitate to contact one of our licensed REALTORS® in Lake Ozark MO. We would be honored to work with you!

Contact the Fran Campbell Team to schedule a showing!